The Gary Burton Interview

In this interview with Jazz legend Gary Burton we discuss his career playing with Jazz icons like Stan Getz, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny and Keith Jarrett along with his 30 year teaching career at The Berklee College of Music. Gary discusses playing with guitarists Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell, John Scofield, Julian Lage and Mick Goodrick. He also talks about the little known secret of him producing Pat Metheny's materpiece "Bright Size Life" featuring Jaco Pastorius and Bob Moses.
#garyburton #vibraphone #berkleecollegeofmusic
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[@CribNotes]

In 1980, I went to the basement of Berklee College of Music to buy some books at the student store. Gary Burton's office was located across the hall. His door was slightly open and I could hear him practicing clearly although I could not see him. I sat on the floor next to his door for an hour mesmerized by the master. He would practice a little bit of this, a little bit of that, learning a new chart, repeating some trouble spots that needed ironing, other randomness. It's one of my all time favorite music memories and Burton never knew somebody was listening to every note.

[@pitolove3846]

Amazing Story.

[@MrRea112]

Every word of Gary’s estimation of his legacy runs true. A giant of Jazz

[@hunterthompson2206]

The guitar community owes a huge "thank you" to Gary Burton for helping to bring so many notable guitarists to our attention.

[@ondernemermeteeninformeelg4649]

word to hunter

[@johnpatterson6448]

It surprises me just how fascinated I am listening to an honest, intelligent, articulate interviewee. I’m not into jazz, much less vibraphone, never heard of Gary Burton (Rick Beato, yes) Wonderful.

[@peterfriedrich4632]

Never heard of Gary Burton.....you must come into the jazz familiy.....otherwise you'll miss a lot...........

[@paulmurphy8993]

This guy looks amazing for his age...wow.

[@gjtube37]

Thank you for this amazing interview. 47 minutes is not nearly long enough for someone of this caliber.

[@ariasnribs7243]

Just came here for context after watching Rick's interview with Pat Metheny. The content of what Burton says is fascinating and sent me back to several of his old recordings. But the overriding sense I get from this video is that Rick is just a **fantastic** interviewer. So personable, knowledgeable and knowing exactly how to let the interview subject provide exactly what's needed with just gentle prodding. Bravo. This guy could talk to Kenny G and find a way to make it interesting.

[@rymalia]

100%

[@UTubeISphere]

Same here (via YT algorithm), like a wayback machine! I am sure this interview helped to set up ('back to the future') the Pat Metheny interview, and also the Joni Mitchell, Ron Carter, Sting, Peter Frampton, and Brian May interviews.

[@georgesonm1774]

Is the Joni interview to be found on YT though? I keep hearing about it but can't find it

[@lowrencemayfield4271]

This is how you interview a legend, great questions, let the legend talk without interrupting, and the main thing, make sure the interviewer knows what is talking about, thanks Rick, this is one of your best videos , 47 minutes of culture.

[@RickBeato]

Thank you!

[@keithjurow1469]

Check out Gary's autobiography: Learning to Listen. His life is an incredible journey in music!!!!!! Great interview Rick.

[@vincentnicosia5374]

Gary said it all when he said "This is totally different from any interview I've done." It is and it's outstanding. Rick this is your forte. You know music to the degree that you're on a par with Gary in terms of understanding the subject and asking all the right questions and most important not interrupting and breaking the train of thought. This wasn't Dick Cavett asking an artist some insipid question. Thank you Rick and please do more of these

[@brucemoeller]

I'm glad he mentioned Larry Coryell. He was a master, and a kind human being. I had the fortune of hearing him play several times, and talking with him. I miss the guy.

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

Yes even when I was into Di Meola, Ray Gomez, the hard rock fusion players, Coryell brought a different harmonic perspective.

[@direnova6284]

Nobody is doing this kind of interview any more. I remember things on the BBC when I was a kid that went into this amount of technicality and getting a good sense of the man interviewed but this is first class content and will be a valuable source for musical history. Thanks Rick for your service to music.

[@robertbogdan7058]

That was f***ing great. What a gentleman and wonderful musician. I was sorry when it ended.

[@michaelhatfield9015]

Gary Burton was my instructor at Berklee in the 70's, and a life-changer for me! Incredible teacher, wonderful player. Thanks for a REAL interview with a master!

[@timothydaniels504]

I’ll never forget hearing the Duster album for the first time. It was 1967 and new musical things were happening so fast you couldn’t keep up with them. Duster stood out of a very crowded field. Gary Burton is right on the mark; that band and that record started a new direction in music. Brilliant interview Rick!

[@patrickfrost1]

Great interview! Thank you. I bought the Gary Burton/Keith Jarrett Record in 1972 out of the trunk of Jamey Abersold's car while attending National Stage Band Camps in West Chester, PA.

[@petethomas1013]

I was a bass player at that same camp. It was a magical week. I was in Gary’s improv and small ensemble classes. He’s a natural teacher.

[@barrypeirson3710]

I'm near West Chester! Cool story.. Abersold! I played guitar in Avon Grove HS Jazz Band lol

[@jeffnorris7789]

To hear pros talk is a little intimidating but the more I hear, the more I catch on. I'd love to hear a session like this with Bill Frisell.

[@alexandrasuperbonita2626]

Wonderful. My compliments to you, Rick, on being so respectful and letting the man talk without interrupting him. Not only did that make for a pleasurable listening experience, but it was also fun seeing how excited you looked sitting there with him. I'm looking forward to more interviews in this style. 👏🏻

[@a12dhie]

Niiice..! I hope Pat Metheny will be your next guest

[@s.afoxmulder7661]

Pat metheny would be a-m-a-z-i-n-g

[@herrbonk3635]

@@s.afoxmulder7661 Or Lyle Mays, before he went.

[@tomsteger1]

Pat Metheny Group was my gateway drug to jazz.... Love those guys and cannot recommend them highly enough if you haven’t checked them out yet. Started with the white PMG album...

[@OscarGeronimo]

He did it. It's up now.

[@a12dhie]

@@OscarGeronimo Yup just watched yesterday, thx

[@StevenSchmitt]

Man Rick... Just when I think your channel can't get any better!

[@rivalpiper]

This exactly. I grew up with my dad listening to jazz and my older brother listening to grunge. Good music is good music.

[@frozenintime1009]

Rick killed it as usual. I think he's such a great interviewer because he's a musician who is getting to meet and talk to people he respects and wants to meet. That hour seemed to fly by in minutes. Super interesting. Didn't know a whole lot about Gary other than I heard his name in passing. Then years ago when I heard Pat played with him I became more interested. I bought the "Gary Burton Reunion" album in 1990 with Pat and others. That was the only music I listened to in my car for about a year. Good stuff!

[@777damonk]

I think it was probably so different from any other interview he would do because Rick's questions were so great. That question about harmonic language cuts right to the heart of Burton's impact. Did you notice that Burton didn't say anything negative about anyone?? So classy. The book is great, too. The story about Mingus is worth the cover price. Thanks Rick. Outstanding job as usual!

[@alanhowell3646]

What a great interview Rick, totally got that right. The best interview is one that asks the right questions that allow the interviewee to speak, and allows the subject to be the main focus. So many tv interviewers get this wrong. Rick poses a question then asks him to talk and doesn’t interrupt, just listens. This is very respectful to a great musician.

[@bluecrueful]

Thank you for promoting these jazz legends for a wider audience Rick!

[@dragonpundit.6443]

LOVE your Gary Burton interview...my Dad was a Jazz freak and took me to see Burton/Corea in Chapel Hill...even as a teenaged rocker...the vibes captured my ears and i really enjoyed the music! I knew this was the STUFF! Today, i am 59 and studying Jazz and Burton is a hero of mine. I'm still a huge Vibes fan!

[@answersquestioned]

What a BRILLIANT idea to do this interview, Rick. Great questions too.

[@trevorknowone5710]

Congratulations Rick, wonderful interview. Gary is articulate and engaging with the right interviewer asking the right questions. Thank you.

[@AimeeNolte]

Trevor Knowone THIS.

[@trevorknowone5710]

@@AimeeNolte Lovely to hear from you Aimee. Much respect and gratitude for your channel. May the universe reward you well. Take care.

[@rk41gator]

WOW. A record contract at 17 yrs. old! Brilliant!

[@amirscher7918]

Interviewing a genius legend such as Gary Burton . Great achievement Rick. Wonderful interview.

[@tjyoung8069]

Gary exudes pure class and penetrating honesty like the best teachers. He likes you, Rick. The network is growing. DeJohnette would be my next choice.

[@andresholdo9572]

What a pleasure to listen to this genius ! Thanks !!!!

[@glenn4220]

Happy Birthday, Gary Burton! I could listen to him speak for hours. It is no wonder that he was such a great teacher. Saw him at his Berkeley farewell concert. Such an inspirational person and musician.

[@otherdebi]

I remember this. Hank Garland is my Dad. He played at the Carousel Club in Nashville where he wasn't old enough to get in but Dad got him in. He played on Dad's album Jazz Winds from a New Direction also on After the Riot at Newport. If you listen, the two of them complimented each other so much on that album.

[@m.r.2183]

I heard jazz winds for the first time when I was 21. I’m 65 now and I still listen to it. Something about the atmosphere and sound of that record was special. Your dad was an absolutely wonderful guitar player.

[@chuckyspell]

Gary Burton has played a more vital important role than most people think. It's always worth it listening to him. Thanks, Rick.

[@herrneilso]

Just lovely! Although he doesn’t quite come out and say it at the end of the interview, I think the truth is that Gary Burton basically invented jazz rock or fusion, whatever you want to call it.

[@adamflax2012]

Incredible. Gary Burton is a living legend & one of the true innovators in jazz. The quintet albums Dreams so Real & Ring created a new palette...an impressionist vibe. And a shoutout to the brilliant Mick Goodrick, the other guitarist in the quintet. He was a big influence on the giant Pat Metheny. Their work together is for the ages. ECM was blessed & vital too. Your range Rick continues to impress...THANK YOU.

[@Keefralei]

Priceless music history. I was riveted from beginning to end Rick. Superb interview, so satisfying to hear a maestro talk as eloquently engaging as his playing. Wish there was so much more of this, it’s important information I believe. Well done indeed

[@eyelovelamp]

What a legend. Thank you for this interview!

[@zycos35960]

Hank Garland. A very underrated player as a jazz guitarist .

[@zenobardot]

I wonder if Hank would have cited the Tal Farlow / Red Norvo combination as the inspiration for bringing Gary on board for "Jazz Winds". Both Hank and Red recorded such great versions of the tune "Move!". When Gary was talking about revolutionizing vibes technique, it's too bad he didn't touch for a minute on what he took from Norvo and Hampton and Jackson, and what as a young player he found missing from their sound. EDIT: I guess I need to read Gary's book :)

[@JonathanWesleyMusic]

What an inspiration Gary Burton is!

[@garydonnelly100]

Thanks so much for this Rick. Gary was a guest clinician and soloist with our college Jazz band back in the early 70s and I'll never forget my "whiplash" moment when in rehearsal he counted off "General Mojo's Well Laid Plans" and stopped within two seconds and essentially said to me, "not quite my tempo" LOL. He really was tough on us but his comments were very instructive and weren't meant to be mean-spirited. We found out later that day that he was really sick with the flu but did the evening concert in a rather grand Michael Jordan-esque style. We were all familiar with what a bad-ass improviser he was but none of us were prepared for the brilliance we witnessed that evening. Everything he did with the band just kicked us all up to another level but it was the solo pieces he played that put every jaw on the floor. It was the first time I really became aware of the "inner dynamic" that defines a virtuosic performance. He's a master at that as was Chick.

[@reidwhitton6248]

Re-watching this one again. Great interview! Gary Burton is such a humble musician but with no false modesty. He acknowledges his important contributions to the jazz continuum. I just ordered his book so I'm looking forward to the complete story.

[@chestyguitarron]

Rick, this was a landmark interview. I listened to Duster a lot as a teenage rock guitarist and especially loved "General Mojos well laid plan". Thank you Gary for the validation that wanting something more than jazz standards is ok.

[@charley3849]

I saw Gary in concert with Stan Getz in 1965, age 22. While attending Berklee in 1967, one of the professors, James Progris, told me that Gary believed that he had been a musician in a past life, and only that could explain why he had become accomplished so quickly in this life. That comment started me on a lifelong metaphysical journey.

[@herbertheck]

I took Gary Burton's Jazz Improv class at Berklee. Life altering! Thank you sir!!

[@dlichtenwalner2084]

What a fantastic interview! What a treasure Gary Burton is to music and jazz, and so great at explaining in an entertaining way!

[@lesgoe8908]

Truly fascinating interview. Rick asks all the right questions and let's Gary formulate lengthy, informative answers. Put this one in the time capsule.

[@sizzlechooch]

Dang, the guy looks great for 76 years old.

[@thomasmcgill6918]

Very enjoyable. What a great interview. Mr. Burton is laid back and very articulate. Thank you again ... Classy looking video.

[@brgolsen]

I was a student at Berklee in the 80s, Gary looks the same today. Great interview, So cool! Thanks!

[@toddwalkerdrumstudio]

Absolutely fantastic Rick!..............Sincere, Iconic, Professional and, GENUINE!

[@iris2fin]

This has to be one of the best interviews I have ever heard - of anybody by anybody. The interviewer asked interesting and intelligent questions then listened. I didn’t know much about Gary but his story is fascinating - both the development of his musical philosophy and his amazing career. Off to listen to more now. Thank you.

[@rainerschnelle1]

Gary is truly a legend and also a wonderful story teller. And Rick, you are doing a really great job with all of your interviews.

[@EliPorter456]

I play vibes myself and Gary is my favorite vibe player, ever. Thank you so much for this interview.

[@ehcmier]

Thank you, Rick, and thank you, Gary Burton!

[@terrydrums]

What a brilliant, wonderful musician and human being. Gary is the very definition of a living legend. So few giants of jazz are still with us. Thank you for letting us in on your conversation with this master of music.

[@jacobbritton7359]

Never clicked on anything so fast

[@carlmattiasakeson]

Love that record Jarrett Burton. They played a track on Swedish radio a couple of years ago. Bought it twice, cause i forgot it on vinyl player in the sun

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

I'm a long time jazz fan. Gary Burton confirmed what I've been hearing for years at live Jazz shows regarding all the original music so many jazz musicians insist on playing. No MFing memorable melodies! Tunes that only they play and that quickly sink in obscurity!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Fascinating interview, Rick....spot on, and gives us an in-depth perspective into one of our great jazz innovators.

[@allantaylor420]

U have a great channel too!

[@hemmojito]

So honest and open.

[@lunfardo]

Thank you so much for this interview - so great to see Gary still in great shape after his retirement

[@CountBlissett]

Gary is really a legend and he's full of practical wisdom. Thanks for deliver us this amazing material, Rick.

[@renleblanc2993]

Rick - you ask the best questions - this interview is fantastic and I really encourage you to do more interviews - the world needs this!

[@patpercu]

Thank you Rick for this unevaluable interview of one of the greatest musician of jazz history. This is priceless ! 🙏 And thank you Gary for your kindness and intelligence. This video is a true lesson from a real master.

[@berniejii3739]

Fascinating conversation. So rare to have an interviewer with as much genuine interest and knowledge of subject.

[@geoffnelson4777]

What a great interview. Burton, unlike many, many jazz musicians, is articulate and doesn't ramble.

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

What an absolute treat to find this today...Gary Burton is a phenomenal and most accomplished musician...I loved every second of the interview...thanks so much, Rick (and Gary!)!!! 💗💗💗

[@TheWhollymoly]

One of the highlights of my years at Berklee was taking Gary's Improvisational Theory class in 1982! What a great experience!

[@benzonex]

Yeah!

[@stevew5146]

You one lucky person!

[@MrBeeCee]

I was a student at Berklee when Gary was still teaching Jazz theory, in fact I was awarded the Gary Burton award as a vibraphonist He is an outstanding teacher,very smart and articulate and also a very good piano player pointing to his profound sense of harmony It was a high point to be able to participate in his last year of teaching His legacy as the top vibraharp player ever is cast With great respect ✊

[@andersbostrom3745]

Thank you a really nice interview! It was great to hear Gary's stories.

[@sonnyblu6299]

How did I miss this... Another great interview with an Icon... Anderson, IN... Boots is from Evansville... who knew. I once backed up Boots in Tupelo, MS in 1978... I wish I could have said "Hey I'm from Lafayette"

[@matthewrammig]

Wow! Gary Burton!!!

[@hemmojito]

I was in my 20's when I discovered Gary Burton so it worked.

[@kenwoodsmusic]

This is wonderful!! Mr. Burton is a stunning musician, and it's great to hear his wisdom. Thank you, both!!!

[@adamaayan]

The extreme panning of the channels is interrupting the listening on headphones with comfort. Just mono the outputs or have much less extreme panning. Hope this helps. In any way, thank you for all the great content Rick, it's truly appreciated.

[@bongothewonderchimp]

Rick is not only a great musician, and great teacher...turns out he's one of the best interviewers I've seen in some time. Well researched questions, respectful inquiry, and an obvious joy of having the conversation. Rick you're enjoying a pretty amazing second act!

[@juangregory]

Patrick McCallum couldn’t agree more.

[@icebob8555]

Great interview I could listen to him talk for hours

[@MusicLiberates]

Fantastic interview, Rick! Thank you for putting the spotlight on Mr. Gary Burton, a true musical legend.

[@martimgodinho3461]

How can anyone possible dislike this?

[@EligatorEric]

Thanks, Rick. What a great interview! Gary really shows how good a teacher he is with his terrific storytelling. This was special.

[@lapicker1010]

I gotcha beat Rick. I became a Burton fan from an album called Getz Au Go Go way back in 1965! As a high school student getting ready to go off to college to major in music, Gary totally made that album for me.

[@tylerboley1786]

wow Rick, that was great, and an honor to listen to Gary. Wonderful interview, great preparation, it showed, as well as your admiration and knowledge.

[@achemnitz]

What a great interview with a true legend. What a scoop. One of the best interviews about jazz music I've seen. Well done, I love it. Thanks Rick.

[@sonsauvage]

This channel is absolutely legendary.

[@MatteoPrefumo]

One of the best interviews I have ever watched! Thank you Rick for this amazing video! Gary is the best!

[@fungo44]

Legend. Gary Burton & Keith Jarrett 1971 is ultimate fusion record.

[@HB-ve4wi]

It takes a great interviewer to make a great interview. This was just wonderful. So good to hear Gary Burton relate his experiences and insights. Thank you.

[@RBC2_]

Thanks for the interview. Gary is a legend. We need more videos like this to promote jazz.

[@LawrieFamily]

Absolutely fantastic!!! The “ Bright Sized life” (My favorite all time album) connection blew my mind! Thanks Rick!

[@birage9885]

What a classy guy........you too Rick!

[@BruceRichardsonMusic]

Rick, this one is great, too. I hope you interview as many people as you can get. It makes a difference. You are filling in the blanks.

[@michaelcorenzwit716]

I first heard Gary with George Shearing and have followed his long career ever since. I loved his quartet with Larry Coryell and saw them many times at the Showboat in Philadelphia which was one of the great venues for jazz. Very intimate, you sat 10 feet from the musicians at the bar and I got to talk with the artists often during their breaks. Gary, like all great artists, has constantly evolved and has always been a virtuoso musician. Listen to "A Genuine Tong Funeral" or his fantastic recording with a Japanese pianist. Also, I really enjoyed the interview and have watched many of Rick Beato's post on Facebook. BTW, I am 77 years old and was a professional jazz guitar musician for many years.

[@johngibson9426]

I went to berklee when Gary, swallow and metheny were teaching there Quite inspirational Especially checking out local gigs with jaco and pat…. And of course Jarrett and joe Farrell playing in tiny clubs with their groups Wow

[@hankjansen5544]

Gary and Chick at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in the early 70's was the first professional concert I ever saw. It changed the way I thought of music, as well as the way I approached my own efforts. Thanks, Rick, for bringing us this interview.

[@jefhuber]

That was good. Really good. Gary is such a gentleman.

[@neilloughran4437]

Yeah.. fantastic interview. Now hope you can finally get Pat! :)

[@chromabotia]

Awesome interview with Gary Burton, a giant figure in jazz. I have been a lifelong fan and so appreciate this interview that only you, Rick could have done so well!

[@davidjonorato3554]

A true legend and inovator. Had no idea he started with Hank Garland!!! So cool!!!

[@davidgaston704]

Great interview! I met Gary at a Ludwig Percussion Symposium. He taught us how to use the Gary Burton grip with four mallets. I still use it even when only two mallets are required. He was always a great player and teacher. Thank you, Gary.

[@stevefulnecky4563]

This is an extremely honest and great interview of one of the best, widely experienced, and knowledgeable improvisers of our era. I am very grateful that the world still has him in it, in spite of recent tragic events that have befallen him and his ability or desire to continue to tour. I first saw Gary play in Northern Illinois in August of 1973 at a stageband camp in Normal, at which time I also met Pat and Mick and by September I was in Boston, at Berklee myself. When I returned to the West, and later, the Far West, the recordings that were coming out mentioned here, formed much of the background, if not the central focus, of fifty plus years of my "musical survivalist" career as a guitarist, which probably started with the "early surf music, Beatles era", then later, classical guitar as a skihill and "fancy dinner background" type of career path. [ not for the faint of heart ]. Gary is absolutely the " best guy with mallets " to come out of the United States, and I dare say. Europe and South America as well. He deserves any accolades that we can give him, and the undivided attention of any serious students of music who truly wish to progress.

[@RodrigoMuleyro]

I enjoyed that panning of voices!

[@GordRobert]

I just finished reading his autobiography recently. Love what you do and as a drummer/vibe player/percussionist really appreciate this one. Thank you!