PODCAST: Gary Burton
Gary Burton
Photo by Phil Farnsworth
Vibraphonist Gary Burton's influence on music and music education has been monumental. He came to Berklee as a teen in 1960 and went on tour with saxophonist Stan Getz when he was barely into his 20s. Brandishing a pioneering vibraphone technique and approach to improvising, Burton's recordings as a leader and sideman earned him accolades and Grammy Awards. Even after joining the Berklee faculty in 1971—and later serving as a senior-ranking administrator for two decades—Burton continued his trailblazing music career. Burton and Berklee celebrate their 50-year connection in April 2010 with a concert featuring the vibist and many of his former bandmates. "Sea Journey" is a track from his recent Quartet Live disc, also featuring Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow, and Antonio Sanchez.