The Gary Burton Quartet With Eberhard Weber – Passengers VG+/VG+

The Gary Burton Quartet’s “Passengers” isn’t your typical jazz album. Sure, you’ve got the legendary vibraphonist Gary Burton at the helm, his signature mallets dancing across the keys. But this time, he’s joined by not just one, but two bassists: the ever-reliable Steve Swallow and the deep-toned Eberhard Weber. This creates a rich, textured low end that underpins the entire record.

The album throws another curveball with the addition of a young Pat Metheny on guitar. Metheny’s not yet the leader of his own groundbreaking group, but his fingerprints are all over “Passengers.” He contributes several compositions, showcasing his talent for both gentle ballads and knottier, more rhythmic pieces. Drummer Danny Gottlieb keeps the groove steady, his brushes and sticks painting a subtle backdrop for the virtuosic displays happening up front.

Recorded with the pristine sound quality ECM is known for, “Passengers” lets each instrument shine. Weber’s bass work is particularly noteworthy, whether he’s adding brightness with his plucking or laying down a dark, brooding foundation. Burton’s vibes are, as always, unmatched in their clarity and expression. The album moves from the joyous exuberance of Chick Corea’s “Sea Journey” to the introspective melancholy of Swallow’s “Claude And Betty,” showcasing the quartet’s remarkable versatility.

“Passengers” is a journey through a landscape of sound, filled with moments of both beauty and surprise. It’s a must-have for any Burton fan, and a great introduction to the talents of Weber and Metheny.