| Product Summary | | Label: Uni/ecm | | UPC: 00042283133129 | | Release Date: 11/16/1999 | | Buy.com Sku: 60373667 | | Item#: MDD9KP | Format:  CD |
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| Song Listing |  |
(P) 1973 ECM Records GmbH
(C) 1973 ECM Records GmbH
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| | Album Notes and Credits |
Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel: Chick Corea (piano); Gary Burton (vibraphone). | | | | Recorded at Arne Bendiksen Studio, Oslo, Norway on November 6, 1972. | | Personnel: Chick Corea (piano, keyboards); Gary Burton (vibraphone). | | Recording information: Arne Bendiksen Studio, Oslo, Norway (11/06/1972). | | Photographer: H. Paysan. | | For Crystal Silence, the first of several partnerships between Chick Corea and vibraphonist Gary Burton in the 1970s, the two musicians selected an interesting array of material. The compositions on this record are all modern ones, either by Steve Swallow, Mike Gibbs, or Corea himself. It is a mostly downtempo affair, which allows each player to stretch out and play highly melodic solos over the often difficult changes. In keeping with most ECM releases, there is a distinct presence of European elements to the improvisations. There are few overt blues or bebop phrases, Corea and Burton opting instead for modern melodies to fuel their improvisations. Burton has managed to internalize the Spanish and modal implications of Corea's tunes with little difficulty, and solos with joyful ease through such tracks as "Se¤or Mouse." Corea himself is absolutely burning. His solo contribution on the same track is both fiery and introspective, combining in one statement the poles for which he is best-known. The title track is also the centerpiece of the album, a nine-minute exploration of the Corea ballad that first appeared on his Return to Forever record in 1972. In keeping with the tradition of the great masters of the ballad form, time seems to disappear as Burton and Corea lovingly caress the song's simple melody and dance effortlessly around the chords, building intensity only to let it subside once more. Crystal Silence is a sublime indication of what two master improvisers can do given quality raw material, with the first side of this record being particularly flawless. Improvised music is rarely this coherent and melodic. Essential for fans of Corea, Burton, or jazz in general. ~ Daniel Gioffre | | This 1973 album of piano and vibraphone duets helped to put ECM Records on the map. Others might trace a line that began here and led to the wallpaper monotony of new age music. But Burton and Corea can't be held responsible for that. CRYSTAL SILENCE is filled with invention, surprise, humor, sadness, and tremendous verve. The interplay is perfect--the two instruments dance around one another and merge into a single voice. It also helps that the material is equal to these two fine players, always spurring them on. | | There are five pieces by Corea, three more by bass player Steve Swallow (who worked with Burton through most of the sixties), and one by British composer Michael Gibbs. What is most striking is the manner in which a melody can start on one instrument and then continue on the other. They pass themes and embellishments back and forth with the ease of a weaver. This is an exceptional album of great beauty. |
Producer: Manfred Eicher |
Engineer: Jan Erik Kongshaug |
| | Artist Overview | | Probably the most important jazz vibraphonists of the post-bop era, Gary Burton did an impressive apprenticeship in the 1960s, playing with George Shearing, Stan Getz and others. By the late '60s, he had become a major force in progressive jazz, working with such forward-looking artists as Carla Bley, Larry Coryell, and Steve Swallow, intermingling touches of jazz-rock fusion and even country. His musical explorations continuing through the ensuing decades, and found him working with everyone from Pat Metheny to B.B. King. |
| | Compilation Appearances |
| | Associated Artists and Works |
| | Technical Info | | Release Date : 11/16/1999 | | Original Release Date : 1972 | | Catalog ID : 831331 | | Label : ECM Records (USA) | | Number of Discs : 1 | | Runtime : 44m : 23s | | Studio/Live : Studio | | Mono/Stereo : Stereo | | SPAR Code : AAD | | UPC : 00042283133129 |
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