Gary Burton Quartet - Duster (2014)

In some ways, Duster can be considered one of the first fusion records. Vibraphonist Gary Burton had just added the young rock/blues guitarist Larry Coryell to his quartet (which also included bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Roy Haynes), and Coryell's influence can be felt throughout the performances. Highlights include Michael Gibbs' "Sweet Rain," Swallow's "General Mojo's Well Laid Plan," Coryell's exploratory and speedy "One, Two, 1-2-3-4," and Carla Bley's "Sing Me Softly of the Blues." Although Burton's basic sound had not changed during from the previous year, his openness toward other styles made his Quartet one of the most significant jazz groups of the period. This was the first of the four Burton-Coryell recordings. -- Scott Yanow