Search - Gary Burton, Makoto Ozone :: Virtuosi

"wonderful marriage between Classical and Jazz...Concord!"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 03/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two genres appease my appetite for today's music CLASSICAL and JAZZ...so it's no
wonder this latest Concord release hits the spot to satisfy my craving...featuring Gary
Burton(vibes) and Makoto Ozone(piano), performing the works of Barber, Bonilla, Brahms,
Cardoso, Confrey, Delibes, Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, Scarlatti and even Ozone composed
his "SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE", mesmerizing with haunting
overtones, a perfect ending to this classic event. Each piece mirrors the harmonies of both classical and jazz, through the musicianship of each
artists...much care has been taken to present various tempo and moods...from Latin,
Brazilian, Swing, Tango leaning toward polished styles that will amaze and enlightened the
listener...each selection has tremendous improvisation, with some Blues thrown in for good
measure(now we're cooking). A big thank you to Concord Jazz, Gary Burton(producer), Glen Barros and John
Burk(executive producers)...a wonderful and exciting album for all jazz and classical fans
alike...just listen and study this one-of-a-kind project...hope to see more in the future...this is
a totally satisfying CD, a must have for anyone who plays an instrument or just enjoys GOOD
MUSIC! Total Time: 69:45 on 11 Tracks ~ Concord Jazz 2105 ~ (2002)"

A marvelous blend

J. Lovins | 11/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Burton-Ozone collaboration has produced a record that deserves to be timeless. It is a marvelous blend of the classical and jazz traditions. The spirit of the classical composers represented on the disc comes through in a refreshing way, brilliantly interpreted by these two superb musicians. This will be my favorite record from the year 2002, no question about it."

Classics with a Jazzy Pulse

J. Garcia | New Mexico, USA | 07/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Burton and Ozone perform a splendidly diverse variety of classics alongside some newer tunes considered classics in their own right. Tombeau de Couperin, Rachmaninoff's Prelude, Scarlatti's Sonata, and the Lakmé Medley do not merely use a melody and chord changes as inspiration for a "head chart," but rather delve inside the original songs for a new twist. The Sonata particularly shows off the duo's ingenuity in finding a new interpretation that respects the old melody.



The newer pieces (such as Milonga, the Confrey Impromptu and the Gershwin pieces) do not belittle themselves as "lesser classics," but Ozone and Burton respect them as equals to the other pieces. The final piece, though not destined to be a classic of its own, is a pensive reflection on the "classics" which echoes the voice the duo found inside many of the other pieces. Overall, a charmingly novel album perfect for lovers of jazz and classical music alike."