Kudos to Mr. Burton for his gracious exit from the world stage, and I send him my compassion and empathy in light of the suddenness and serious nature of his health concerns. A genius has retired with dignity. Thank goodness he is able to afford to retire in relative comfort after a lifetime of hard work on the road. Truly an international treasure. Thank you for a lifetime of beautiful, invigorating music, Mr. Burton!
Besides his own long and dazzling career, Gary has inspired, mentored and taught so many other influential and brilliant musicians. He has hugely moved the world of jazz. Wow!
We should ALL "congratulate" him for his achievements, brilliance, and camaderie with other of his elite level. He is brutally honest to tell us the facts. And, for that, I will ALWAYS honor him. He's contributed enough to the rest of us. Let him be, please.
I am a percussionist; Gary Burton has been part of my life since 1974. I met him only once at a master class, yet I've harvested ideas and inspiration from him going back to his tasseled leather jackets and unwieldy mustache. Mr. Burton, thank you.
When I first heard the news of Gary's retirement, and also of his total abandonment of music, I was in shock. Watching this video and hearing the reasons behind his decision, though, makes much more sense. What an incredible sense of purpose and discipline to consciously choose this path, to step away from his life's work while he's still at (or near) his peak. Huge respect for this man.
You never know what life will bring for us. But, Mr. Burton I have to say something; You are a jazz star, a hero. At least for me. =) Thank you for everything you brought to the table. I wish you all the best !
I would like to add my own praise, cheers, and condolences to Gary. I can understand his disappoint in finding out that he lost his perfect pitch. Most of us, even who love and adore music, never experience perfect pitch. I can only offer this: Gary, you ARE a legend and star of Jazz. You have a right to retire any time you choose. You MUST know that you've brought enormous joy and pleasure to us, your listeners. Our respect and admiration for you will NEVER go away!!
I had four minutes of cardiac arrest earlier this year. I recovered my memories after four months. I can't fathom what it would have been like to be under for thirty minutes. I am a long time fan of Gary's music--since about 1969. I can't fathom what he and we have lost.
I started listening to Gary in the late sixties, and his music still moves me and amazes me. Gary, you have created such beauty--don't ever forget that. Be well and enjoy your life.
Мистер Бёртон, с тех пор как Вы приезжали в Москву выступали в "Некст Дур" прошло много времени, но у меня остались приятные воспоминания о нашей встрече, мне удалось пожать Вам руку, я сам вибрафонист, закончил музыкальное училище Римского-Корсакова. Достойно уходить из профессии умеют немногие, Вы всегда стремились давать миру что-то большее, чем способен рядовой музыкант, Вы давали веху развития. Низкий поклон Вам из России от вибрафониста Ильи Дёмина и всего музыкального сообщества!!! 👏👏👏
I'm thankful the loss of perfect pitch will never affect me! I am 72 and learning the Burton grip. If I had any sense, I would quit now and practice one of my other hobbies.
We still love you Gary. He’s a national treasure that most of America doesn’t know about. His career is prolific as Stevie Wonder. They have both been performing since the early 60’s.
it's so painful watching people you admire perform, as he says, way past the point of really being able to play even halfway decently. but you still want to and you do, heartbroken. it's difficult to judge what makes people do things until you're in their position and you appreciate how much effort, will and courage it'd take to do what gary burton has decided to do. he's all my respect.
Thanks forever Gary Burton, because you inspired to many percussion players, thanks for creating that amazing technique, in the name of all Cuban percussionists, thanks for everything.
People are always making this statement, "Perfect pitch is just a parlor trick." Gary Burton is a brilliant example of the fact that it is SO much more than that. For a person with perfect pitch, their entire musical worldview is colored by it. It informs their perception of music as well as how they function as musicians.
I'm a little late to this retirement party. I was wondering what new projects Gary had going and I find this. "Bummer" I have been listening to Gary since his early ECM projects and admire him greatly, A master musician and innovator of the highest order
Love they have the footage from Gary's last show at Blues Alley in DC! I was so lucky to make it to the late show after working my restaurant job that night. Talking to Gary for one last time, he mentioned his jazz guitarist friend Larry Coryell being found dead in his hotel room. "There's just no way I want to go out like that" More fascinating to me as a musician was Gary's response when I asked if he was going to just hang out relaxing playing the vibes at home. He said "Actually no. For me jazz has always been about playing with other musicians. Playing by myself gets very boring very quickly. " Wow....Gary Burton really did retire the mallets. Good for him! He left behind a mountain of recordings for us to enjoy along with some of my favorite jazz show memories. Hope you live to 100, Gary!
I can't believe ive spent so much time not focusing on the radar. This is such a sad story and the way he describes fading talent is exactly how I felt when I watched McCoy Tyner at the former Yoshi's in San Francisco, John Patitucci held that show down and it broke my heart not hearing the same McCoy from the classic quartet. I'm fortunate enough to live in the Monterey bay and have not only caught Chick Corea before his passing (RIP) at the Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz, as well as a separate show with Stanley Clarke but also was privy to Gary's show with Julian Lage. I think about those show everyday, I really need to visit Santa Cruz soon
Gary is an absolute legend, an innovator, and I’m privileged to have seen him in concert. I know what he means, I saw Andres Segovia in concert when he was in his ‘80s and his performance didn’t have much in common with his work when he was at his best. All that said, many studies show that the vast majority of people who have perfect (or absolute) pitch lose it in middle age, regardless of other health issues or lack thereof.
So inspiring as a player, human being, etc. My own vibe playing took a huge step when I start listening and watching him. (Thank God for RUclips.) As a young percussionist, I knew of him, but when I dug further into his story, he became a motivating factor in my practice and performance. Thank you Gary... I wish there would be more, but I know that is my own selfishness.
My first listen to Gary was him accompanying Ahmad Jamal in a RUclips offering of "One" Ahmad handed the stage to Gary. From then on Gary was my number one Vibe player.
Unbelievable!!!! How gracious. He gave Pat Metheny his first years of gigs by inducting him into his group. As they say, the rest is history!!! Stuff of LEGENDS.
I guess this news put me in a state of reflection: I remember when I first attended Berklee in " In the Spring of "67" in my dorm room on Newbury Street listening to a recording of you and Bob Brookmyer , I only had two records that and the Miles Davis album "My Funny Valentine" so I listened a lot! Then somtime later you began teaching a course in Jazz Improvisation which I was enrolled in, I still have the notes, I always remember how you used to say to find the common notes in in scales transitioning from one to another and also how you kept your piano chops up just doing everyday tasks like turning door knobs...I also reflect on living on an orange grove on Tampa Bay in Clearwater Fla and in the stillness of night listening to your album with Chick Corea " Crystal Silence ", love ya...
I saw Mr Burton many years ago at “The Town Crier” in upstate NY. During the show he told a funny story about having performed in NYC. After one particular show, a fellow came up to him and said “You know, when you start playing REALLY fast, it almost looks like you have 2 mallets in each hand!” 😂 Having the gift of PP suddenly taken away is probably analogous to a Formula 1 race car driver losing sight in one eye. His decision to retire was very noble. Mr Burton made huge contributions in music as an innovator, improviser and educator. Thankfully, his medical issue didn’t deprive him of the life he has left to live.
I'm a little late to this retirement party. I was just wondering what new projects Gary had going and I find this. "Bummer!" I have been listening to Gary since his early ECM projects and admire him greatly, A master musician and innovator of the highest order. The decision to withdraw from music had to be an excruciating one and it was his. So very best of luck Gary and thanks!!
Gary...your first record with Joe Morello,at 17, marked you as the greatest Vibe player in "History"...Ive been trying to catch up to ya all my life...I can play drums well...but just average vibes. You are the Vibe star...And thats forever...a long time. You'll be playing on Mars radio a thousand years from now!!! and tone-deaf can't stop your mechanics ROCK ON GARY WE'LL TELL YOU WHEN!!!!
For many months I found that when I played the lower notes on the piano they sounded quite out of tune. A short while after that I found that I had lymphoma cancer in the neck, this was about 9 months ago, and I was treated with radiotherapy which ended 4 months ago. Although the therapy has effected me in many ways I found recently that my hearing in those lower frequncies have improved immensely and I had not taken any medications towards that improvement. I can now hear those notes in the correct pitch.Very strange, therefore I can only feel that perhaps the degrading of my hearing might have been linked to the cancer even before it manifested itself as lymphoma. A very satisfactory ending anyway.
Thank you so much for this film! I’m missing this concerning many other musicians! I’m always asking myself how it is to stop playing music for example Keith Jarrett
No se que decir. Gary Burton, uno de los músicos de Jazz mas admirados. A parte de la perfección, la música emana y produce sentimientos en el músico y en oyente. Pero la vida es más importante. Si. Hay vida más allá de la música. Aunque para algunos la música es vida.
Hotel Hello, one of my two favorite albums by Burton. When I hear it I think of layers. Layers that are epic, that took eons to create and have depth equal to the pillars of creation.
Ok....I completely understand but it would be a tragedy if he didn't share his gift with other musicians just learning the craft. The man is a complete genius
Everybody copes with the consequences of major medical issues differently. It makes me profoundly sad to watch this video. I keep thinking of the late BB King... And how he masterfully went from playing 10 notes to playing one note . in the grasp of diabetic neuropathy. Heart attacks and strokes and conditions such as diabetes and arthritis can be grave Peril to a musician. You have to be willing to retrain what you knew and become something else again... I guess for Gary Burton she sees this as a chance to Embrace living a normal life out of the spotlight. But if it were me, as much as I love playing music it would be virtually impossible to cope with emotionally. It takes Monumental strength of will to walk away from something you love.
Not sure if you're kidding or not but he taught at the Berkeley School of Music in Boston for over 30 years and was the Dean of the college for a while.
Would I go half an hour without a heart-beat to GAIN perfect pitch? Hmmm, I think I'll just keep on listening without it as I might start hearing the mistakes and some of the enjoyment would be gone.
Kudos to Mr. Burton for his gracious exit from the world stage, and I send him my compassion and empathy in light of the suddenness and serious nature of his health concerns. A genius has retired with dignity. Thank goodness he is able to afford to retire in relative comfort after a lifetime of hard work on the road. Truly an international treasure. Thank you for a lifetime of beautiful, invigorating music, Mr. Burton!
Besides his own long and dazzling career, Gary has inspired, mentored and taught so many other influential and brilliant musicians. He has hugely moved the world of jazz. Wow!
He's a legend and made huge innovations on his instrument.
We should ALL "congratulate" him for his achievements, brilliance, and camaderie with other of his elite level. He is brutally honest to tell us the facts. And, for that, I will ALWAYS honor him. He's contributed enough to the rest of us. Let him be, please.
I am a percussionist; Gary Burton has been part of my life since 1974. I met him only once at a master class, yet I've harvested ideas and inspiration from him going back to his tasseled leather jackets and unwieldy mustache. Mr. Burton, thank you.
Gary is just a treasure. I was fortunate to hear him several times. Much love to him!
Half an hour without hearbeat? Lost perfect pitch? All the best to Mr Burton! Thank you for everything!
When I first heard the news of Gary's retirement, and also of his total abandonment of music, I was in shock. Watching this video and hearing the reasons behind his decision, though, makes much more sense. What an incredible sense of purpose and discipline to consciously choose this path, to step away from his life's work while he's still at (or near) his peak. Huge respect for this man.
we love you so much Gary, for all you gave to music, and I am especially very grateful for Afternoon Tunes
I admire the ethos, the strength, the consciousness, the self-discipline
of this man.
You never know what life will bring for us. But, Mr. Burton I have to say something; You are a jazz star, a hero. At least for me. =) Thank you for everything you brought to the table. I wish you all the best !
Thank you, Gary, for all you've done for jazz and music education. You are a legend!
I would like to add my own praise, cheers, and condolences to Gary. I can understand his disappoint in finding out that he lost his perfect pitch. Most of us, even who love and adore music, never experience perfect pitch. I can only offer this: Gary, you ARE a legend and star of Jazz. You have a right to retire any time you choose. You MUST know that you've brought enormous joy and pleasure to us, your listeners. Our respect and admiration for you will NEVER go away!!
I had four minutes of cardiac arrest earlier this year. I recovered my memories after four months. I can't fathom what it would have been like to be under for thirty minutes. I am a long time fan of Gary's music--since about 1969. I can't fathom what he and we have lost.
Thanx for inspiration and expertise ! All the best ! :-)
Nice post. Such an elegant man.
El mas grande! gran maestro eres querido Gary!
Heartbreaking. I admire his composure. Most never achieve the mastery he lost.
I started listening to Gary in the late sixties, and his music still moves me and amazes me. Gary, you have created such beauty--don't ever forget that. Be well and enjoy your life.
Мистер Бёртон, с тех пор как Вы приезжали в Москву выступали в "Некст Дур" прошло много времени, но у меня остались приятные воспоминания о нашей встрече, мне удалось пожать Вам руку, я сам вибрафонист, закончил музыкальное училище Римского-Корсакова. Достойно уходить из профессии умеют немногие, Вы всегда стремились давать миру что-то большее, чем способен рядовой музыкант, Вы давали веху развития. Низкий поклон Вам из России от вибрафониста Ильи Дёмина и всего музыкального сообщества!!! 👏👏👏
I'm thankful the loss of perfect pitch will never affect me! I am 72 and learning the Burton grip. If I had any sense, I would quit now and practice one of my other hobbies.
We still love you Gary. He’s a national treasure that most of America doesn’t know about. His career is prolific as Stevie Wonder. They have both been performing since the early 60’s.
Thank you Gary for all of the great music!
He cannot be replaced . A man of integrity .
A phenomenal musician.
WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!
What a magnificent person & musician.
From a mad keen 76yo Aussie fan.
it's so painful watching people you admire perform, as he says, way past the point of really being able to play even halfway decently. but you still want to and you do, heartbroken.
it's difficult to judge what makes people do things until you're in their position and you appreciate how much effort, will and courage it'd take to do what gary burton has decided to do. he's all my respect.
Thanks forever Gary Burton, because you inspired to many percussion players, thanks for creating that amazing technique, in the name of all Cuban percussionists, thanks for everything.
What an inspirational musician. Many thanks for so much wonderful music over the years. Enjoy your retirement, Gary.
People are always making this statement, "Perfect pitch is just a parlor trick." Gary Burton is a brilliant example of the fact that it is SO much more than that. For a person with perfect pitch, their entire musical worldview is colored by it. It informs their perception of music as well as how they function as musicians.
He made jazz so much richer and hope he decides to come back again someday!
I'm a little late to this retirement party. I was wondering what new projects Gary had going and I find this. "Bummer" I have been listening to Gary since his early ECM projects and admire him greatly, A master musician and innovator of the highest order
Love they have the footage from Gary's last show at Blues Alley in DC! I was so lucky to make it to the late show after working my restaurant job that night. Talking to Gary for one last time, he mentioned his jazz guitarist friend Larry Coryell being found dead in his hotel room. "There's just no way I want to go out like that" More fascinating to me as a musician was Gary's response when I asked if he was going to just hang out relaxing playing the vibes at home. He said "Actually no. For me jazz has always been about playing with other musicians. Playing by myself gets very boring very quickly. " Wow....Gary Burton really did retire the mallets. Good for him! He left behind a mountain of recordings for us to enjoy along with some of my favorite jazz show memories. Hope you live to 100, Gary!
I can't believe ive spent so much time not focusing on the radar. This is such a sad story and the way he describes fading talent is exactly how I felt when I watched McCoy Tyner at the former Yoshi's in San Francisco, John Patitucci held that show down and it broke my heart not hearing the same McCoy from the classic quartet. I'm fortunate enough to live in the Monterey bay and have not only caught Chick Corea before his passing (RIP) at the Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz, as well as a separate show with Stanley Clarke but also was privy to Gary's show with Julian Lage. I think about those show everyday, I really need to visit Santa Cruz soon
Gary is an absolute legend, an innovator, and I’m privileged to have seen him in concert. I know what he means, I saw Andres Segovia in concert when he was in his ‘80s and his performance didn’t have much in common with his work when he was at his best. All that said, many studies show that the vast majority of people who have perfect (or absolute) pitch lose it in middle age, regardless of other health issues or lack thereof.
You will always be a Star!
Thanks NPR 🙏🏻 😊
Wish him the best. An absolutely magnificent player who has created so much wonderful music and initiated the careers of so many masterful musicians.
So inspiring as a player, human being, etc. My own vibe playing took a huge step when I start listening and watching him. (Thank God for RUclips.) As a young percussionist, I knew of him, but when I dug further into his story, he became a motivating factor in my practice and performance. Thank you Gary... I wish there would be more, but I know that is my own selfishness.
My first listen to Gary was him accompanying Ahmad Jamal in a RUclips offering of "One" Ahmad handed the stage to Gary. From then on Gary was my number one Vibe player.
Unbelievable!!!!
How gracious. He gave Pat Metheny his first years of gigs by inducting him into his group. As they say, the rest is history!!!
Stuff of LEGENDS.
so the last song he ppayed for the public was bags groove? fantastic
my hero, and what a wise gentleman
Thank you for this.
Sad and profound at the same time. It’s the reality of life.
I guess this news put me in a state of reflection: I remember when I first attended Berklee in " In the Spring of "67" in my dorm room on Newbury Street listening to a recording of you and Bob Brookmyer , I only had two records that and the Miles Davis album "My Funny Valentine" so I listened a lot! Then somtime later you began teaching a course in Jazz Improvisation which I was enrolled in, I still have the notes, I always remember how you used to say to find the common notes in in scales transitioning from one to another and also how you kept your piano chops up just doing everyday tasks like turning door knobs...I also reflect on living on an orange grove on Tampa Bay in Clearwater Fla and in the stillness of night listening to your album with Chick Corea " Crystal Silence ", love ya...
I saw him at Estoril Jazz, in 2013. Best jazz concert I've seen.
I saw Mr Burton many years ago at “The Town Crier” in upstate NY. During the show he told a funny story about having performed in NYC. After one particular show, a fellow came up to him and said “You know, when you start playing REALLY fast, it almost looks like you have 2 mallets in each hand!” 😂 Having the gift of PP suddenly taken away is probably analogous to a Formula 1 race car driver losing sight in one eye. His decision to retire was very noble. Mr Burton made huge contributions in music as an innovator, improviser and educator. Thankfully, his medical issue didn’t deprive him of the life he has left to live.
Respect... All the best Gary!
powerful man in my heart
Amazing person! Greetings from Bulgaria. Very sorry you never came and introduce your music here.
I was lucky enough t9 get a spot at Birdland on the Farewell tour and we had a quirky and random conversation at the bar. It was a night to remember.
I'm a little late to this retirement party. I was just wondering what new projects Gary had going and I find this. "Bummer!" I have been listening to Gary since his early ECM projects and admire him greatly, A master musician and innovator of the highest order. The decision to withdraw from music had to be an excruciating one and it was his. So very best of luck Gary and thanks!!
Gary...your first record with Joe Morello,at 17, marked you as the greatest Vibe player in "History"...Ive been trying to catch up to ya all my life...I can play drums well...but just average vibes. You are the Vibe star...And thats forever...a long time. You'll be playing on Mars radio a thousand years from now!!! and tone-deaf can't stop your mechanics ROCK ON GARY WE'LL TELL YOU WHEN!!!!
Thank you….!
GARY GOOD LUCK IN YOUR RETIREMENT I ENJOYED YOUR TALENT. JAY CANIFF
besides the fact that this dude is a legend. does that not sound like the beginning to a sitcom
I love Gary Burton!!!! I still can't believe he's totally going to abandon music completely. I really hope he would still continue playing..
SI è ritirato la vera leggenda, I LOVE GARY BURTON
For many months I found that when I played the lower notes on the piano they sounded quite out of tune. A short while after that I found that I had lymphoma cancer in the neck, this was about 9 months ago, and I was treated with radiotherapy which ended 4 months ago.
Although the therapy has effected me in many ways I found recently that my hearing in those lower frequncies have improved immensely and I had not taken any medications towards that improvement.
I can now hear those notes in the correct pitch.Very strange, therefore I can only feel that perhaps the degrading of my hearing might have been linked to the cancer even before it manifested itself as lymphoma. A very satisfactory ending anyway.
totally understand....but if you find you have a concept for a new album, don't fight it!
sensacional
Thank you so much for this film! I’m missing this concerning many other musicians! I’m always asking myself how it is to stop playing music for example Keith Jarrett
Maximum Respect. wow
God bless you Gary ... Enjoy retirement !
Bags Groove was my first concert song 😁
No se que decir. Gary Burton, uno de los músicos de Jazz mas admirados. A parte de la perfección, la música emana y produce sentimientos en el músico y en oyente. Pero la vida es más importante. Si. Hay vida más allá de la música. Aunque para algunos la música es vida.
Poinciana will ALWAYS be part of my listening repertoire
Crystal Silence...............................
"Just another guy walkin' around".... I don't think so Gary... Thank You!!!
Legend
Total elegance playing Milt Jackson's Bag's Groove as the last tune in his career. Hat off.
Wow this guy is modest. He could have just released Hotel Hello, and I would have been happy with his contributions.
Hotel Hello, one of my two favorite albums by Burton. When I hear it I think of layers. Layers that are epic, that took eons to create and have depth equal to the pillars of creation.
wow
Ok....I completely understand but it would be a tragedy if he didn't share his gift with other musicians just learning the craft.
The man is a complete genius
74? Looks & Moves like 54!!!
wow. :'
Everybody copes with the consequences of major medical issues differently. It makes me profoundly sad to watch this video. I keep thinking of the late BB King... And how he masterfully went from playing 10 notes to playing one note . in the grasp of diabetic neuropathy. Heart attacks and strokes and conditions such as diabetes and arthritis can be grave Peril to a musician. You have to be willing to retrain what you knew and become something else again... I guess for Gary Burton she sees this as a chance to Embrace living a normal life out of the spotlight. But if it were me, as much as I love playing music it would be virtually impossible to cope with emotionally. It takes Monumental strength of will to walk away from something you love.
he should get in to teaching
Not sure if you're kidding or not but he taught at the Berkeley School of Music in Boston for over 30 years and was the Dean of the college for a while.
Sorry Gary. peace.
MEDICATION MAKE YOUR BRAIN SLOW DOWN,for the high profile and perfect music, takes long too catch up
장수하세요
Gary I’m in Weston not too far from you. Can I call you? I would like to share something important with you.
"Bag's Groove" Gary's swan song?.... Kind of ironic, considering that Bags (Milt Jackson) couldn't stand him.
Would I go half an hour without a heart-beat to GAIN perfect pitch? Hmmm, I think I'll just keep on listening without it as I might start hearing the mistakes and some of the enjoyment would be gone.
loses perfect pitch ... gives up lol
Basically…
Poor pianist.
He made jazz so much richer and hope he decides to come back again someday!