Live At Newport ’67: Somethin’s Coming – A Jazz Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’re a jazz fan—or even just someone who loves music with soul—you might wanna sit down for this one. The Gary Burton Quartet, featuring Larry Coryell and the legendary Jim Hall, dropped Live At Newport ’67: Somethin’s Coming in 2017 via Jazz It Up Records. Don’t let the release date fool ya; this is pure ‘60s magic captured live at the Newport Jazz Festival. And trust me, it’s got that mix of bop energy and fusion vibes that’ll make your ears perk up like they’ve had too much coffee.
Let’s talk about two tracks that stuck with me long after I hit pause. First off, there’s “On Green Dolphin Street.” Now, I know what you’re thinking—this tune’s been done to death by now, right? But here’s the thing: Gary Burton on vibraphone takes this classic and gives it a fresh coat of paint. His playing feels loose but precise, like he’s improvising straight from his soul. Then Jim Hall comes in on guitar, weaving these intricate little lines that feel more like storytelling than soloing. It’s not flashy or over-the-top—it’s just… real. Like hanging out with an old friend who knows exactly how to cheer you up without saying much.
Then there’s “Summertime,” which honestly caught me off guard. Everyone’s heard this Gershwin standard before, but this version has a kind of melancholy groove that sneaks up on you. Chuck Israels’ basslines are deep and steady, grounding the whole piece while Larry Bunker keeps things moving with subtle drum work. There’s a moment where Burton hits these shimmering chords on the vibes—it’s so gentle it almost feels like sunlight breaking through clouds. By the time Jim Hall starts riffing, you realize you’ve been holding your breath. Yeah, it’s THAT good.
The album’s got a solid lineup: Burton on vibes, Coryell adding some fire, Hall bringing his trademark coolness, and the rhythm section (Israels and Bunker) locking everything together tight. George Avakian producing? That’s just icing on the cake. Oh, and props to Bob Simpson for engineering those last six tracks—they sound crisp and alive, like you’re sitting right there in the crowd.
Here’s something funny though: listening to this record made me wonder why we don’t hear more vibraphone-led albums these days. Seriously, when was the last time you spun a vibe-heavy jam? Maybe it’s time to bring ‘em back!
So yeah, if you’re into jazz that swings hard but also whispers softly, Live At Newport ’67: Somethin’s Coming is worth every penny. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming “Summertime” all day.
