Quartet Live! is a new modern jazz CD featuring original Gary Burton Quartet members, Gary Burton on vibraphone, Pat Metheny on fusion jazz guitar, Steve Swallow on the electric bass, along with newcomer Antonio Sánchez on the drums.  With the exception of Antonio everyone involved with this project has worked together before, which really helps the artists to push their music to new heights, especially on a live release such as this.

The opening song, "Sea Journey," strongly features Gary’s vibraphone. You can tell right away that this group of musicians are tightly knit and used to playing together, weaving together nine minutes of mellow melody.  Next we have "Olhos de Gato" (translated as Cat's Eyes) which slows the pace even more, with the vibraphone again taking command and leading the other instruments through the song. The drumming is exceptional with an innate sense of timing, always complimenting the show without stealing it. "Falling Grace" lets the band jam as the bass gets a turn in the spotlight. The fourth song, "Coral", is again a slower paced song that continues to showcase the talent and comfort these musicians have playing together. "Walter L" features a heavier and faster fare, that, midway through the song, treats you to some guitar licks from Metheny that are reminiscent of Steely Dan’s music. "B & G (Midwestern Night's Dream)" returns the tone to a more, smoky, traditional jazz nightclub feel.  Next up is "Missouri Uncompromised", a seven minute carnival ride that features fantastic interplay from all the members of the group, including a solo from each at different intervals throughout the song.  The drummer continued to impress me, playing with fury and passion, yet never losing control of the tempo. Imagine Animal, from the muppet show, after slugging down a few Vodka and Redbulls. "Fleurette Africaine (Little African Flower)" is softer and slower with some tempo changes, and more dazzling guitar work from Metheny. "Hello Belinas" starts with vibraphone and bass dancing together with the rest of the players following close behind...a great jam feel that makes it evident the band is enjoying playing together. "Syndrome" picks up the pace with Metheny relentlessly taking the reigns for part of the song before sharing some clock time with Burton.

The disc's encore "Question and Answer," proves to be the most intense song of all, giving the crowd (and listeners at home) thirteen minutes of these polished pro's playing to perfection.  Everyone shares stage time as equals and it’s obvious the crowd enjoys it, giving appreciative cheer after some delicious guitar play served up Metheny style. I have no doubt that the audience of this show had as great a time listening as they did watching. The drummer pounded circles around almost any conventional rock drummer you can think of and the band did a great job balancing the scales between the fantastic talent of these musicians.  The song and CD ends by fading out to the sound of enthusiastic applause.

I would recommended this disc for fans of the gentler side of jazz, and for fans of Metheny (Meth-heads would probably make for a poor fan club name, maybe methaniacs?).  This CD has hooks sweeter than Fun-Dip...you remember Fun-Dip? Who could get away with giving you flavored sugar in a pouch, then throw in a candy stick made of sugar to eat the other sugar with? A genius, that's who, I salute you inventor of Fun-Dip, but like too much of any good thing the CD's overall feel is vibraphone- heavy which is not to everyone’s liking and can come off sounding wimpy (including listening cohort Archie),  The musicianship and melody of the entire band makes this journey worthwhile. Crowd noise on this disc is minimal...if anything a little too polite. The live part does add a fun element to the disc, and the sound quality is fantastic!