NOVEMBER 20

         GARY BURTON
   A Genuine Tong Funeral
           Recording Date:
              November 20, 1967

          Personnel:
             Gato Barbieri     TS
             Carla Bley        O,P,K
             Gary Burton        VB
             Larry Coryell       G
             Howard Johnson  BS,TU
             Jimmy Knepper   TB
             Steve Lacy          SS
             Lonesome Dragon Ds
             Michael Mantler TP
            Bobby Moses     D
            Steve Swallow   B

LINK 

Reviewby Scott Yanow

One of vibraphonist Gary Burton's most intriguing recordings, A Genuine Tong Funeral (Carla Bley's suite which musically depicts attitudes toward death) was called by its composer a "Dark Opera Without Words." Burton's classic Quartet (which also includes guitarist Larry Coryell, bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bob Moses) is augmented by six notable all-stars: soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, trumpeter Mike Mantler, Gato Barbieri on tenor, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, Howard Johnson on tuba and baritone and Bley herself on piano and organ. The music is dramatic, occasionally a little humorous, and a superb showcase for Gary Burton's vibes.