Monthly Record Guide: Jazz (6)

Jazz The Gary Burton Quartet: "Picture This.'' Gary Burton, vibraharp; Jim Odgren, alto saxophone; Steve Swallow, bass guitar; Mike Hyman, drums. (ECM-1-1226) - Burton's music is a study in smooth, finely chisled perfection. This session presents nothing new, just pleasant, skillfully played music - somewhat impersonal and detached. Jim Odgren's buttery, sweet sound combines well with Burton's dry sound on the vibes, and Swallow and Hyman are perfect partners in taste and discretion. It's the overall sound with this music, rather than the individual soloists' contributions, that give it its own special character. For those who like their music subdued and polished, this is a fine album. For the rest of us, it's a bit bloodless.