CRYSTAL SILENCE

Gary Burton/Chick Corea (ECM Records 1024 ST)

This vinyl reissue of a Gary Burton/ Chick Corea duo recording is stunning! The superior recording technology is evident in both analog (LP) and digital (download) formats. The volume levels on both the piano and vibraphone increase and decrease with restrained precision. The deft mic placement manages to capture the glow of the vibes and the crispness of the piano. My pressing was devoid of any surface noises, hisses or pops. First recorded in 1972 and produced by Eicher, the session was completed in a single day at Arne Bendiksen Studio (Oslo Norway). Initially, the expectations for commercial success were underwhelming, but the album has evolved into a long-term success for ECM as well as for Burton and Corea, who developed a lifetime creative partnership, due to the innate creative dynamics and complementary instrumental styles. Robbie Gerson