Review: 'Quartet Live'

"Quartet Live" is a voice from the past that is not old at all. Guitarist Pat Metheny started to create a name for himself in the mid-'70s in the group of vibraphonist Gary Burton. This album is a reunion that shows their great understanding for each other's music and, yet, their own individuality.

"Olhos de Gato," for instance, features a Metheny solo that perfectly fits the sound of the quartet, but could well be something from one of his own albums.

Burton is his usual virtuosic self, creating almost ethereal beauty on "Coral" but being quick and precise on "Missouri Uncompromised."

The quartet gives its own sound to Duke Ellington's "African Flower." Also featured in this session at Yoshi's in Oakland, Calif., are bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Antonio Sanchez. It is available Tuesday.

Gary Burton and Pat Metheny (Concord)