A Genuine Tong Funeral

by Gary Burton

A Genuine Tong Funeral cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: October 1968
  • Label: RCA Victor
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 43:45
  • Community rating: 3.97/5 from 5 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Composed entirely by the brilliant Carla Bley, this darkly theatrical suite pushes the vibraphonist's quartet into deeply intricate, avant-garde territory. The ensemble, expanded with prominent horn players including Gato Barbieri, expertly navigates shifting tempos and dramatic, often ominous atmospheres, blurring the lines between modern jazz and contemporary classical.

Genres

Descriptors: instrumental

Tracklist

  1. The Opening / Interlude (Shovels) / The Survivors / Grave Train (6:38)
  2. Death Rolls (1:35)
  3. Morning, Pt. 1 (1:43)
  4. Interlude: "Lament" Intermission Music (4:29)
  5. Silent Spring (8:00)
  6. Fanfare / Mother of the Dead Man (2:51)
  7. Some Dirge (7:50)
  8. Morning, Pt. 2 (1:17)
  9. The New Funeral March (2:40)
  10. The New National Anthem / The Survivors (6:38)

Credits

  • Gary Burton - primary artist, vibraphone [vibes]
  • Steve Swallow - bass
  • Carla Bley - composed by, piano, organ, conductor, sleeve notes
  • Lonesome Dragon - drums
  • Larry Coryell - guitar
  • Steve Lacy - soprano saxophone
  • Gato Barbieri - tenor saxophone
  • Jimmy Knepper - trombone

More from Gary Burton: full discography