Rarum 4: Selected Recordings

Among others he is joined by bassists Eberhard Weber and Steve Swallow, guitarists Mick Goodrick and Pat Metheny and pianist Makato Ozone--that last foreshadowing more recent collaborations--and their performances are in keeping with their heavyweight reputations. So consistent is the music despite its variety of mood and texture that it is difficult to nominate highlights, but the Charles Mingus composition "Duke Ellington's Sound of Love" is outstanding, as is "La Divetta" with Ozone and that excellent saxophonist Tommy Smith.

The playing throughout is of the highest quality, transcending the somewhat dated quality of a few of the arrangements or conceptions, and in all respects that matter this is timeless fare. If you're new to Burton, this is the perfect introduction to a great jazzman, and so satisfying is the compilation that it is hardly less recommended to those who may have one or two of the tracks already. --Richard Palmer