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This CD features Gary Burton's vibes and Makoto Ozone's piano in ten classical duos with jazz improvisations. The two styles have never merged with more soul, spirit, or, well, virtuosity, and the material is rich and varied enough to please fans of both. It begins with one of Maurice Ravel's most popular compositions, Le Tombeau de Couperin, which in these masterful hands sparkles as it flows, reminding listeners why Ravel's harmonies inspired so many jazz musicians. The collection includes a thunderous Rachmaninoff prelude leavened with swing and a Latin feel, a Brazilian take on Brahms, the lush and passionate tango 'Milonga,' a gorgeous, extended medley from the opera Lakme with a familiar second part (arranged by Jay Kennedy, who worked on four of the tracks here), and a Samuel Barber gem where it's hard to tell the original from the improvisation. There are two beauties by George Gershwin, whose 1924 'Rhapsody in Blue' first collapsed the wall between jazz and classical music; Burton and Ozone add new bluesiness to his 'Prelude No. 2' and comment brilliantly on his 'Piano Concerto in F.'
On Sonata K20, they soften Scarlatti's starchy edges with sensuous Latin figures. In yet another pleasing segue - this CD is very well-paced - this is followed by a rare 'Impromptu,' all shifting, Debussy-like pastels until Ozone introduces some barrelhouse piano.
The closer is Ozone's quiet, haunting 'Something Borrowed, Something Blue,' which was inspired by the project itself. Burton and Ozone produce a fulsome, totally satisfying sound, and their fluidity and grace are astonishing. Burton's extensive notes explain the selections and approach to each piece, deepening the experience. A stunning accomplishment, and highly recommended. Judith Schlesinger.
's last thematic project -- in a series that began with 1993's -- was in 2003. It spawned singles, a world tour documented on DVD, and plenty of product to tide the faithful over. It contains show tunes such as 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Music of the Night' (already compiled on from 1998), and music from her thematic solo recordings: there are four whopping cuts from, or as we in the U.S. And must need more time to cook up their new project, otherwise this singles collection wouldn't be necessary to tide her fans over. This set can be considered the companion disc to 2001's Classics. 
45434M Gary Burton / Makoto Ozone - Virtuosi (CD) 12.98 10.33 USD InStock /Sales/Presidents-Day-Weekend /Genre/Jazz /Music Categories/Jazz-Instrument-Vibraphone-Marimba /Sales/Over-20-Off-Music-CDs /Sales/Presidents-Day-Music-CDs JazzTimes: '.The delight on VIRTUOSI is in how well the 'changes' written by composers like Ravel, Brahms, Barber and Rachmaninoff lend themselves to jazz improv.' Concord Records CD Jazz Gary-Burton-Makoto-Ozone 2008-03-24.
If there is one word to describe the Gary Burton & Makoto Ozone Duets, it’s virtuosity. They improvise on any kind of music from traditional jazz, to tango and classical themes, always pushing each other to new and greater heights. Vibraphonist and 2016 NEA Jazz Master Gary Burton is a living legend in jazz. The recipient of seven Grammy® awards, he is known as an innovator for his pioneering four-mallet vibraphone technique as well as his groundbreaking ensembles, which introduced dozens of young stars.
Prolific composer, arranger, and pianist Makoto Ozone is the premier star of the jazz scene in Japan. In the past decade he has also become a frequent guest soloist with orchestras in Japan and Europe, as well as a regular guest soloist with the New York Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphonies.Gary Burton has announced his retirement from touring after completing tours of USA and Japan with friend and 30-year collaborator, Makoto Ozone.