A Genuine Tong Funeral is an album by vibraphonist Gary Burton featuring compositions by Carla Bley, recorded in 1967 and released on the RCA label in 1968.Gary Burton discography accessed November 21, 2011 It features Burton with Bley herself on keyboards and conducting an expanded ensemble consisting of trumpeter Michael Mantler, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, tenor saxophonist Gato Barbieri, soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, baritone saxophonist Howard Johnson, guitarist Larry Coryell, bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bob Moses.
Reception
AllMusic awarded the album 4½ stars, with Scott Yanow stating: "One of vibraphonist Gary Burton's most intriguing recordings... The music is dramatic, occasionally a little humorous, and a superb showcase for Gary Burton's vibes".Yanow, S. Allmusic Review accessed November 21, 2011
Track listing All compositions by Carla Bley. "The Opening / Interlude : Shovels / The Survivors / Grave Train" - 6:37 "Death Rolls" - 1:36 "Morning (Part 1)" - 1:43 "Interlude : Lament / Intermission Music" - 4:28 "Silent Spring" - 7:58 "Fanfare / Mother of the Dead Man" - 2:51 "Some Dirge" - 7:47 "Morning (Part 2)" - 1:17 "The New Funeral March" - 2:40 "The New National Anthem / The Survivors" - 6:34 Recorded in New York City in July 1967.
Personnel Gary Burton – vibraphone Carla Bley – conductor, piano, organ Michael Mantler – trumpet Jimmy Knepper – trombone, bass trombone Howard Johnson – tuba, baritone saxophone Steve Lacy – soprano saxophone Gato Barbieri – tenor saxophone Larry Coryell – guitar Steve Swallow – double bass Bob Moses – drumsOn the album's original release Moses was credited as "Lonesome Dragon" at his request due to creative disagreements with Bley; they later reconciled and Moses became a vocal supporter of her music. See Ethan Iverson, A Lifetime of Carla Bley, The New Yorker, May 13, 2018
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