A Genuine Tong Funeral Explained

A Genuine Tong Funeral
Type:	Album
Artist:	Gary Burton
Cover:	A Genuine Tong Funeral.jpg
Released:	1968
Recorded:	July 1967
Genre:	Jazz
Length:	43:35
Label:	RCA
Producer:	Brad McCuen
Chronology:	Gary Burton
Prev Title:	Lofty Fake Anagram
Prev Year:	1967
Next Title:	Gary Burton Quartet in Concert
Next Year:	1968

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.^[1] 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

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4½ stars, 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".^[2]

Track listing

All compositions by Carla Bley.

1. "The Opening / Interlude : Shovels / The Survivors / Grave Train" - 6:37
2. "Death Rolls" - 1:36
3. "Morning (Part 1)" - 1:43
4. "Interlude : Lament / Intermission Music" - 4:28
5. "Silent Spring" - 7:58
6. "Fanfare / Mother of the Dead Man" - 2:51
7. "Some Dirge" - 7:47
8. "Morning (Part 2)" - 1:17
9. "The New Funeral March" - 2:40
10. "The New National Anthem / The Survivors" - 6:34

• Recorded in New York City in July 1967.

Personnel

• Gary Burton – vibraphone
• Michael Mantler – trumpet
• Jimmy Knepper – trombone, bass trombone
• Howard Johnson – tuba, baritone saxophone
• Steve Lacy – soprano saxophone
• Gato Barbieri – tenor saxophone
• Carla Bley – piano, organ, conductor
• Larry Coryell – guitar
• Steve Swallow – double bass
• Bob Moses – drums^[3]

Further reading

• Burks . John . January 4, 1969 . A Genuine Tong Funeral . . San Francisco . Straight Arrow Publishers, Inc. .

Notes and References

1. http://www.garyburton.com/display_page.php?id=3 Gary Burton discography
2. Yanow, S. Allmusic Review accessed November 21, 2011
3. On 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