Gary Burton"s selection for ECM"s rarum series anthologizes nine selections he recorded for the company between 1972 and 1987. Burton chose them himself (he also contributes an incisive and stylish essay surveying the music and the bands represented), and the result is an absorbing, wide-ranging portrait of his middle years, by the end of which he was well on the way to being the only vibist to seriously rival Milt Jackson. Amongst others he is joined by bassists Eberhard Weber and Steve Swallow, guitarists Mick Goodrick and Pat Metheny, and pianist Makoto Ozone--that last foreshadowing more recent collaborations--and the performances are in keeping with the musicians" 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 the 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