Knowing the music of Rusty's father, David Burge caused me to blindly assume the son would possess
the genetic genius passed on from Dad. I love to be right.  From the first note I was compelled to stop, do nothing but listen and drink in the fluid and exciting phrasing,the sensitivity to  the emotional expression and the infallable precision that lives in Rusty Burge. 
   The "contrast" , especially the Viola of Belinda Reuning Burge, was like a thrilling meal...different  tastes...all good. To this listener, when jazz and classical are this good...they can happily co-exist as neighbors.  I am giving this CD to both my Jazz Geek friends and Classical Nerd pals this year, as I know they will all tell me, I'm right. This is a glorious birthing of a monumental and complete musician.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Highlighting and celebrating the distinct, nimble and crisp voice of mallet percussion, University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music faculty member, Rusty Burge, assembles a first-class collection contemporary classical chamber works as well as a wide-ranging palette of jazz that dances from clever, frolicking, light-footed numbers to explorative, resonant and reflective pieces, revealing the exceptionally dynamic possibilities of marimba and vibraphone. An album with a long-arcing vision, "Contrast" exceeds its name with remarkable color and variance delivered with palpable conviction and precision. But Burge's expression and artistry only begin at his technical mastery and are carried forward with his insightful feeling for and presence with the music. Burge does not simply deliver these vivid pieces, he inhabits them and, like the best of the best, he is inseparable from the performance, instilling the emotion and soul into these works as living, breathing entities. One gets the sense of these pieces being cradled and cared for then cast like a stone that draws perfect concentric circles in the water. Nevertheless, however one perceives it, "Contrast" is a must for classical and jazz percussion enthusiasts.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Rusty Burge's "Contrast" is a fantastic album.  Having heard Rusty play live in Cincinnati for a number of years, it's a real treat finally having a permanent copy to remind and refresh me on his varied and important work in the worlds of percussion and jazz.  Other Cincinnati greats such as Dan Dorff, the PGC, Mark Wolfley, and Mike Sharfe appear in most of the numbers.  I've left it in the percussion studio at school and everyone listens to it all the time and they LOVE it.  It's a pleasure to introduce others to Rusty's music.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I wasn't familiar with the work of Rusty or his father before this CD, but now I'm keeping an eye out for both their recordings. The playing is masterful.
                            Read more...