In some ways,
Duster can be considered one of the first fusion records. Vibraphonist
Gary Burton had just added the young rock/blues guitarist
Larry Coryell to his quartet (which also included bassist
Steve Swallow and drummer
Roy Haynes), and
Coryell's influence can be felt throughout the performances. Highlights include
Michael Gibbs' "Sweet Rain,"
Swallow's "General Mojo's Well Laid Plan,"
Coryell's exploratory and speedy "One, Two, 1-2-3-4," and
Carla Bley's "Sing Me Softly of the Blues." Although
Burton's basic sound had not changed during from the previous year, his openness toward other styles made his Quartet one of the most significant jazz groups of the period. This was the first of the four
Burton-
Coryell recordings.