Define Your Metheny

[Joel]

If you are to define yourself in Pat Metheny's music what would it be?

Yes, only one song...and I know its hard.

Pat Metheny's music being indescribable has probably covered the most styles in Jazz, so I'm sure each member here has either one or few of Pat's music that they would listen to.

[omar zamora]

I can't say I'm much of a Metheny fan, but if I had to choose, I'd go with 'Song X', though I haven't heard his collab with Derek Bailey.

[clifton]

I'm a serious Metheny fan, but the scope of his work is so vast. I have trouble defining myself in one song. If I must, it's "Long Time No See" from the great "Song X" album. But that's an Ornette tune, so if it's one of Pat's tunes, I'll go with "80/81".

[ppjazz]

While enjoying all flavors of Pat Metheny's music ventures, I prefer the works he has done with Lyle Mays and the PMG.

Great jazz always helps me realize my "second wind" of listening pleasure. But with PMG you go beyond---you get your "Third Wind."

[omar zamora]

Originally posted by ppjazz
While enjoying all flavors of Pat Metheny's music ventures, I prefer the works he has done with Lyle Mays and the PMG.

Great jazz always helps me realize my "second wind" of listening pleasure. But with PMG you go beyond---you get your "Third Wind."

Hey ppjazz - I'm assuming this is the same ppjazz from cdnow. This is sozamora.

So, I got the new Metheny Group cd, and it didn't work too well for me. Is there maybe a better Group cd for a jaded free-improv type guy to try to understand them better? A few people whose tastes I respect dig this group - that's why I ask.

(btw, I dug the hell outta Cuong Vu's before he joined the group)

[jazzdude]

Just pulled out a bunch of PMG CDs, checking out the titles. Without a doubt it would be "Red Sky," (politically speaking) from "We Live Here."

[jazzdude]

In regards to "Speaking of Now:" Yeah, I was not initially impressed with it either. In the last month or so it has kind of snuck up on me.

I find that I really get into it playing it loud while driving around on the freeways in Southern California. It's one of those discs that took awhile for it to grow on me.

It still is far from being the best PMG record. "Letter From Home" is the one!

[ppjazz]

Originally posted by omar zamora


Hey ppjazz - I'm assuming this is the same ppjazz from cdnow. This is sozamora.

So, I got the new Metheny Group cd, and it didn't work too well for me. Is there maybe a better Group cd for a jaded free-improv type guy to try to understand them better? A few people whose tastes I respect dig this group - that's why I ask.

(btw, I dug the hell outta Cuong Vu's before he joined the group)

Nice to hear from you and this site as a very nice discussion board interface.

Your assessment of PMG's "Speaking ..." is not surprising and is what I would have expected. I've simply been in love with the music that has eminated from the long standing relationship of Pat and Lyle Mays and had the opportunity to see two of PMG's "Speaking of Now" 3-hour concerts this year. They were simply incredible and Cuong Vu's trumpet gets a lot of exposure on the tour. And PMG's new drummer, Antonio Sanchez, has to be seen to be believed. But the bottom line for me is that without Lyle Mays there would be no PMG.

Speaking of Mays, I'd be a bit surprised if you weren't impressed with the solo work of Lyle Mays. It often broaches the boundaries between jazz and classical music, featuring a lot of free expression (i.e., 2000's Warner Bros release "Solo: Improvisations From Expanded Piano).

Metheny music followers come in three flavors these days. It's not unusual for them to have a love-hate attitude toward the other flavors, whether PMG, the ECM recordings and his plethora more traditional stuff. Of PMG stuff I would suspect that perhaps the only one you might enjoy would be "Imaginary Day" and possibly the "OffRamp" release back in the early '80's.

Pat's trio stuff may be worth listening to as well, particularly "Question & Answer" and/or the more recent "Trio 99-00" studio recording or the "live" version of the trio's tour in a 2-CD set. Lyle Mays also has a fabulous trio release available entitled "Fictionary" featuring drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Marc Johnson. He displays somewhat of a Keith Jarrett-influence on this one, but I can't say for sure whether Jarrett is a main influence. It's what others have alluded to though. Personally I consider him one of the finest pianists in jazz of the past twenty-five years who deserves much wider recognition. Regardless ot others feelings, he simply presses all the right buttons with yours truly.

Sorry for being so long-winded here, but it's a very nice site.

[Pharaohrock]

I would define myself as his solo on Lonnie's Lament from the Kenny Garrett record "Pursuance".....completely passionate and unrelenting. Full of L I F E!

[jazzdude]

I saw the PMG last spring. Three hours non stop of performance. One of the best concerts I've been to.

I have all the PMG CDs you reference, plus "Fictionary." On that disc the playing is much more reminiscent of Bill Evans than Keith Jarrett, IMO. But, hey, Evans heavily influenced Jarrett, too.

I hated "Imignary Day." I thought it was a mess. Pretentious. Overproduced.

I've been a big fan of the Group since 1977 and their first album. My favorite Group and Metheny discs: "Letter From Home," "Still Life Talking," "Secret Story," "Question and Answer," and a few others that don't come to mind right now.

[jazzypaul]

I have to agree with Pharoahrock on this one. Lonnie's Lament, with that guitar synth solo. Oh man, that brings me to new heights. Metheny on the guitar synth period. I never thought I'd hear myself say anything nice about anyone's synth, but Metheny, once again, defies expectation...

[JorisF]

Questions and Answers, defenitly Questions and Answers.
Any quesions?

Cheers,
Joris

[lorenzini]

It doesn't hurt that I also love to ski to it! One time that I did so in recent memory, I came down from the peak of Big Sky in Montana, streaking down through wisps of clouds on a narrow strip of hardpack and ice that hadn't been windblown off the mountain. The sense of freedom, and the exhileration of being alive is unforgettabe, and is captured exactly by this music.

This is what music is all about!

I can't wait the next time I go skiing. I've never listened to music when I skied before. I really should. Sort of off-topic, but what is your favorite mountain? Jackson Hole is mine and I've been all over the east and west coast.

[lorenzini]

Bowls are heaven! This may sound stupid, but bowls are the ultimate paradox! Stand still and they are the most peaceful place you can be at any given moment. Get going and it can be the most intense thing you've ever done!

It's GREAT! I have skied both Alta and Snowbird. Mineral Basin is very cool. I am partial to steeps and bumps, so Snowbird and Jackson are great. I also love trams, and Jackson Hole certainly has that. Have you tried Corbet's Couliour at Jackson? They require a certain amount of snow for the average public to go down it, but it starts off with a 7-10 foot drop into a narrow chute. INSANE!

If I remember correctly, Alta has large Gondolas to the top of the very windy and varied terrain from the peak.

I'm not sure that I would enjoy skiing more with or without music. Certainly driving a car is more fun with music (IMO). So is walking or running (IMO!!!).

The iPod sounds AWESOME for skiing. No moving parts, no hassle, a beautiful time.

[marxmarvelous]

Metheny Trio - be it Grenadier/Stewart, McBride/Sanchez or Colley/Sanchez -- is where its at for me.

[François]

This song by the PMG is the first one i've heard 16 years ago and it's still the one that represent for me everything that Metheny is about; it is atmospheric, lyrical with a nice tempo and a wonderful solo that says so much !

the defitive version of this song is the one on Travels: 9:18 and you would want it to on go forever ! By the way, this double CD is a must for all Metheny fans ! :guitar:

But, i'm sure if you ask the same question to any Metheny fan next year: they will all answer: The Way Up !

[Jimmy James]

I've recently got into Metheny and now i cant get enough, although I havent heard the majority of his work (that will change) the albums ive got are Bright Size life, Beyond Misourri Sky, First Circle (dont like this one much), Imaginary Day, Pat Metheny Group (the white album), The Road to You Live and Tri 99->00. Ive also got the speaking of now live DVD which is incredible.

Out of the group stuff, Imaginary Day is probably my favourite. so atmospheric, modern, original and i just love the world music influence too. I dont know why alot of people dont like it. Bright Size Life also has a special aura around it too. Trio 99 00 is just scarey. If i had to pick a favoruite song it would probably be The heart of the Day or Sirrabhorn. So what do you guys think my next Metheny purchase should be? Maybe Question and Answer?

[jkelman]

Out of the group stuff, Imaginary Day is probably my favourite. so atmospheric, modern, original and i just love the world music influence too. I dont know why alot of people dont like it. Bright Size Life also has a special aura around it too. Trio 99 00 is just scarey. If i had to pick a favoruite song it would probably be The heart of the Day or Sirrabhorn. So what do you guys think my next Metheny purchase should be? Maybe Question and Answer?

I'd pick up the double live disk Travels, from '83 on ECM. "Farmer's Trust," which makes its first appearance on this album, is a real highlight of his career IMO. Travels is still one of my favourites of his...and I'm with you on Imaginary Day being another one.
Best!
John

[justHerb]

"Are You Going With Me?"

[Mark13]

This is an easy question for me. I was 20 and very unhappy with most current rock and pop music when I first heard "Are You Going With Me?" on a winter-evening in 1986. It was the version of that is on "Offramp" (which Metheny himself is not too happy about!!!) and it changed my life. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I bought "Offramp" the next day, and Lyle Mays ' debut a couple of days later and then Miles' "Decoy" and "Kind of Blue" and that was it. I was hooked on jazz...

[Saxman]

I like the Group records AND the solo projects of Metheny. I guess that means I pretty much like it all!

[yawuh]

I've never been attracted to his consonant, americana-type Group records. I much prefer him in either an avant-garde setting, or doing standards (as in that dazzling trio record with Holland and Haynes). And every now and then he does a great guest spot on someone else's record.

[jazz_man]

This is an easy question for me. I was 20 and very unhappy with most current rock and pop music when I first heard "Are You Going With Me?" on a winter-evening in 1986. It was the version of that is on "Offramp" (which Metheny himself is not too happy about!!!) and it changed my life. It literally brought tears to my eyes. I bought "Offramp" the next day, and Lyle Mays ' debut a couple of days later and then Miles' "Decoy" and "Kind of Blue" and that was it. I was hooked on jazz...


Hey Mark13, that's a great story. Wish more people could be turned on to jazz!!

As far as my favorite PM, I would have to go with his recording of Horace Silver's "Lonely Woman" from Rejoicing. The most difficult thing to play is a ballad, its really a true test. His tone is gorgeous.

[lorenzini]

Good story Mark13 :)

I wasn't fortunate enough to be turned onto jazz in such a way.

[Joel]

a thread over 3 years old and I can't even answer it.
:D

theres just too many although "Change Of Heart" is one of my most frequently played song from the Question and Answer album.

I also love So May It Secretly Begin (from Still Life) and the live straight ahead version from Trio Live.

JimmyJames,
mate, you can't go wrong with Question And Answer especially if you're
into straight ahead/post bop style.

[AdamJV]

Pat Metheny has to be the most schizophrenic artist in jazz music. I have or have heard quite a few of his albums, and there are often two or three gems mixed with a load of bland pap. 'First Circle' is a case in point; 'If I Could' is probably my favourite Metheny track but the majority of the album is pretty poor. I quite like his 'Secret Story' although again it is a mixed bag, and I like 'I Can See Your House From Here' with John Scofield. I haven't got any of his 'proper jazz' records though, maybe I should check them out...

[Old Pa]

On vinyl. :D

[Saxman]

Pat Metheny has to be the most schizophrenic artist in jazz music. I have or have heard quite a few of his albums, and there are often two or three gems mixed with a load of bland pap. 'First Circle' is a case in point; 'If I Could' is probably my favourite Metheny track but the majority of the album is pretty poor. I quite like his 'Secret Story' although again it is a mixed bag, and I like 'I Can See Your House From Here' with John Scofield. I haven't got any of his 'proper jazz' records though, maybe I should check them out...

Try the Rarum Metheny ECM sampler from last year: has many of the gems from his output on that label.

[tpt1]

Right now listening to the new one, The Way Up, and it's quite an adventure. Goes well with southern Australian wine. :smokin: