80/81 concludes with Pat bringing it all together with acoustic guitars. For all of the different aspects of jazz (and “jazz folk”) on display on this record, there’s something about Metheny’s final song that really does feel like a true, integrated conclusion. Certainly all of these years of listening haveRead More

A definite 80/81 standout track, “Every Day (I Thank You)” features Michael Brecker at his most expressive. There are many interviews out there where Pat runs out of superlatives when talking about Brecker’s work on this song. It’s not hard to see why. You May Also Like: Pat Metheny, MayRead More

Sometimes, it’s all about Ornette. On the whole, 80/81 comfortably visits “out” material and more straight ahead jazz, with a healthy introduction to Pat’s idea of “folk jazz.” Some of the glue that holds all of this together is the influence of Ornette Coleman. You May Also Like: Why YouRead More

There are many reasons to look wistfully back at this ensemble, thinking of how great it would have been to see them perform live. That list is tops out with “Open.” You May Also Like: Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I’ll Never Forget How ‘Wish’ Scuffed Up Joshua Redman’sRead More

Like a lot of young guys growing up in the 70s, I fell in love with the electric guitar. I didn’t get my first instrument until my late teens and really didn’t start playing in earnest until my early 20s. You May Also Like: Why You Should Give Pat Metheny’sRead More

A fairly traditional jazz ballad, “The Bat” tells its tale in a slightly unconventional way. You May Also Like: ‘Bright Size Life’ Gave Early Definition to Pat Metheny’s Incredible Career Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I’ll Never Forget Pat Metheny – ‘MoonDial’ (2024)

I have to admit that intellectually, I was not prepared for 80/81. I had not yet listened to enough jazz music. American Garage, First Circle, Kind of Blue and Weather Report’s 8:30 rounded out nearly my entire listening discography. It just wasn’t enough. And even when I finally took theRead More

At first, you might think that New Chautauqua was going to fade out in a series of simple reveries. I would have been fine with that, because that set of ringing arpeggios have that kind of searching quality You May Also Like: Why Pat Metheny’s ‘New Chautauqua’ Still Provides anRead More

As an example of extraordinary beauty emanating from simplicity, it’s hard to top “Sueño con México.” In my mind, it nestles quietly alongside pieces such as Miles’ “So What” and Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” You May Also Like: Why Pat Metheny’s ‘New Chautauqua’ Still Provides an Important Refuge Pat Metheny,Read More

For many years, I longed for those early Pat Metheny concerts, when “Phase Dance” was always played. OK, I still do, but there have been a few instances where the song has popped up You May Also Like: Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I’ll Never Forget Why You ShouldRead More