Jazz Articles about Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny: Trio 99>00

by John Sharpe
March 1, 2000

Every so often Pat Metheny dispenses with the synths, brass and wordless vocals and gets back to basics. Invariably, this minimalist approach yields a top-notch jazz recording. Such is the case with Trio 99>00. Working with bassist Larry Grenadier and fiery drummer Bill Stewart, Metheny steps forward and demonstrates that he still has the chops to be considered among the front ranks of modern guitarists. His cool, melodious lines snap with renewed vigour, the interplay between his sidemen, especially Stewart, ...

Pat Metheny: Trio 99-00

by C. Andrew Hovan
March 1, 2000

There's really no surefire way to avoid all the hyperbole when discussing the exploits of the multi-faceted Pat Metheny. He is a genuine musician in all sense of the word, capable of distinguishing himself in everything he does, from soundtracks to avant-garde jazz. That he also happens to hit on a judicious mix that finds him popular with those who probably couldn't tell the difference between John Coltrane and Sonny Stitt is not an accident. For all his technical proficiency ...

David Liebman: The Elements: Water

by Glenn Astarita
May 1, 1999

Soprano sax icon and modern jazz pioneer Dave Liebman teams up with the equally talented and famous jazz guitarist Pat Metheny for their first ever recording. Liebman’s “”The Elements: Water” represents the first in a projected series of recordings dedicated to the elements. Liebman states in the liners: ... The music “all derives from the opening solo guitar theme” and continues with: “Every composition is based on a different harmonic aspect of this melody”. The first piece “Water: Giver Of ...

David Liebman: The Elements: Water

by Jim Santella
March 1, 1999

Influenced by John Coltrane, Lennie Tristano, and Charles Lloyd, then having interned with Elvin Jones and Miles Davis, saxophonist Dave Liebman has a lot to draw from when he sits down at the piano to compose. More about the session’s leader may be found at www.arkadiarecords.com . This album is just the first of four jazz suites to be created by Liebman; music that wakes up the listener’s imagination and successfully folds in modern mainstream jazz with tone poem imagery. ...

David Liebman: The Elements: Water

by Jack Bowers
February 1, 1999

Water, the first of four Jazz suites by Dave Liebman inspired by the elements (Earth, Air and Fire are to follow) is designed to evoke images of water in its many forms and guises, from tranquil to chaotic, rivulet to ocean, droplet to deluge. Does it achieve its purpose? Perhaps so. But others will have to make that assessment. I’ve always had trouble with tone poems, classical or any other kind. Even with program in hand, they usually sound like ...

Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny: Beyond the Missouri Sky

by Dave Hughes
December 1, 1997

Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny, both Missouri natives and best friends, join forces for a mostly acoustic duet album. All of the tunes were recorded as duets for acoustic bass and guitar, and on roughly half of the tunes, Metheny overdubbed some “orchestral" backgrounds on synclavier or an additional acoustic guitar part. But these additions simply add texture and shading, and do not overplay the primary voices of the bass and guitar.

Sytlistically, this album is a departure for both ...

Pat Metheny / Charlie Haden: Beyond the Missouri Sky (Short Stories)

by Robert Middleton
November 1, 1997

On my first listen or two this album seemed at best to be pleasant background music. And it can certainly can be that. It's languid, relaxed melodies don't demand that you take special notice. Perfect music for a quite evening at home or a slow Sunday afternoon. But if that's all you got it would be a shame indeed. This is a very sweet collaboration between two musicians who love and respect each other and each other's music. Drawing from ...