Pat Metheny: Side-Eye 3 +

Pat Metheny's Side Eye ensemble surfaced in 2016. Its mission was to introduce a younger set of musicians to his music. It began as an organ trio, though the piano and synths—and much more—have since found their place in the unit.

Side Eye VI.IV, NYC (Modern Recordings, 2021) introduced the group in a live setting, dishing up a modern take on the time-tested organ trio format. Metheny can always be counted on for creating an atmosphere of positivity, from his Bright Size Life (ECM, 1974) through his new-millennium creations, including the expansive From This Place (Nonesuch, 2020). He thrives artistically in a pared-down mode in his numerous solo outings, his quartet, the Side Eye projects, and now with Side Eye 3 +. an album that embraces—much as From This Place did—a big, luminous sound via the layering of diverse inputs. He adds a bass to bring some heft to the sound, and he brings in a gospel choir to apply smooth harmonic curtains of sound—nine voices used with a subtle touch, sometimes almost a subliminal sound, making a soft, wavering, Northern Light coloration. And there is the elegance of the harp (Brandee Younger) and the street feel of the accordion (Vincent Peirani).

As it is with the voices, Metheny's synths, along with the keyboard enhancements by group member Chris Fishman, the harp and the accordion and Joe Dyson's drums collaborate to make a world of sound. Metheny's larger group albums—where he collates and layers diverse sounds—are master classes in sonic world-building. Those worlds circle a benevolent, temperate sun that shines on a utopia. Sitting down to listen to a Metheny album is always uplifting.

"In On It" opens the album on a sparkling forward momentum. Metheny's arrangements are consistently enchanting. The complexities he presents are an easy, joyful listen; the depths are endless. So much is going on. Soundapes emerge, even when it is just the organ trio. Then they broaden and encompass everything from horizon to horizon.

"Make A New World" is a smooth collage. The core trio is in a relaxed mood, in the beginning.. Human voices emerge—gentle and gospel-tinged, announcing an opening of the gate of Heaven. "Urban And Western" has a comforting, folksy feel, floating on the soft, cool clouds that organist James Francies plays. This swells into full-blown gospel mode, the choir, joined by San Diego-based vocalist Leonard Patton, feeling the Holy Spirit, and shouting it out.

At this point, after a career that goes back to the 1970s, Metheny has become, deservedly, a jazz legend. His music is complex and at the same time accessible. It is uplifting in a time—2026—that begs for a lift up above the fray of political corruption, cruelty and deceit. It is a potion. Apply liberally..

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