Good Morrow! A lot has happened since I last posted, all in the form of acquiring new music and listening to it. One artist I got really hip to is Pat Metheny (meaning a higher level of appreciation; I've been listening to him for a while) . Now, I should hope that most of you recognize this name, as he is one of the biggest names in modern jazz. But if you don't, learn it. He is a phenomenal guitarist, who's been around on the music scene since the mid 70s. Although he is classified as jazz, and he does play jazz, he should appeal to anybody with any music tastes. He is truly a master and pioneer of the guitar and should be appreciated for it (although he doesn't get the attention he deserves, as very few jazz musicians do these days). Whether you are into mind blowing guitar soloing, peaceful and intricate melodies, or anything else, Pat Metheny has something that will appeal to you.
Pat Metheny's music blends the jazz tradition with rock and folk traditions, synthesizing a style that is uniquely his. Unlike many older jazz musicians, he pioneered his music, breaking in many ways from older, "jazzier" traditions. The melodies of his music borrow heavily from Rock, American Folk, and Popular music. His rhythms also borrow from these styles, often progressing beyond the hard swinging sensation of the earlier artists for straighter, and often, more eclectic beats (borrowing mainly, again, from rock, pop, and folk). Of course, this does not mean he abandoned the traditional jazz feel; he often times does play with a swing feel and traditional "jazzy" melodies. Only, he puts a more modern face on it, and sometimes gets very experimental. Much of this is conveyed through the new sounds he utilizes. His sound is often very electric. He often utilizes electric bass over acoustic, and almost always adds effects to his electric guitar. His keyboardist usually plays an electric keyboard as well. Thus, whether the music is new or old, it makes its way through with the unique Metheny stamp on it.
If you want to hear what I just described (and you should!), then listen to "Trio Live," "Trio 99/00," and "80/81." All three of these albums reflect most of the characteristics mentioned above, covering a wide spectrum of styles. The first two are live albums released in 2000 with the personnel of Bill Stewart on drums and Larry Grenadier on Bass. Both feature mostly progressive, modern jazz tunes as described above, with a lot of hard blowing, especially by Metheny. 80/81 is an album released in 1980, featuring Dewey Redman and Mike Brecker on saxophones, Charlie Haden on Bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. It is a jazz album with heavy rock and folk influence, and of course, with the consistently amazing soloing from the group. Throughout these albums Metheny makes great usage of his guitar synth effect, which often adds a power to Metheny's soloing that would otherwise be inaccessible--just another one of Metheny's additions to the jazz genre. I would especially recommend listening closely to the 19 minute jazz waltz "Question and Answer" on "Trio Live." It catches the group at its most untamed and energetic, with Pat Metheny taking two monstrous solos: one with an electric guitar, and a second humbling (to you) solo with the guitar synth added. Again, no matter what type of music you listen to, you should not miss out on any of these albums. I guarantee you that you will find something you like.
As always, check out youtube and grooveshark to listen to this music.
