So many great pianists make beautiful music that they are playing to themselves, others while playing to their audience, Lyle sounds like he is playing to me as an individual. His style is like a conversation, not a speech.
@@MsRiccig Mays/Metheny tribute to Evans - September 15th. Equally beautiful to Evans. Why can't more than one artist be considered "nothing more beautiful than"?
RIP Lyle. One of the best piano solos he did with the group. Also love the Roland synth solo by Pat. I have listened to this piece hundreds of times and never tire of it.
It’s For You also. This is the first song Lyle and Pat wrote and recorded together. Before anyone tries to argue with me about it I heard it from Lyle & Pat directly. They discussed it in their podcast.
The thunder storm and rain that happens was recorded by accident. It was storming outside during the recording and was captured through an open door. They decided to keep it in the final recording and even had lighting effects that simulate the lightning during the live performance. UA-cam has one of the live performance of you search. Also, Pats podcast “Behind The Music” gives accounts by the band members on how all of the albums came to be. Many of the albums anyway.
The thunderclap makes for a perfect climax for Pat's guitar synth solo here. I've read that it was a lucky accident. They were recording in New England when a storm moved in and this was captured on tape. Not at that precise moment in the score, I'd suspect, but edited in. As you delve into Pat's ECM work, you'll see much use of such "found sounds." Train noises are a recurring theme. Echoed human voices are major sonic elements of "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Pat and Lyle wrote this after witnessing a tornado near Metheny's Kansas home. Three intervals of crowd voices mark the progress of the storm. First, the calm tones of casual conversations, then screams of anguish, then, as positive resolution, a bunch of children laughing and shrieking, playing in a pool. Those little unexpected doses of real-world sounds, a la musique concrete, were one of the most appealing aspects of the Pat Metheny Group's music. It was almost unprecedented in jazz, but it echoed the sonic collages of The Beatles later period.
This is by far my favorite Metheny tune....I used to travel regularly from Denver to Salt Lake, and I would put this CD in about the time I was entering the desert proper in Eastern Utah, about sunset, and this song, together with the desert on fire, would just transform me into a different, cosmic realm.....that little guitar riff at 16:08-09 (which you talked through...) is the most subtle little manifestation of Pat's genius in the entire piece......was cool seeing the score and your chord progression breakdown......
Doug - ya gotta do "First Circle". Melodically, Harmonically and Rhythmically - it will push all your buttons, while being so subtle you will end up just digging the ride.
@@jpwjr1199 - I hear you, man. I've been a Pat head since '84 and I would have no problem listing about a dozen must-hear tunes. His music is a gift that keeps giving.
Started listening to Pat and Company in 85'. To this day I cannot tire of any of his songs and ALWAYS find something new within them. IMO he's is among the greatest composers alive today. BTW, RIP Lyle, you were a great one and your music will live on.
The Pat Metheny Group is in my top 10. “To The End of the World” is one my favorites. I listen to it all the time, even the live performance. I backpack a lot in Shenandoah National Park and many times I come across incredible views and expanses in the middle of nowhere where. No people. This is the tune I hear in my head. I did a 45 day east-west-east cross country road trip and whenever I see mountain, lakes, rivers, and valley views, this is my theme song. It gets lots of playtime in my car. Great Reaction video oF The PMG “To The End of the World”
No mention of the instrument Pat is using : Roland G-303 guitar and GR-300 synth. This almost trumpet like sound became a kinda trademark for him when soloing . Then he pushed the limits of the unit when he connected it to the Synclavier synth modules. PMG's album Offramp has a ton of guitar synth thru out and is a sonic adventure. This finely crafted guitar along with its 2nd gen G808 and the GR300 synth unit are so different than other guitar synths and was one of the first succesfully used. Its tracking is still the best out there ! How do i know ? I have one !
Pat always starts to a travel program, then moves to an adventure or two, some more involved then the other, but then always returns you safe to the beginning♥️
The way i look at it as calm at the beginning, a calm world, Lyle's(RIP) solo slowly starts to build throughout, then Pat with his iconic Roland guitar synth sound, builds and screams then the "explosion"..... end of the world....then back to the calm of a "new" world? I saw this live and it was amazing!!!!!
First Circle will push your buttons! The Approaching Storm another good one. I can't believe I have been listening to The Pat Metheny Group since the late seventies and waiting for each new album with bated breath! He has put a lifetime of excellent music out there and It gives me great joy to listen to his music!
Huge Metheny fan here for 40 years. Great job! Love seeing and hearing someone experience this incredible music for the first time. I hope "First Circle" is your next Metheny tune. It's mind blowing when you start breaking it apart.
I've heard this hundreds of times... I even enjoy it on my longer running sessions... it's so open to interpretations, just beautiful streams of thoughts...
Great reaction to my favorite song EVER!!! I was a DJ at WUMR (formerly 91.7 FM, "The Jazz Lover") and from what I was told, I was one of the first DJ's to play "To The End of The World", live, on the air, in it's entirety. Having been a music major over 40 years ago, the progressions drove my ears insane!!! It was love at first listen. I wholeheartedly agree with your excitement regarding the song. The ONLY place we disagree is that the SOUND EFFECT sections lends itself to separating the first 10 minutes from the last 2 minutes. It was a demarcation that I thought was absolutely brilliant. I closed my radio show at midnight with the song every time I was on the air. I played it uninterrupted until the VAMP AND FADE. That's when I back announced and signed off. Thanks for your insights. Barry Ford
fantastic thing talkin bout music explaining harmonies!! and mr Doug doesnt know so much pmg! this is the best way to understand the language of artists,not only emotions, thanks soo much ciao from Italy
Hi Doug: I’m fairly new to your site. I’ve been listening to PMG ever since they joined the Jazz scene. The music you should be listening to is anything from Imaginary Day. My mother was also Classically trained and went with me to see PMG on this tour. The entire set evokes a day in the life from one morning to the next. It is what you say, sublime, especially when it passes from the night train passing into dawn.
"As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls" is another classic that should not be missed. Turn down the lights, crank up the volume and just soak in the brilliance of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. Love your show, Doug. Keep up the great work.
Agree what was already mentioned, First Circle, but also September Fifteenth (tribute to the great Bill Evans), The Roots of Coincidence, Third Wind and many more …
Been listening to Pat for 45+ years now. Have to agree with some of the other comments about "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls". The song and the album are stellar. There's so much to choose from though. "First Circle" would also be great.
“A Night Away” is very different than the two Pat Metheny cuts you’ve reviewed- he’s playing with Brad Mehldau, and it’s uptempo sublime (no I don’t know how they do it either!) You will really enjoy it, and it’ll be an interesting tune to analyze. All the best Patrick
Doug thank you so much for giving your musical interpretation of Till the End of the World. It’s one of my favorite songs. I enjoy it from a listener’s perspective but I’m not trained from a musical scholar’s perspective. It has given me an even greater appreciation for a song I love!!! Keep doing what you do!!🎼
Hi Doug. As a big time Pat Metheny fan I really enjoyed watching your reaction to " To The End Of The World" . Here's another cool song you should check out. It's from the same album and it's called "Something To Remind You". Kind regards, Onny
Since you're doing Pat Metheny, please consider doing "The Way Up." It's one long song that takes up an entire album, and it's one of the finest pieces of music of the 21st century (so far). The studio version and the live DVD version are both great.
I saw First Circle performed live. It was an amazing experience. And many are recommending it . I agree! But… few if any mention the first album with San Lorenzo, Phase Dance. I feel lucky to have seen them 3 times around the time of that album They always opened with Phase Dance… and my mind and body would just melt. After years of listening I think April Joy might be their most beautiful piece. Most dynamic ..Straight on Red. I’m not one who usually likes drum/ percussion solos… but Straight on Red ; no words for its greatness. Maybe Santana on steroids!!
Hi! In my humble opinion, the most interesting may be: 5-5-7 (Letter From Home) See the World (Secret Story) Third Wind (Still life (talking)) A Story Within the Story (Imaginary Day) When We Were Free (Quartet) Oceania (Quartet) Language of Time (Quartet) Follow Me (Imaginary Day) Wide and Far (From This Place) Are We There Yet (Letter From Home) Facing West (Secret Story) As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls () Mas Alla (Beyond) (First Circle) And thanks for all the work. I really liked the one with your friend DJ Rae who seems to like MINUANO as much as I do :-D
Doug, It's PMG for pete's sake!! These guys wrote the book on haunting melodies and rhythmic trance patterns and did I mention the vocals??? They brought to the table EVERYTHING that could work and it did! I´m hearing many suggestions below among the posts that are spot on the money and I would only add (It's Just) Talk as another one of their many masterpieces. The coolest thing about PMG is that when playing live what you hear in the album is what you get on stage. Thes dudes were playing way before sophisticated secuencing and playback track were mainstream. Enjoy any or ALL of the below mentioned. These guys got your ears covered for a looooong time.
Dear Doug, please pay your attention on Lyle Mays "Close to Home". This piece is one of the most beautiful and mysterious works written by Lyle and and performed by him usually without Pat.
I'm a Pat fan from the '80s. I'm not a musician but I enjoy hearing these songs through your knowledge base. Btw, unique sounds are part of the sound of the band. Pat embraced the way the synthesizer put its stamp on 70s and 80s pop music and Jazz-Rock fusion. I know lots of guitar purists that hate how he alters his guitar sound but I love it. The Way Up is another gem. Check it out.
You said the piece did not need the sound effects section. Close your eyes, listen again and clear your mind. Then you will understand the purpose of that section. I was lucky enough to see PMG do this live several times.
One of their best tracks, and that’s saying something. This breakdown really appealed to the geeky “ theory side “ of me. Many thanks for posting this.
Thanks for this. That's one of my favorite Metheny tracks, just unbelievably good. If you really want to dive into something *huge*, try "The Way Up". It's a composition that takes an entire CD, It's almost 70 minutes long, in 4 sections and it is the last thing Metheny and Lyle Mays did together. The structure will really interest you, I think, because you have all of these "motifs" (I believe this is the right word?) that are repeated in various forms all the way through. Just a stunning piece of music. (Metheny said that it was influenced by Steve Reich.)
So just cool Doug that you cover PMG incredible music compositions. Thank you! Am a big PMG fan for 30yrs. First Circle, Phase Dance, Roots of Coincidence, The Way Up, ...
The Major third jumps during the Pat solo is something he does very often. It has a very cool "opening up" ladder effect. I love the way you analyzed and explained it.
The experience of listening to this was a bit like what happened to me with Minuano in that I thought it took a while to get going but I enjoyed it when it did. I really like jazz but not the really busy stuff like Ornette Coleman so I should have loved this but at times I thought it was too sparse. If you want to hear great jazz featuring guitar and piano check out any of the material Bill Evans and Jim Hall did together. Absolutely fantastic.
Pat Metheny is so expressive with that Roland guitar synth, which also creates quite a contrast with his beautifully fulsome and melodic hollow-body guitar sound.
@ Paul Duerinckx Exactly. He's a phenomenal player. I remember seeing this tour and being a few rows from the stage. This tune takes you on a journey. Have you seen Rick Beato's interview with Pat? Great interview.
@@bradalker5332 Yes I have. I'm not a prolific concert goer but I've seen Pat Metheny and The Pat Metheny Group probably more than any other act. Always exceptional.
I got to see them on this tour..promoting this album..it was awesome to hear this song.Especially when it came to its peak...astoundingly. Great Review.
Doug you are a trip.Thank you so much for what you do. I love watching how you process the music. It helps ear players like myself better understand what they are doing. I would think you might listen afterward through a proper hifi speaker system and the lights down low. As much as I love my headphones, there is nothing like listening to the music as the notes literally hang in the air. No thinking. Just soak in the sonic sensations of this modern day Mozart. I share the others gratitude of your bringing this music to others and feel a genuine thrill at your obvious appreciation for how Pat and Lyle display their gift for blending melody harmony and rhythm. I know that it has transported me to a different realm for over forty years. I never fail to meet like minded devotees sharing their passion at the dozens of live shows I have had the enormous privilege of attending through out my life. I highly recommend Travels and The Road to you, two of the finest live recordings of any band. Are you Going with Me and Goodbye are indescribably beautiful and The Half Life of Absolution will send you into orbit. Pat will be at State College Pennsylvania on February 3. Although not the full on display from the groups live recordings the show was nonetheless quite enjoyable at The Rady Shell where I live in San Diego. There are also some great UA-cam videos of some live stuff with new ones appearing every month or so. Thanks again and keeping sharing your love for music.
A suggestion: "Are You Going With Me?" from the album Offramp by the Pat Metheny Group. I find it hauntingly beautiful. There is also a live version on the album Travels.
This was my introduction to Pat. It is gorgeous. I suggest "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Both tracks are better than this one. (This one is lovely.)
Hi Doug. I know the kind of Metheny Group fan that suggest you "The First Circle", "To the end of the world" and so on... Yes, they are great, but if you want a real music challenge you can hear "Episode d'Azur", from We Live Here album too. I think it's not been enough recognized but is their most ambitious song in terms of harmony, melody and rhythm. I can't believe how they composed and soloed it and made it feel like a song! Really incredible! Unreal! Their musical pinnacle! Give it a try, please. I would be very happy and grateful if you do it. I'm Enric, from Barcelona. I've been in 9 live concerts, all in Catalonia, Spain
A lot of stuff comes into my head regarding this piece. A lot of movement, travel. moments of life slipping by. Lyle and Pat are my favorite composers. Wish Lyle was still with us. Been listening to them since they came out in 1977 or so. Try some of their early stuff if you're not familiar with it. Their white album, San Lorenzo, Jaco or some of their Brazilian influenced material with Pedro Aznar's voice. There is just so much stuff and it's all amazing. Thank you for showing the chart. It's fun to follow that.
The title is "To the end of the world" the sound effect is just that. The end - a break up. The last solo is a grand lament ending in the crash. "To the end of the world" moves me to tears every time I hear it
When they originally recorded this there was an open window, to the outside of the studio., and it was raining and they just happened to record the audio of a lightning strike and when they played it back they decided to keep it as part of the original recording that's why it's there It was literally the musical equivalent of karma and timing.
Loving your vids especially those breaking down Pat Metheny...here's one for you - and Pat has an orchestra (conducted by Joel McNeely) backing some of the tunes - Wide and Far from the FROM THIS PLACE album.
Thank you Doug for explaining us the structure of 12 phrasal tempos in which is built this beautuful piece of music of Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays for the Pat Metheney Group. I have as my favourites " It's for you" with predominantky ruling soubds of the Lyle Mays okarina sound, and also I would like you yo react to " Facing Wesr" song which suggests ne a great number of horses riding on the Red Canyon or so. A very beautiful image for sure. I really enjoy several of Pat and Lyle compositions. Their music make me feel motivated to the action abd the good -mood. It is a very uplifting music. No doubt. Another in the list is: 5-5-7 which suggesrs me a businessman running to his office in a hurry. Or the idea of being in movement by walking with shoes in a hurry to go to work but in very optimistic way. No doubt Pat and Lyle' music is healing.
Lyle and Pat are the kings of ‘ethereal’. Common tone modulations are a mainstay of their works. Genius folks! “Phase Dance” would be well worth taking a look at too. Thank you, Sir! 😉👍
I second that "Phase Dance" suggestion. Years ago I may have dismissed PM as "happy jazz", but I was so wrong! I mean, there's so much more to his/their music than just the "happy" stuff.
Thank you Mr. D. Helvering for this theory lesson. You explained it so well; I can stop the video and map out the chords and then understand Methany's magic. I just discovered your channel and will be coming back for more practical, applicable lessons!
Can't read a single note myself, but what I hear is beautiful 😉. Lyle is a master on the piano. Love your video explaining how brilliant PMG is. Thanks!
Doug - there are many (so many) other excellent Pat Metheny/PMG jazz tunes for you to analyze but I'm going to suggest something a little "experimental" for Pat: The Roots of Coincidence off of Imaginary Day. Interestingly enough, it won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance and was described as a dramatic departure for the group: "[an] out-and-out rock piece with thrash metal and techno-pop episodes joined by abrupt jump cuts." A "daring" choice for you to examine for sure.
These guys have ALWAYS been MASTERS at what they’ve done .. the PMG will always be UNIQUE
Pat is one of the great American guitarists, a composer, an innovator, sometimes seemingly undervalued in the flow of time. This is a brilliant track.
There's nothing more beautiful than Lyle May's piano solos
So many great pianists make beautiful music that they are playing to themselves, others while playing to their audience, Lyle sounds like he is playing to me as an individual.
His style is like a conversation, not a speech.
@@letsgomets002 ever hear bill evans ?
@@MsRiccig Mays/Metheny tribute to Evans - September 15th. Equally beautiful to Evans. Why can't more than one artist be considered "nothing more beautiful than"?
Colleen you are right, Lyle was a completely different musician. He and Pat could be considered as the Mozart and Bach of the 21st century.
one of best solos he ever played, imho...
RIP Lyle. One of the best piano solos he did with the group. Also love the Roland synth solo by Pat. I have listened to this piece hundreds of times and never tire of it.
Me too
This song never fails to get to me. Its a jam, its dramatic, colorful, textural, deeply emotional and captivating. One of my top faves. ❤️🔥
"September fifteenth" from the album "As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls". You won't regret listening to this masterpiece.
It’s For You also. This is the first song Lyle and Pat wrote and recorded together. Before anyone tries to argue with me about it I heard it from Lyle & Pat directly. They discussed it in their podcast.
@@cosmicgirl1234567 "It's Your You" is great but unfortunately it's on ECM. ECM blocks all their music on UA-cam.
@@frankmarsh1159 Really? Wow. I had no idea. Such a shames. It’s a great song.
Rick Beato is a big fan of September 15th!
The thunder storm and rain that happens was recorded by accident. It was storming outside during the recording and was captured through an open door. They decided to keep it in the final recording and even had lighting effects that simulate the lightning during the live performance. UA-cam has one of the live performance of you search. Also, Pats podcast “Behind The Music” gives accounts by the band members on how all of the albums came to be. Many of the albums anyway.
The thunderclap makes for a perfect climax for Pat's guitar synth solo here. I've read that it was a lucky accident. They were recording in New England when a storm moved in and this was captured on tape. Not at that precise moment in the score, I'd suspect, but edited in. As you delve into Pat's ECM work, you'll see much use of such "found sounds." Train noises are a recurring theme. Echoed human voices are major sonic elements of "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Pat and Lyle wrote this after witnessing a tornado near Metheny's Kansas home. Three intervals of crowd voices mark the progress of the storm. First, the calm tones of casual conversations, then screams of anguish, then, as positive resolution, a bunch of children laughing and shrieking, playing in a pool.
Those little unexpected doses of real-world sounds, a la musique concrete, were one of the most appealing aspects of the Pat Metheny Group's music. It was almost unprecedented in jazz, but it echoed the sonic collages of The Beatles later period.
This is by far my favorite Metheny tune....I used to travel regularly from Denver to Salt Lake, and I would put this CD in about the time I was entering the desert proper in Eastern Utah, about sunset, and this song, together with the desert on fire, would just transform me into a different, cosmic realm.....that little guitar riff at 16:08-09 (which you talked through...) is the most subtle little manifestation of Pat's genius in the entire piece......was cool seeing the score and your chord progression breakdown......
Doug - ya gotta do "First Circle". Melodically, Harmonically and Rhythmically - it will push all your buttons, while being so subtle you will end up just digging the ride.
Yeah, but ECM will block it on UA-cam.
@@jimbricker4982 ah - you're right. crap. There are some great live bootlegs on youtube though .........
I agree, copyright block or not. If you're going to dive into Metheny, First Circle is a rite of passage. I personally love 5-5-7, but hey.
@@jpwjr1199 - I hear you, man. I've been a Pat head since '84 and I would have no problem listing about a dozen must-hear tunes. His music is a gift that keeps giving.
You're right, first circle is a must.
Started listening to Pat and Company in 85'. To this day I cannot tire of any of his songs and ALWAYS find something new within them. IMO he's is among the greatest composers alive today. BTW, RIP Lyle, you were a great one and your music will live on.
RIP Lyle, we all love you, you were 50% of Pat Metheny Group
The Pat Metheny Group is in my top 10. “To The End of the World” is one my favorites. I listen to it all the time, even the live performance. I backpack a lot in Shenandoah National Park and many times I come across incredible views and expanses in the middle of nowhere where. No people. This is the tune I hear in my head. I did a 45 day east-west-east cross country road trip and whenever I see mountain, lakes, rivers, and valley views, this is my theme song. It gets lots of playtime in my car.
Great Reaction video oF The PMG “To The End of the World”
GOD DAMN!!!! This music is so great!
Every note and every drum stroke is tasty!
Thanks Doug!
Love PMG! It’s not just music to your ears but to your soul. So soothing I’ll never get tired of it. Thanks for sharing your review.
My favorite song on the planet....ever ever......and I grew up in the 70s......its like meeting God....
No mention of the instrument Pat is using : Roland G-303 guitar and GR-300 synth. This almost trumpet like sound became a kinda trademark for him when soloing . Then he pushed the limits of the unit when he connected it to the Synclavier synth modules. PMG's album Offramp has a ton of guitar synth thru out and is a sonic adventure. This finely crafted guitar along with its 2nd gen G808 and the GR300 synth unit are so different than other guitar synths and was one of the first succesfully used. Its tracking is still the best out there ! How do i know ? I have one !
Pat always starts to a travel program, then moves to an adventure or two, some more involved then the other, but then always returns you safe to the beginning♥️
The way i look at it as calm at the beginning, a calm world, Lyle's(RIP) solo slowly starts to build throughout, then Pat with his iconic Roland guitar synth sound, builds and screams then the "explosion"..... end of the world....then back to the calm of a "new" world? I saw this live and it was amazing!!!!!
Letter from Home is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever....
First Circle will push your buttons! The Approaching Storm another good one. I can't believe I have been listening to The Pat Metheny Group since the late seventies and waiting for each new album with bated breath! He has put a lifetime of excellent music out there and It gives me great joy to listen to his music!
It is not The Gathering Storm, you will never find it. the name of the song is "the Gathering Sky".
Huge Metheny fan here for 40 years. Great job! Love seeing and hearing someone experience this incredible music for the first time. I hope "First Circle" is your next Metheny tune. It's mind blowing when you start breaking it apart.
I've heard this hundreds of times...
I even enjoy it on my longer running sessions... it's so open to interpretations, just beautiful streams of thoughts...
I see Pat Metheny Group and it’s an immediate thumbs up! PMG tunes always take me somewhere.
Great reaction to my favorite song EVER!!! I was a DJ at WUMR (formerly 91.7 FM, "The Jazz Lover") and from what I was told, I was one of the first DJ's to play "To The End of The World", live, on the air, in it's entirety. Having been a music major over 40 years ago, the progressions drove my ears insane!!! It was love at first listen. I wholeheartedly agree with your excitement regarding the song. The ONLY place we disagree is that the SOUND EFFECT sections lends itself to separating the first 10 minutes from the last 2 minutes. It was a demarcation that I thought was absolutely brilliant. I closed my radio show at midnight with the song every time I was on the air. I played it uninterrupted until the VAMP AND FADE. That's when I back announced and signed off.
Thanks for your insights.
Barry Ford
"September fifteenth" from the album "As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls" and "First Circle" from the homonymous album !!!
fantastic thing talkin bout music explaining harmonies!! and mr Doug doesnt know so much pmg! this is the best way to understand the language of artists,not only emotions, thanks soo much ciao from Italy
Hi Doug: I’m fairly new to your site. I’ve been listening to PMG ever since they joined the Jazz scene.
The music you should be listening to is anything from Imaginary Day. My mother was also Classically trained and went with me to see PMG on this tour. The entire set evokes a day in the life from one morning to the next.
It is what you say, sublime, especially when it passes from the night train passing into dawn.
San Lorenzo from his first album (The White Album) has the most beautiful piano solo you will ever hear!!
You have to listen ‘September fifteenth’ by Pat Metheny…one of the most beautiful songs I ever heard. The piano solo is just amazing
That song makes me cry. Best Album of PMG. Sublime
"As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls" is another classic that should not be missed. Turn down the lights, crank up the volume and just soak in the brilliance of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. Love your show, Doug. Keep up the great work.
got that one on vinyl, great album
Absolutely! I love that album, especially the title track.
September 15th would make a nice reaction video… just saying. :)
YEsss...!! My go to when I need therapy...!! LOL
One of the most impactful songs I've ever listened to!
“Finding and believing” from the album “Secret Story” is a mind twister. Would love to see your reaction to this daring tune.
Red Sky and Are you going with me? Two of my favorites.
Agree what was already mentioned, First Circle, but also September Fifteenth (tribute to the great Bill Evans), The Roots of Coincidence, Third Wind and many more …
Been listening to Pat for 45+ years now. Have to agree with some of the other comments about "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls". The song and the album are stellar. There's so much to choose from though. "First Circle" would also be great.
According to Pat the melody was written by Lyle on a guitar, he said Lyle was a excellent guitarist, and he did play live on some songs!
“A Night Away” is very different than the two Pat Metheny cuts you’ve reviewed- he’s playing with Brad Mehldau, and it’s uptempo sublime (no I don’t know how they do it either!)
You will really enjoy it, and it’ll be an interesting tune to analyze.
All the best
Patrick
Doug thank you so much for giving your musical interpretation of Till the End of the World. It’s one of my favorite songs. I enjoy it from a listener’s perspective but I’m not trained from a musical scholar’s perspective. It has given me an even greater appreciation for a song I love!!! Keep doing what you do!!🎼
Hi Doug. As a big time Pat Metheny fan I really enjoyed watching your reaction to " To The End Of The World" .
Here's another cool song you should check out. It's from the same album and it's called "Something To Remind You".
Kind regards, Onny
One of my favorite PMG tunes is "So May It Secretly Begin", studio version, highlighted by Lyly's solo. It melts me.
Since you're doing Pat Metheny, please consider doing "The Way Up." It's one long song that takes up an entire album, and it's one of the finest pieces of music of the 21st century (so far). The studio version and the live DVD version are both great.
I saw First Circle performed live. It was an amazing experience. And many are recommending it . I agree!
But… few if any mention the first album with San Lorenzo, Phase Dance. I feel lucky to have seen them 3 times around the time of that album
They always opened with Phase Dance… and my mind and body would just melt.
After years of listening I think April Joy might be their most beautiful piece. Most dynamic ..Straight on Red. I’m not one who usually likes drum/ percussion solos… but Straight on Red ; no words for its greatness. Maybe Santana on steroids!!
Hi! In my humble opinion, the most interesting may be:
5-5-7 (Letter From Home)
See the World (Secret Story)
Third Wind (Still life (talking))
A Story Within the Story (Imaginary Day)
When We Were Free (Quartet)
Oceania (Quartet)
Language of Time (Quartet)
Follow Me (Imaginary Day)
Wide and Far (From This Place)
Are We There Yet (Letter From Home)
Facing West (Secret Story)
As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls ()
Mas Alla (Beyond) (First Circle)
And thanks for all the work. I really liked the one with your friend DJ Rae who seems to like MINUANO as much as I do :-D
Doug, It's PMG for pete's sake!! These guys wrote the book on haunting melodies and rhythmic trance patterns and did I mention the vocals??? They brought to the table EVERYTHING that could work and it did! I´m hearing many suggestions below among the posts that are spot on the money and I would only add (It's Just) Talk as another one of their many masterpieces. The coolest thing about PMG is that when playing live what you hear in the album is what you get on stage. Thes dudes were playing way before sophisticated secuencing and playback track were mainstream. Enjoy any or ALL of the below mentioned. These guys got your ears covered for a looooong time.
Dear Doug, please pay your attention on Lyle Mays "Close to Home". This piece is one of the most beautiful and mysterious works written by Lyle and and performed by him usually without Pat.
Great road trip song. Played right after “Are You Going With Me”.
A train ride on a cosmological Ocean.Thanks for breaking down the Gm7 down with 4-3 to Flat 2. With the 12 Bar phrase.
I'm a Pat fan from the '80s. I'm not a musician but I enjoy hearing these songs through your knowledge base. Btw, unique sounds are part of the sound of the band. Pat embraced the way the synthesizer put its stamp on 70s and 80s pop music and Jazz-Rock fusion. I know lots of guitar purists that hate how he alters his guitar sound but I love it. The Way Up is another gem. Check it out.
You said the piece did not need the sound effects section. Close your eyes, listen again and clear your mind. Then you will understand the purpose of that section. I was lucky enough to see PMG do this live several times.
Thanks, Doug! That is my #1 favorite musical piece. It elicits tears of joy for me.
One of their best tracks, and that’s saying something. This breakdown really appealed to the geeky “ theory side “ of me. Many thanks for posting this.
Thanks for this. That's one of my favorite Metheny tracks, just unbelievably good.
If you really want to dive into something *huge*, try "The Way Up". It's a composition that takes an entire CD, It's almost 70 minutes long, in 4 sections and it is the last thing Metheny and Lyle Mays did together. The structure will really interest you, I think, because you have all of these "motifs" (I believe this is the right word?) that are repeated in various forms all the way through. Just a stunning piece of music. (Metheny said that it was influenced by Steve Reich.)
So just cool Doug that you cover PMG incredible music compositions. Thank you! Am a big PMG fan for 30yrs. First Circle, Phase Dance, Roots of Coincidence, The Way Up, ...
Hope you have your friend back again soon, plus any other guests!
The Major third jumps during the Pat solo is something he does very often. It has a very cool "opening up" ladder effect. I love the way you analyzed and explained it.
By the way, its the opening track on the album a fellow mentions, the First Circle.
Lyle Mays - Highland Aire is one of my favorites. Such a ride...
Woah! One of my favs! Thank you!!!!!
The experience of listening to this was a bit like what happened to me with Minuano in that I thought it took a while to get going but I enjoyed it when it did.
I really like jazz but not the really busy stuff like Ornette Coleman so I should have loved this but at times I thought it was too sparse.
If you want to hear great jazz featuring guitar and piano check out any of the material Bill Evans and Jim Hall did together. Absolutely fantastic.
The "Sound Effects" = CLASSIC PMG!! that's why we love him and all the members!!
Pat Metheny is so expressive with that Roland guitar synth, which also creates quite a contrast with his beautifully fulsome and melodic hollow-body guitar sound.
@ Paul Duerinckx Exactly. He's a phenomenal player. I remember seeing this tour and being a few rows from the stage. This tune takes you on a journey. Have you seen Rick Beato's interview with Pat? Great interview.
@@bradalker5332 Yes I have. I'm not a prolific concert goer but I've seen Pat Metheny and The Pat Metheny Group probably more than any other act. Always exceptional.
I listened to this over & over when it was released. Lyles solo & then Pat's synth guitar solo just soars.
Bach, Mozart, Beethoven - PMG. Everybody should hear this music. He invented the real book, and then made his own!
I got to see them on this tour..promoting this album..it was awesome to hear this song.Especially when it came to its peak...astoundingly. Great Review.
Doug you are a trip.Thank you so much for what you do. I love watching how you process the music. It helps ear players like myself better understand what they are doing. I would think you might listen afterward through a proper hifi speaker system and the lights down low. As much as I love my headphones, there is nothing like listening to the music as the notes literally hang in the air. No thinking. Just soak in the sonic sensations of this modern day Mozart.
I share the others gratitude of your bringing this music to others and feel a genuine thrill at your obvious appreciation for how Pat and Lyle display their gift for blending melody harmony and rhythm. I know that it has transported me to a different realm for over forty years. I never fail to meet like minded devotees sharing their passion at the dozens of live shows I have had the enormous privilege of attending through out my life. I highly recommend Travels and The Road to you, two of the finest live recordings of any band. Are you Going with Me and Goodbye are indescribably beautiful and The Half Life of Absolution will send you into orbit.
Pat will be at State College Pennsylvania on February 3. Although not the full on display from the groups live recordings the show was nonetheless quite enjoyable at The Rady Shell where I live in San Diego. There are also some great UA-cam videos of some live stuff with new ones appearing every month or so. Thanks again and keeping sharing your love for music.
A suggestion: "Are You Going With Me?" from the album Offramp by the Pat Metheny Group. I find it hauntingly beautiful. There is also a live version on the album Travels.
This was my introduction to Pat. It is gorgeous. I suggest "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Both tracks are better than this one. (This one is lovely.)
Au Lait....hauntingly hypnotic!
This is magisterial:
Pat Metheny Group - Are You Going with Me? Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Canada. July 3, 1989.
With you there. It is wonderful.
@@2wayplebney Doug is supposed to do AFW,SFWF very soon.
"The Way Up" will blow your mind
Hi Doug. I know the kind of Metheny Group fan that suggest you "The First Circle", "To the end of the world" and so on... Yes, they are great, but if you want a real music challenge you can hear "Episode d'Azur", from We Live Here album too. I think it's not been enough recognized but is their most ambitious song in terms of harmony, melody and rhythm. I can't believe how they composed and soloed it and made it feel like a song! Really incredible! Unreal! Their musical pinnacle! Give it a try, please. I would be very happy and grateful if you do it. I'm Enric, from Barcelona. I've been in 9 live concerts, all in Catalonia, Spain
Great analysis, Doug! How about “First Circle” (22/8) by Pat Metheny Group. Another masterful Metheny and Mays collaboration.
A lot of stuff comes into my head regarding this piece. A lot of movement, travel. moments of life slipping by. Lyle and Pat are my favorite composers. Wish Lyle was still with us. Been listening to them since they came out in 1977 or so. Try some of their early stuff if you're not familiar with it. Their white album, San Lorenzo, Jaco or some of their Brazilian influenced material with Pedro Aznar's voice. There is just so much stuff and it's all amazing. Thank you for showing the chart. It's fun to follow that.
The title is "To the end of the world" the sound effect is just that. The end - a break up. The last solo is a grand lament ending in the crash. "To the end of the world" moves me to tears every time I hear it
When they originally recorded this there was an open window, to the outside of the studio., and it was raining and they just happened to record the audio of a lightning strike and when they played it back they decided to keep it as part of the original recording that's why it's there
It was literally the musical equivalent of karma and timing.
I was into Metheny in extremely High School. Metheny and Mays was my late night chill tracks.
This song is right up my alley.
Something To Remind You is a very beautiful song on the same album (We LiveHere). The chord progression and the vocals are gorgeous.
Loving your vids especially those breaking down Pat Metheny...here's one for you - and Pat has an orchestra (conducted by Joel McNeely) backing some of the tunes - Wide and Far from the FROM THIS PLACE album.
Pat Metheny - The first circle. A Must.
My first Pat concert was 2014 Ann Arbor MI , with the Unity Band ben Williams Chris potter Antonio Sanchez. Best concert I’ve ever seen ❤
Lyle May's is my everyday energy i play his and Pat every day such wonderful amazing music they have made in many years !
Thank you Doug for explaining us the structure of 12 phrasal tempos in which is built this beautuful piece of music of Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays for the Pat Metheney Group. I have as my favourites " It's for you" with predominantky ruling soubds of the Lyle Mays okarina sound, and also I would like you yo react to " Facing Wesr" song which suggests ne a great number of horses riding on the Red Canyon or so. A very beautiful image for sure. I really enjoy several of Pat and Lyle compositions. Their music make me feel motivated to the action abd the good -mood. It is a very uplifting music. No doubt.
Another in the list is: 5-5-7 which suggesrs me a businessman running to his office in a hurry. Or the idea of being in movement by walking with shoes in a hurry to go to work but in very optimistic way. No doubt Pat and Lyle' music is healing.
Pat’s music makes me happy. Seeing a musician digging it in a musical way makes me happier. Thank you, Doug.
Metheny and Mays. Genuses of the era in jazz, without question. Their entire catalog is inspiring. Pick any one and listen, and you will see.
Lyle and Pat are the kings of ‘ethereal’. Common tone modulations are a mainstay of their works. Genius folks! “Phase Dance” would be well worth taking a look at too. Thank you, Sir! 😉👍
Lyle Mays was amazing. RIP Lyle.
I second that "Phase Dance" suggestion. Years ago I may have dismissed PM as "happy jazz", but I was so wrong! I mean, there's so much more to his/their music than just the "happy" stuff.
Perfect descriptive word.
Doug,
Anything on the Secret Story album would be a treat for you, big thumbs up to you!
Another complex, beautiful tune is September 15 and first circle
Thank you Mr. D. Helvering for this theory lesson. You explained it so well; I can stop the video and map out the chords and then understand Methany's magic. I just discovered your channel and will be coming back for more practical, applicable lessons!
Reminds me of that cold rainy night in 1995 when I first heard this on Jazz FM... a classic jazz track for all times.
close to home and dream of the return too masterpeices
Loved this so much! So much fun to watch and hear your comments…I was smiling the whole time!
Great video! The list of wonderful Metheny/Mays songs is huge. Here's one: " September 15th."
"Are You Going With Me", "The First Circle", "It's For You" are probably my top 3 favorites from PMG if you are looking for more recommendations. :)
AFTERNOON its a beatiful song too
I have loved this song for years and after hearing your analysis I have learned a lot and like it even more. Great job!
Great solo by Mays, the harmonic embellishments and rhythmic alterations are particularly interesting! Metheny's guitar-synth solo is fantastic!
Lyle Mays WAS Pat Methney's band. Listening to him, one flies.⭐🌟⭐
Can't read a single note myself, but what I hear is beautiful 😉. Lyle is a master on the piano. Love your video explaining how brilliant PMG is. Thanks!
Wow this was my first time listening to Pat Metheny Group. Outstanding!
Keep listening. 😁
I envy you, in a way. Beginner's Mind is a wonderful thing. Now you have so much to discover for yourself!
Your life is changed.
Such a great band! I have been listening to Metheny since the 1970s when he first played with Gary Burton. Gorgeous music!
As to Minuano 6/8, worth listening to the 1992 concert in Japan where there's a fabulous drum solo by Paul Wertico.
ua-cam.com/video/lXLOwdHBMRo/v-deo.html
I also love your channel. Just found out about it yesterday
Brilliant Doug!
Doug - there are many (so many) other excellent Pat Metheny/PMG jazz tunes for you to analyze but I'm going to suggest something a little "experimental" for Pat: The Roots of Coincidence off of Imaginary Day. Interestingly enough, it won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance and was described as a dramatic departure for the group: "[an] out-and-out rock piece with thrash metal and techno-pop episodes joined by abrupt jump cuts." A "daring" choice for you to examine for sure.