Lyle Mays Highland Aire: Analysis
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- Опубліковано 15 кві 2021
- It took me three attempt to make this video, It's Highland Aire
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I’m sure only a handful of pianists’ on UA-cam are analysing the music of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays in 2021. I’m so glad and grateful that you are one of them. Many thanks.🙏☀️🇬🇧🙏
Thank you 😊 I’m glad to be one of them! This whole UA-cam thing allows to give something back!
Thank you Dr. Shkolnik, your videos are more valuable than a month at music conservatory. I share your love and admiration for Lyle Mays, one of the great composers of our time who unfortunately left us way too early. Please keep Lyle Mays memory alive by blessing us with more videos on his amazing work.
Thank you so much, Joachim! I appreciate it, and I promise some more videos :)
What makes Lyle a genius is the fact that he can compose very sophisticated harmonies but still make it sound so smooth and always original.
Thanks for your effort, maestro
Thank you so much sir!!
There are many modern compositions that consist only of complicated stuff. Lyle had this great gift to create so much soul even with sophisticated harmonies. Thank you Dr. Shkolnik for bringing this great music to us in such a loving way!
Thanks, Jörg! This is so true! I think staying in touch with good pop music, Brazillian and African music, made Lyle almost always include that side of him in his music. Many composers can write a sonata or a fugue. But how many can write Eleanor Rigby? or the Intro to Minuano? :)
You are a true master! Thanks for blessing us with your musical wisdom along with Lyle’s genius. 👍
Mike!! Thanks man! What can I say... sharing this with fellow lovers of this music brings me so much joy (as well as finishing this video finally after two earlier attempts I wasn't happy with :))
Thank you for covering this. You analysis is brilliant! I love what Lyle had to say about the reception of this piece: 'I wrote “Highland Aire” in Sonata Allegro form, no jazz journalist ever noted that, I think it was because they both didn't understand Sonata Allegro form, didn't think that some kid would repurpose some old classical form in a new and compelling way, and did not in fact either speak or understand musical language itself.'
Thanks Matt! You know, the first version of this video included a discussion on the sonata form.
It was called a "form" from around 1830 and on - after its golden age. For Mozart and Beethoven, it was more of a flexible procedure, rather than a fixed form. In itself writing in a sonata form doesn't guarantee quality. Many wrote sonatas and fugues - most of them are not great.
I wanted to look at the "raw" material here - the great raw material Pat is so good at. But when you explore that - you find Lyle's greatness at that core level too - that's why I mentioned the long beautiful organic melodies, Cross the Heartland for example.
@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer Good point. The raw material is what truly makes this music special. The Sonata Allegro form is unique in this context, but overall it's not a unique concept. I was listening to this album in high school at the same time my orchestra teacher was teaching the class about Sonata Allegro form, and I never made any connection.
@@matt-spaiser neither did I!
I'd love for you to explore the polyrhythms in the middle of this piece.
Hey Brent, thank you :) Lyle's songbook coming up soon will make it easier to make such a video:) It's a whole counterpoint section at the end with great harmony and rhythm.
Thanks for just reminding us of Lyle’s genius, Guy. I can never be reminded enough.
Fred thank you! I feel the same as you.
Your knowledge of music is in another level. Thank you for dedicating your time to make videos about pat music
Thank you! Looking back I think I made over 50 videos on Pat and Lyle - I must be seriously loving this music :)
Guy you just keep out doing yourself ! Your gift of explanation is just filled with joy, hope, clarity and transformation.... I'd swear you were Lyle's long lost brother from the same mother..... You are making such a wonderful contribution to music. Don't ever stop what your doing. Thanks again KB
Thanks, Ken, I appreciate it so much! I was about to send you the video. I also talked to Pierre two weeks ago and we said that some great things are happening only because of you. Thank you for your encouragement and for making those meaningful connections between us. Guy
Little anecdote... about 1987-88, I suffered a serie of pneumothorax (5 in total), the last one needing quite a heavy surgery. After I left hospital, I went for a month in the mountains (I'm Swiss) to recover from it, with a walkman and just a few cassettes.... and one of them I was listening again and again had Pat Metheny "Still Life (Talking)" on side 1 and Lyle Mays's first solo album on the other !
Oh my god... and It's also about the same time! did you get to see them live on that world tour?
@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer Yes, I saw them at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1987. This was the third (and the last) time I saw them live. The first time, the "Offramp" tour will always remain the very best concert I saw in my life, as I had no idea who the PMG were, I just went there because the venue was not far from where I lived in Geneva, and I didn't have anything else to do this evening ! It was raining really, I mean really heavy this evening, storm-like, and me and my friend arrived completely soaked. The concert had just begun, and Pat explained to the audience it was the first time they played in Switzerland, Claude Nobs (founder of Montreux Jazz Festival) having tried to invite them for a long time but there were always conflicting dates, the PMG schedule being so busy. And Pat added : " ...so, because of that, and because of the weather outside, this will be a very special evening !" ..... And they played for over three hours ! Pure Magic ! The second time I saw them was the "First Cicle" tour.
This is a great one. Anything from this album is worth thinking about. Really enjoyable video. I missed these!!! Thank you...
Thanks Steven :) I'm glad our discussion of FC went all the way up to Pat, and even HE was not sure of it :)
Eternally grateful to you Guy, for all your in-depth analyses of some of the most sublime musical creations ever on record. The Metheny / Mays oeuvre is light years ahead, nothing compares or even comes close to their body of work. I owe you another coffee, at the very least!
Thanks Will! It IS sublime, what can I say... We've always loved this music, but as time goes by, we realize more and more how good it really is. Nothing sounds dated here. While others used the hippest new synths sounds (that today sound old) Lyle created his own personal mixes, acoustic instruments with his own programmed synth sounds. That's his voice and It will never get old.
@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer Yes indeed, I was listening to PMG's We Live Here just yesterday (again!) and by now I know every piece note by note, whether it's guitar, piano, bass, drums, brass arrangements, vocal melodies, the lot. And yes, it just never ages: not long ago I listened to As Falls Wichita, same thing, even if production values by comparison may seem a little 'dated', that's the way I knew it and would still want to hear it. As for Lyle's own programmed synth sounds, I guess one of those would be that ethereal sound, kind of hard to define, like a cross between a recorder and an ocarina?? Of course, his beautiful soloing and melodies enhance the sound, which maybe other less creative melodies wouldn't accomplish.
As a footnote, last night I listened to Pat's album "What's It All About?" which is only solo acoustic guitar. More amazing chord fingerings and modulations, his version of Alfie is fabulous, and it's such a beautiful song already. You may not be aware of a very famous British celebrity called Cilla Black, who had her own TV show in the late 60's? Check out UA-cam for her version of Alfie with Burt Bacharach himself on piano and conducting the studio orchestra. It's very dramatic as it builds, hope you can find and enjoy it!
@@Will-A.Will, I agree with everything you said. I'm definitely going to watch that Bacharach video!
I really want to thank you for your intellect and expertise on Lyles playing. As a bass guitarist, and former piano player, I have always been amazed at Lyles left hand, and how boring it ISN’T! And you pointed this out on one of your other vids, “Minuano”??... but your analysis is spot on! Lyle is a composer, and I will always treasure the 8 times I had seen him on tour. Modern Jazz’s Lennon and McCartney, Metheny and Mays!!!
Thanks John! 8 times! I was lucky to see him once! I still, remember to this day him playing the cowbell with the right hand while the left hand's on the keys... What a musician!
@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer Awesome! On the ” Imaginary Day “ tour, during “ Roots of Coincidence “ , he stood up from his bench with a guitar, and with thunderous vigor, power chorded his way through to the next bridge. It was quite a surprise! And then, he sits back down, releases the guitar (to someone?), and softly plays his next part without missing a beat! After the shows I would hang around awhile, and wait for them to come out and meet the family or friends, and I could always get an autograph! They signed my shirts, programs, whatever I had. And that particular night, it was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I met Lyle’s mother and Uncle, and even got their autograph! That group has always been a huge influence in my life, and that’s why I enjoy your video’s immensely! I even had my 92 yr old Father, who is an Accordionist, mesmerizing on your videos last week! I hope you will continue this education for us all! Bravo Dr. Shkolnik!!!
@@Jokkmokk21 So awesome that you shared the video with your Dad! I never got to see that tour, but I saw that in a video, Lyle with the guitar! He also plays on 'On Her Way". I'm so thankful for the one time I saw them. Plus I met Lyle for a tea, and he told me I needed to get serious about my classical studies. Counterpoint. I did my best to follow his advice (which he gave with a severe yet kind expression:)
Great video, as always! I'd love if you could make an analysis of any Bill Evans piece!
Thanks Felipe! I'm planning on doing some videos on Bill Evans. For sure!
Thank you very much for this video. It is so inspiring to try to understand what Lyle did in terms of melody and harmonies - as you say continuation instead of repetition. And it is just wonderful playing by you. A true appreciation of Lyle's genius work.
Thank you Dr! Always a pleasure 🌹
Thanks Steve! 🙏
great content..Lyle was a great composer and you are a great teacher !
Thanks Danilo :)
Thank you so much Guy. As always, it's a big pleasure to watch your videos and for sure it adds up to my (yet limited) experience in music!
Thank you Vinicius! And I’m sure it’s not limited at all! I’m glad you liked it!
Great video, thank you! Love this song, keep making them!
Thank you, Antoine!
Could be the most beautiful/inspirational/positive and touching piece of music ever written and what a way to start an album..the whole record for that matter is so connected to my personal being since 1st hearing it way back in '86 that to this day, I still feel an avalanche of emotion as soon as the needle drops on HIghland Aire..thanks so much for this awesome breakdown of this perfect song..
I feel the same way… you saw the cassette 😊 it’s a very C major piece (beginnings…) his last piece Eberhard goes back to that same key (after the marimba opening).
Guy, it is always such joy to watch and take part of your detailed analysis of music in such tasteful depth and complexity. I am one of your fans and I am glad I discovered your videos. In the case of the genius of Lyle Mays, you have a splendid communion between your mastery of music theory and execution and his exquisite compositional style, often, at another level.
Of course Lyle Mays is a genius, but what I want to comment on is that the production qualities of your videos keep getting better and better, Guy. This is one of your best. We look forward to more!
Thank you Michael! That was the first-ever done with two cameras, plus I was experimenting with mics. It took 3 attempts to make this one. Thanks again!
What great depth and well thought out structures hidden underneath all the wonderfully constructed compositions of Lyle Mays - thank you for revealing them Guy 😊
Thanks Alix! ☺️
Highland Aire continues to be part of my listening. As it has since the Lyle Mays album was released. Have since learned to play on piano, and now picking it out on a tenor ukulele. There's something about the piece that is timeless and evokes many emotions that are difficult to define. I heard Lyle years before he joined Pat as I was a graduate of the North Texas Lab bands ('71) and was introduced to the Lab '75 album that featured his compositions. An incredible collaboration between those two.
Jay, I've only recently listened to a few tracks from the '75 album, I really want to get into it now! What a band and a tradition you had there in North Texas!
Incredible analysis ✨
Thank you, thank you! 🙏
Guy, thank you again for yet another brilliant analysis. Really enriches the listing experience.
Thank you for your amazing work, Guy!
Lyle‘s compositions continue to touch my soul everytime I listen to them.... somehow he’s still among us.
Thanks Denis. It's great music and he left everything for us to enjoy forever. Such kindness and generosity!
Always brilliant analysis Guy. Only thing missing in your videos are the transcripts which I know many would love to see. I did my own keyboard arrangement ( transcribing from the
cd ) and it truly is a piece of incredible beauty. Love the sound of your Nord.
Thank you, Mike! do you mean the stuff that I'm saying, or what I play? I almost never write it down, In some cases, I use Pat's songbook or the score of The Way Up. This time I just played it in a way that makes it easier to see where the music is going. I thought I used too much reverb this time, but yes, the Nord does sound musical. Thanks again, Mike! :)
Nice to have you back on my UA-cam feed, Guy!
Question: Is the rubik cube at the background in Lyle's honor?
Thank you, Lucas, I'm going to be more present here from now on. About the cube, has been on my table lately, learning how to solve i - directly connected to what I read on Lyle's website, for sure! :)
I loved this piece, his work, without understanding the technical aspects but thank you for revealing so much more.
Thanks Robin!
Thanks for a great video Guy. That’s a hell of a tune, goosebumps every time, it’s the beautiful combination of mind and heart at the highest of levels that always resonates with me. And then, of course, there’s his solo...!!
Thanks Brett! This one took a lot of thinking to make, I shot the video 3 times, and decided to include only the most interesting stuff. And yes that solo...
Great work, guy!
Alex!! Thanks, man! :)
It makes me think, his work in the PMG was his bread and butter, his day at the office. In between his playing he would be composing...somewhere there has to be a lot of unheard music.
From what I'm hearing there actually is! A close friend of Lyletold me that when Lyle was staying at his house he would begin every day (politely asking if he could play the piano) by improvising for 90 minutes. Ken told me there were complete albums right there each and every time...
It would be unearthly, if somehow, some of that music could be given to Pat for a tribute album
Thank you again for another great video. Please keep them coming!!!
Thanks John!
I hope one day, you could do a part two, to this song, and talk about the incredible breakdown section. 😀
Thank you Gregory. You know, Lyle's music book is coming up soon, with Highland Aire in it - it would make such a video easier to make. But I got another one coming up soon on Cross the Heartland.
Thank you Dr. Shkolnik I know this study is about Highland Aire which is amazing and ive listened to for decades . I was wondering if you could speak about Lyle's composition ' Moses the Lawgiver ' with Bonnie Herman from the Rabbit Ears series.
I was waiting for this song! Thanks a lot
Ezequiel! Thanks man - it took 3 times making it (but it was good because It gave me time to practice it :)
Beautiful, thank you so much ❗
Thank Carmine! :)
Great song choice and great analysis, thank you!
Thank you so much!
Amazing video brother! As always. This piece kinda changed my life (as you know), and even after our countless talks about this composition you have presented it in a light that was fascinating for me to watch. Thank you for another masterful analysis 🙏🏻🙌🏻
Thank you, brother :)
Thanks my friend!!!! bravo
Thank you Rodrigo 😊
"Highland Aire" is one of my favorite pieces by Lyle, Guy. As a composition, and as it is performed on Lyle's album, all of its melodic and harmonic components are about as close to perfect as one can get. One of the things that leads me to believe this is, no matter how many times I listen to it, I *never* tire of it. I also feel similarly about Lyle's "Close to Home". Thanks for your insights here, Guy, which are wonderful as always.
Thank you for this fantastic lesson!
Thanks Andrzej! I'm glad you liked it!
amazing video, thanks for this.
Thank you!!
Awesome 🙏🎹💯
Thank you so much! ❤️
Thanks for this brother!
Thanks Alan!
Highland Aire, wow, hits my heart every time. How come some chords do THAT? It's a funny chemistry that hits only those with that feel.
I have been listening to this piece quite a bit since you posted your video, not having listened to it for many years. It's been cool to see that Lyle revisited some of the themes in later works. There is a theme in the middle of this piece that you can hear expanded upon in the last song on the Imaginary Day album, The Awakening. Just a short bar or two around 2:33 of the song on Spotify. I also hear a short part that is expanded upon in The Way Up (5:44 ish on Spotify). Thanks for rekindling my love for this song Guy. Pat is an amazing guitarist but I'm partial to Lyle if you put a gun to my head LOL
beautiful
אחי, סרטון נהדר ונגינה ..כרגיל
תודה רבה רבה! איזה כיף!
Many thanks , really, so interesting content. Really, thank you.
Thanks Vincent! ☺️
Thank you!
You're welcome very much Daniel!
excellent thx
Thank you very much, Ron!
Wow man, you are going through a lot of pieces I have played by ear and I love understanding what's behind them. I have seen here in Italy the PMG when I had the occasion to, and also other Pat's performs live. I saw him last time with Antonio and the female bass player and the Italian keyboard player, but since Lyle was not with the group everything has changed. I agree that they did a great job themselves, but it's only joining them that there is a PMG. The good old times. Lyle just studied classical music, as he said, do you think that had been the peculiarity for such a great talent?
very generous and intelligent to share his tallent
Thank you 🙏
אחלה וידאו וגם נגינה..
תודה ארז ! אנחנו מוכנים עכשיו לעשות את הכינוס :)
Hi Guy, thanks a lot for the amazing job as always. Could you please someday somehow put a video about Lyle Mays' synths programming, especially on the amazing piece "Moses the Lawgiver"? This piece has no piano in it but sounds melodies and harmonies are wonderful on this music available on UA-cam. Thanks in advance !
Thank you (I wish I knew your name), I will look into it!
Are you familiar with his work on North Texas State University lab '75 (one o'clock lab band)
Please make an analysis on Chorinho!!
I'm thinking of it! :)
@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer Definitely. Love Lyle
Dear Dr. Shkolnik,
Did you analyze the track "Lakes" from pat Metheny and Lyle Mays ?
Lakes, what a charming piece! No I haven’t:)
Apparently this song is in a sonata-allegro form. Hopefully you will talk about that!
Yes, I read that! that's an interesting topic. during its golden age, in the hands of Mozart and Beethoven, it wasn't really a form. It was more like a flexible procedure. Only later in the 19th century, it started appearing in theory books as a form. Brahms was among those who understood that, and his use of the sonata sounded again like a flexible procedure. I think Highland Aire is somewhere in the middle, between the two approaches. The fact that people didn't notice the sonata form is actually a good thing! It's a sign that it leans more towards the procedure side. Anyways it is an interesting topic!
Thank you!