Pat Metheny Trio/Marian McPartland
Piano Jazz
Broadcast date: 2007-07-14
Original Broadcast date: 2005-11-01

Lineage: fm>SoundBlaster>wav>flac



Guitarist Metheny is one of the brightest stars in the jazz firmament. The ever-evolving Grammy-winning artist is constantly experimenting with new technology, honing his improvisational skills and refining his unique style. On this PIANO JAZZ, the Pat Metheny Trio, which includes bassist Christian McBride and drummer Antonio Sanchez, performs exclusive versions of Metheny classics "Go Get It" and "Bright Size Life."

# Conversation 4:29
# Bright Size Life (Metheny) 3:55
# Conversation 5:18
# So May It Secretly Begin (Metheny) 4:33
# Conversation 2:03 + 0:52
# Ambiance (McPartland) 4:22
# Conversation 0:42 + 3:22
# Go Get It (Metheny) 3:20
# Conversation 2:35
# Question-Answer (Metheny) 6:00
# Conversation 1:06
# Police People (Coleman) 2:57
# Conversation 2:34
# Turn Around (Coleman) 4:26
# Conversation 0:15

Total Time: 53:05

From the Program Note:

Jazz guitar hasn't been the same since a young player named Pat Metheny burst onto the scene in the 1970s.

Born Aug. 12, 1954, in Lee's Summit, Mo., Metheny started his musical career on trumpet at age 8. He switched over to the guitar when he was 12 and rapidly began mastering his instrument.

At age 14, Metheny won a guitar contest sponsored by Downbeat magazine that brought him to a jazz camp in Decatur Ill. It was the first time he'd been away from his family for an extended period of time, but he was able to meet and play with like-minded youngsters as well as some of the guest faculty -- who included Marian McPartland.

A year later, Metheny was gigging around Kansas City with some of the city's best musicians. His career took off when he joined with Gary Burton's band at the tender age of 18, an opportunity Metheny likens to being asked to play with the Beatles. Metheny stayed with Burton's band for three years during which time he also began teaching, first at the University of Miami and a year later at the Berklee School of Music. He was the youngest teacher ever hired at each of those universities.

In 1978, Metheny recruited pianist Lyle Mays, with whom he'd worked in Burton's group, to form his own band, the Pat Metheny Group. The two continue to collaborate on PMG projects and have recorded 15 albums, 7 of them grammy winners. A tireless player, Metheny has also worked along side jazz greats including Herbie Hancock, Charlie Haden, Ornette Coleman, Roy Haynes and Joshua Redman. Metheny has also released a number of solo and trio works.

In addition to his unique playing and composing style, Metheny has been a pioneer in the use of new musical technology and unconventional instruments. Synthesizers, midi technology, guitar effects and a collection of custom guitars remain a Metheny hallmark.