Pat Metheny Storm

I’m reflecting on my favorite Pat Metheny records… The first that comes to mind is “Bright Size Life” from his debut album, a piece that became his signature. Kudos to Manfred Eicher’s exceptional taste! I enjoy nearly all versions of this piece, especially the concert duo with Swedish guitarist Ulf Wakenius. Ulf’s guitar has a darker, foggier tone, and the bass guitar seems to respond, even though no one can truly replace Jaco. Then there’s “My Song” from One Quiet Night, which won the “Best New Age Album of the Year” at the 46th Grammy Awards. Despite what the title suggests, this piece isn’t by Pat; it’s a lyricless composition by Keith Jarrett. I hope to write lyrics for it someday—it’s on my to-do list.

The reason I’m writing this article after a long hiatus is because of Pat Metheny’s latest album, *From This Place*. The album features 10 of his original compositions and was released by the California-based Nonesuch recording label on February 21st. It has been warmly received by jazz enthusiasts worldwide.

Pat Metheny, a guitar virtuoso who has won 20 Grammy Awards, including seven consecutive wins with his own band, is a true musical legend. He incorporated the flexibility of brass instruments into his guitar playing, influenced by his childhood trumpet lessons and his idols, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Metheny has become a masterful storyteller, blending traditional techniques with contemporary musical language.

In the interim, he performed with Gary Burton for three years. However, he never truly enjoyed the label of jazz guitarist. Because of this, he used a creative—or rather, an expressive—process to elevate his music above conventional classifications. Along with writing music for Hollywood motion pictures, he has recorded as a solo artist and with Ornette Coleman, Steve Reich, Charlie Haden, and Brad Mehldau. With the support of a symphony orchestra, this Missouri lad, who hadn’t seen the ocean until he was eighteen, chose to paint his 43-year musical journey.