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After you start listening to it, that will probably be the last thing on your mind.Mays, Egan, and Gottlieb are all amazing. so I'm probably not a good judge on sound quality.
It is that good.It doesn't matter how hectic my day has been, my head immediately clears as soon as I start listening to this album, and I begin reflecting on my whole life (especially my childhood). As "San Lorenzo" progresses, a flood of memories washes over me, and as it reaches the first crescendo, I begin to tear up.
"San Lorenzo" and "Phase Dance" are two of the only songs that can bring tears to my eyes. I grew up listening to the scratchy vinyl version and the notes still blew me away.
It never fails.I can't really say anything bad about this. Some people say the sound quality is bad.
I would certainly not let it be a make-or-break factor in deciding to own this album. And Metheny is a god, of course.
The compositions do seem more simplified, and the sound more sparse, but I consider both the simplicity and sparseness as strengths of the recording. These later recordings seem more ambitious in scope and compositionally complex, as compared to the PMG's earlier recordings, including this one under review. I was first exposed to the Pat Metheny Group from some of their later recordings which I enjoyed very much, including Letter from Home, Quartet, and Imaginary Day. The guitar playing seems rhythmically and melodically brilliant throughout. So when I first bought this recording, I must admit that I did feel somewhat disappointed, because I was perceiving it as a starting point from which the band had musically evolved from. Then a few years later I heard both "San Lorenzo" and "Phase Dance" on the radio, and, after realizing that both pieces are from this cd, I decided to have another listen, and then soon realized that, although true the music might represent a starting point for the band, it stands up very well on its own. The other earlier PMG recording that I've grown to enjoy very much is "First Circle". Again, it took some time for me to adjust, but I consider this recording and "First Circle" as the two gems from PMG's days with ECM.
In this outing, Pat's play is downright happy, but at the same time reflective and intriguing. A sparkling debut by Pat Metheny Group is possibly Metheny's best moment. For me, the best part of Pat Metheny's playing is the positive energy that diffuses throughout the surroundiing cast. Of course Lyle's playing suits Pat's to a T, and the rhythm section creates a perfect equilibrium. Even the devil himself could not listen through this album without cracking a smile at some point.[.].
And then I picked up this one and lo and behold -- the mystery song from my teens was on this album - it was like coming home. I originally heard San Lorenzo on the radio when I lived in Asia and had no idea who the artist or song was, but I recorded it and it stayed with me as a revelation of modern jazz at a time when I was just getting exposed to western music. This is a wonderful album. I also learned classical guitar as a result of this exposure and music has been a big part of my life ever since. Years later I became a Metheny fan through other albums. Vintage Metheny with some touches of his future self but unique in its own way. A must have for any Metheny and Jazz fan.
Each song is a sparkling jewel, and this is an excellent album to listen to when you want to relax, mellow out, or play during a dinner party, or late-night jazz get-together. This IS most probably the BEST Pat Metheny Group album to this day. The music takes me to places in my mind that are beautiful and far away from the stresses of daily life. A beautifully arranged and recorded masterpiece of an album. Upon my first listening, I became a Pat Methey Group fan for life. My favorite in particular is San Lorenzo, yet they're all masterpieces. Still my favorite PMG album, with American Garage(The Epic, Airstream), Watercolors (River Quay, Sea Song), Offramp (Are You Going With Me)., and Bright Size Life following closely behind.
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