Acclaimed Downbeat Hall of Fame jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny, has been spending the final months of 2014 playing shows with the Pat Metheny Unity Group on the final leg of the Kin World Tour. Born in Kansas City, Missouri in August of 1954 into a musical family, Metheny began on the trumpet at the early age of eight, but switched to guitar at twelve. A few years later he was working regularly, with some of the best jazz musicians in the Kansas City scene, where he would be earning some of the most valuable experiences at such an uncommonly young age. Releasing his debut album Bright Size Life in 1975, Metheny was part of a new generation of players bringing their own style and sound. Versatile to the core, Matheny has played with great artists of his genre, such as Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman, and Herbie Hancock. From solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments with sets ranging from modern jazz to rock and classical, this jazz guru is a chameleon among the legends. Making a special appearance at The Space at Westbury, NY on Friday, November 21st, an audience of Jazz enthusiasts was ready to be swept away by the earthy, ethereal grooves created by this collaboration of The Pat Metheny Unity Group.
Reminiscing back to the 1980’s, The Pat Metheny Unity Group opened up with “Come See,” “Roof Dogs,” and “The Bat,” showing off their natural born talent. Fusing their way into a rendition of “Police People,” off the 2005’s Song X, the audience was awe-struck by the tremendous musicianship. Taking a moment to address the room, Metheny paused to take a bow and express his gratitude, thanking the audience for bringing him back to the area and especially The Space. Touring over forty plus countries over a span of ten months, since the Kin Tour began, Matheny expressed his appreciation to be working with such an inspiring, gifted group of musicians as he begins to introduce them. Living virtuosos: Antonio Sanchez on drums (who has been with Metheny for a decade), tenor saxophonist Chris Potter whose soprano/bass clarinet playing is brought to the light as well , double bassist the profound Ben Williams, and last but certainly not least Giulio Carmassi from Italy, who plays piano, strings, brass, winds, vibes, voice, and more. Metheny and this quartet of talent delighted the crowd with light, fluid, and emotive tunes.
During the finale of the set, a duo by Metheny and saxophonist Potter followed by another with drummer Sanchez, leaving the audience pleading for an encore, not once but twice, the quintet took the stage and blessed the crowd with another brilliant and fluid melody that only the Pat Metheny Unity Group could play. This ever changing artist always seems to surprise his followers in his creating of music as well as live performance. One thing for sure followers will never be disappointed with is the consistent level of commitment and quality of his work. Be sure to check out The Pat Metheny Unity Group twelve night stand at Blue Note in NYC before it is too late.
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