So many great pianists make beautiful music that they are playing to themselves, others while playing to their audience, Lyle sounds like he is playing to me as an individual. His style is like a conversation, not a speech.
@@MsRiccig Mays/Metheny tribute to Evans - September 15th. Equally beautiful to Evans. Why can't more than one artist be considered "nothing more beautiful than"?
RIP Lyle. One of the best piano solos he did with the group. Also love the Roland synth solo by Pat. I have listened to this piece hundreds of times and never tire of it.
It’s For You also. This is the first song Lyle and Pat wrote and recorded together. Before anyone tries to argue with me about it I heard it from Lyle & Pat directly. They discussed it in their podcast.
Doug - ya gotta do "First Circle". Melodically, Harmonically and Rhythmically - it will push all your buttons, while being so subtle you will end up just digging the ride.
@@jpwjr1199 - I hear you, man. I've been a Pat head since '84 and I would have no problem listing about a dozen must-hear tunes. His music is a gift that keeps giving.
The thunderclap makes for a perfect climax for Pat's guitar synth solo here. I've read that it was a lucky accident. They were recording in New England when a storm moved in and this was captured on tape. Not at that precise moment in the score, I'd suspect, but edited in. As you delve into Pat's ECM work, you'll see much use of such "found sounds." Train noises are a recurring theme. Echoed human voices are major sonic elements of "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Pat and Lyle wrote this after witnessing a tornado near Metheny's Kansas home. Three intervals of crowd voices mark the progress of the storm. First, the calm tones of casual conversations, then screams of anguish, then, as positive resolution, a bunch of children laughing and shrieking, playing in a pool. Those little unexpected doses of real-world sounds, a la musique concrete, were one of the most appealing aspects of the Pat Metheny Group's music. It was almost unprecedented in jazz, but it echoed the sonic collages of The Beatles later period.
The thunder storm and rain that happens was recorded by accident. It was storming outside during the recording and was captured through an open door. They decided to keep it in the final recording and even had lighting effects that simulate the lightning during the live performance. TH-cam has one of the live performance of you search. Also, Pats podcast “Behind The Music” gives accounts by the band members on how all of the albums came to be. Many of the albums anyway.
This is by far my favorite Metheny tune....I used to travel regularly from Denver to Salt Lake, and I would put this CD in about the time I was entering the desert proper in Eastern Utah, about sunset, and this song, together with the desert on fire, would just transform me into a different, cosmic realm.....that little guitar riff at 16:08-09 (which you talked through...) is the most subtle little manifestation of Pat's genius in the entire piece......was cool seeing the score and your chord progression breakdown......
Started listening to Pat and Company in 85'. To this day I cannot tire of any of his songs and ALWAYS find something new within them. IMO he's is among the greatest composers alive today. BTW, RIP Lyle, you were a great one and your music will live on.
"As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls" is another classic that should not be missed. Turn down the lights, crank up the volume and just soak in the brilliance of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. Love your show, Doug. Keep up the great work.
First Circle will push your buttons! The Approaching Storm another good one. I can't believe I have been listening to The Pat Metheny Group since the late seventies and waiting for each new album with bated breath! He has put a lifetime of excellent music out there and It gives me great joy to listen to his music!
Huge Metheny fan here for 40 years. Great job! Love seeing and hearing someone experience this incredible music for the first time. I hope "First Circle" is your next Metheny tune. It's mind blowing when you start breaking it apart.
A suggestion: "Are You Going With Me?" from the album Offramp by the Pat Metheny Group. I find it hauntingly beautiful. There is also a live version on the album Travels.
This was my introduction to Pat. It is gorgeous. I suggest "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Both tracks are better than this one. (This one is lovely.)
I'm a Pat fan from the '80s. I'm not a musician but I enjoy hearing these songs through your knowledge base. Btw, unique sounds are part of the sound of the band. Pat embraced the way the synthesizer put its stamp on 70s and 80s pop music and Jazz-Rock fusion. I know lots of guitar purists that hate how he alters his guitar sound but I love it. The Way Up is another gem. Check it out.
The way i look at it as calm at the beginning, a calm world, Lyle's(RIP) solo slowly starts to build throughout, then Pat with his iconic Roland guitar synth sound, builds and screams then the "explosion"..... end of the world....then back to the calm of a "new" world? I saw this live and it was amazing!!!!!
Pat Metheny is so expressive with that Roland guitar synth, which also creates quite a contrast with his beautifully fulsome and melodic hollow-body guitar sound.
@ Paul Duerinckx Exactly. He's a phenomenal player. I remember seeing this tour and being a few rows from the stage. This tune takes you on a journey. Have you seen Rick Beato's interview with Pat? Great interview.
@@bradalker5332 Yes I have. I'm not a prolific concert goer but I've seen Pat Metheny and The Pat Metheny Group probably more than any other act. Always exceptional.
Great reaction to my favorite song EVER!!! I was a DJ at WUMR (formerly 91.7 FM, "The Jazz Lover") and from what I was told, I was one of the first DJ's to play "To The End of The World", live, on the air, in it's entirety. Having been a music major over 40 years ago, the progressions drove my ears insane!!! It was love at first listen. I wholeheartedly agree with your excitement regarding the song. The ONLY place we disagree is that the SOUND EFFECT sections lends itself to separating the first 10 minutes from the last 2 minutes. It was a demarcation that I thought was absolutely brilliant. I closed my radio show at midnight with the song every time I was on the air. I played it uninterrupted until the VAMP AND FADE. That's when I back announced and signed off. Thanks for your insights. Barry Ford
Thanks for this. That's one of my favorite Metheny tracks, just unbelievably good. If you really want to dive into something *huge*, try "The Way Up". It's a composition that takes an entire CD, It's almost 70 minutes long, in 4 sections and it is the last thing Metheny and Lyle Mays did together. The structure will really interest you, I think, because you have all of these "motifs" (I believe this is the right word?) that are repeated in various forms all the way through. Just a stunning piece of music. (Metheny said that it was influenced by Steve Reich.)
I like the 'weather effects' for one reason - after the crescendo of Pat's solo and the entire band, things need to reset to the original theme ... and I think a direct transition wouldn't have worked. This gives your head a chance to reset as well. As for the main melody recapitulation at the end, for me whereas the original run feels contemplative yet conversational with the bass, the end part feels introspective - like a review of a conversation with yourself.
I agree and it fits with the theme of the world. The thunder, rain, the driving, moody melody, whatever they’ were doing went to the end of the world and then beyond it.
Agreed. Plus the thunder and rain return the theme and title really beautifully. In my book most of Pat’s music is grounded in the unspeakable beauty and power of nature. “ the fields, the sky “; “ minuano” ; “ third wind “. That’s why it never gets old for me.
Another perspective on the weather effects section ... when they perform this in concert, he needs some time to switch guitars. :-) There are a lot of songs where they include something short like that, like a short piano solo or interlude, and he switches.
Doug thank you so much for giving your musical interpretation of Till the End of the World. It’s one of my favorite songs. I enjoy it from a listener’s perspective but I’m not trained from a musical scholar’s perspective. It has given me an even greater appreciation for a song I love!!! Keep doing what you do!!🎼
Lyle and Pat are the kings of ‘ethereal’. Common tone modulations are a mainstay of their works. Genius folks! “Phase Dance” would be well worth taking a look at too. Thank you, Sir! 😉👍
I second that "Phase Dance" suggestion. Years ago I may have dismissed PM as "happy jazz", but I was so wrong! I mean, there's so much more to his/their music than just the "happy" stuff.
The Pat Metheny Group is in my top 10. “To The End of the World” is one my favorites. I listen to it all the time, even the live performance. I backpack a lot in Shenandoah National Park and many times I come across incredible views and expanses in the middle of nowhere where. No people. This is the tune I hear in my head. I did a 45 day east-west-east cross country road trip and whenever I see mountain, lakes, rivers, and valley views, this is my theme song. It gets lots of playtime in my car. Great Reaction video oF The PMG “To The End of the World”
I've heard this hundreds of times... I even enjoy it on my longer running sessions... it's so open to interpretations, just beautiful streams of thoughts...
Hi Doug: I’m fairly new to your site. I’ve been listening to PMG ever since they joined the Jazz scene. The music you should be listening to is anything from Imaginary Day. My mother was also Classically trained and went with me to see PMG on this tour. The entire set evokes a day in the life from one morning to the next. It is what you say, sublime, especially when it passes from the night train passing into dawn.
Hi! In my humble opinion, the most interesting may be: 5-5-7 (Letter From Home) See the World (Secret Story) Third Wind (Still life (talking)) A Story Within the Story (Imaginary Day) When We Were Free (Quartet) Oceania (Quartet) Language of Time (Quartet) Follow Me (Imaginary Day) Wide and Far (From This Place) Are We There Yet (Letter From Home) Facing West (Secret Story) As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls () Mas Alla (Beyond) (First Circle) And thanks for all the work. I really liked the one with your friend DJ Rae who seems to like MINUANO as much as I do :-D
So just cool Doug that you cover PMG incredible music compositions. Thank you! Am a big PMG fan for 30yrs. First Circle, Phase Dance, Roots of Coincidence, The Way Up, ...
Doug you are a trip.Thank you so much for what you do. I love watching how you process the music. It helps ear players like myself better understand what they are doing. I would think you might listen afterward through a proper hifi speaker system and the lights down low. As much as I love my headphones, there is nothing like listening to the music as the notes literally hang in the air. No thinking. Just soak in the sonic sensations of this modern day Mozart. I share the others gratitude of your bringing this music to others and feel a genuine thrill at your obvious appreciation for how Pat and Lyle display their gift for blending melody harmony and rhythm. I know that it has transported me to a different realm for over forty years. I never fail to meet like minded devotees sharing their passion at the dozens of live shows I have had the enormous privilege of attending through out my life. I highly recommend Travels and The Road to you, two of the finest live recordings of any band. Are you Going with Me and Goodbye are indescribably beautiful and The Half Life of Absolution will send you into orbit. Pat will be at State College Pennsylvania on February 3. Although not the full on display from the groups live recordings the show was nonetheless quite enjoyable at The Rady Shell where I live in San Diego. There are also some great TH-cam videos of some live stuff with new ones appearing every month or so. Thanks again and keeping sharing your love for music.
You have to do The Way Up. It might be too long for your show though. It’s one piece, about 60 minutes long comprised of an intro and three parts. It’s a masterpiece. I saw them perform it live & it was as breathtaking as the LP. Secret Story, Off Ramp, Letter from Home, Imaginary Day…..All of them…everything is outstanding.
The Way Up is the single best thing I've ever heard in my life, the motivic tense ideas become a resolution on part three... that is the most sublime musical moment I perceived in my entire life, I wish he reacted to the whole piece, because those parts relate to each other in a fundamental way.
I saw Pat for this tour. He came out and said: "The first set will be the whole album start to finish. Then we'll take an intermission and come back and play some old favorites! Som you'll get your money's worth tonight!" And we did! Pat always assembles the greatest ensembles! I have had the good fortune to have seen him in concert about 6 or 7 times. I love Pat!
Knowing that the ECM tracks will get blocked. Have to stick to the Geffen stuff. My recommendation would be "See the World" from Pat's Secret Story album. The chord changes are crazy!
Thank you Doug for explaining us the structure of 12 phrasal tempos in which is built this beautuful piece of music of Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays for the Pat Metheney Group. I have as my favourites " It's for you" with predominantky ruling soubds of the Lyle Mays okarina sound, and also I would like you yo react to " Facing Wesr" song which suggests ne a great number of horses riding on the Red Canyon or so. A very beautiful image for sure. I really enjoy several of Pat and Lyle compositions. Their music make me feel motivated to the action abd the good -mood. It is a very uplifting music. No doubt. Another in the list is: 5-5-7 which suggesrs me a businessman running to his office in a hurry. Or the idea of being in movement by walking with shoes in a hurry to go to work but in very optimistic way. No doubt Pat and Lyle' music is healing.
Thank you for this Doug! So heartening to hear a fresh perspective on Metheny & Mays and feel your passion for the language they speak accompanied by an astute play by play of the composition itself. That was cool 😎 Would love to see you cover "If I could" "Mas Alla" and "September Fifteenth". Great job sir and be well 🙏🏻
"Offramp" (album), "First Circle" (album) and "September fifteenth" from "As falls Witchita...", (nah, the whole album is great) as other has mentions are the ones you want to start with in regard to PMG (but this is not a bad start though)
This groove is basically soul to soulesque after all its the 90s Back to Life was big. Love the use of this sample here wow so subtle. Also of course we had Enigma in the same rhythmic ball park with Sadness around this time too.
If you listen to " I got the power" by Snap, you will here this beat, pmg slowed it down...I have their live in China DVD, and its triggered off a pad with Mr. WERTICO in control as always. My favorite piece from this amazing group of sonic architects. RiP Lyle!!!!❤️
As a classical composer I'd love you to talk about this one: "Not to be forgotten (Our Final Hour)", last track of his album _Secret Story_. As it's also a classical orchestral and beatiful piece
Thank you for sharing PMG today with this track- I remember buying this tape to play in my car in 96 and was deeply moved by the R&B sound to the album, more so than any other previous one. The fluidity of the melodies on To The End Of The World are really dynamic with amazing solos by both Pat and Lyle showcasing their styles in improv that demonstrate how versatile they both are in conceptual Jazz with Blues, Bebop etc. There are so many key changes and modulations that keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat all through the PM whaling Guitar Synth solo. Also very interesting how the song winds down with to the drum and bass groove that takes us out. Another really amazing analysis video Doug! Never disappointed by PMG
'First Circle' is the one to listen to. It's a fascinating, complex and unique composition. 'Are You Going With Me' is a legendary PMG tune that is a must-listen, but compositionally it's not quite as interesting because it repeats in a Bolero-type manner. It's a great experience nonetheless, and Lyle came up with a great counterpoint for the melody that isn't in the lead sheet.
fantastic thing talkin bout music explaining harmonies!! and mr Doug doesnt know so much pmg! this is the best way to understand the language of artists,not only emotions, thanks soo much ciao from Italy
Pat Metheny's Catalog is extremely Large... He's one of the most intense touring musicians too. the group did like 250 concerts a year, fresh every time, every time. Pat himself would do extra side stuff... also always fresh. If you listen to the early stuff from the Seventies, you'll be very amazed how awesome that music still sounds, and those guys were in their early 20's back then...
You really ought to check out Pat Methey's signature song - Are You Going With Me on the Off Ramp album. Once you listen to it, you know why it is his signature song!
Saw this one live at Red Rocks back in the 90s and WOW can't imagine a better way to experience this song on a summer night at such an amazing location.
That was probably my first time, '79 or '80. Nana Vasconsuelos was in the percussion pit. During one song, a bright meteor blazed over the stage. The following year's Red Rocks advertising illustrated that scene, with meteor. I sat in the way back. Oh, for the days when Pat could sell out 8000 seats in Denver!
One of my favorite songs of all time and it is fun to see Doug's reaction. I was blessed to see the PMG play this majestic tune live in Sacramento on the "We Live Here Tour" and it was a show stopper. The song moves me in many ways but there's a yearning and relentless intensity married to a subtle sense of melancholy. Tremendous songwriting and musicianship as always. I believe the songwriting team of Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny was the best American songwriting team ever. Their output from about 1977-2005 was consistently outstanding with several groundbreaking albums. Steve Rodby is not only an outstanding bass player, but a trusted producer as well. Paul Wertico remains my favorite drummer of all time...Which Metheny song to investigate next? Hmmmm...What about "Half Life of Absolution" from the live album, "The Road to You?" I also like Edison's suggestion of "First Circle."
@@pat557 Yes indeed, it was very hot and the crowd didn't like it when the material became more challenging. Terrific show though and the first of my 11 Metheny concerts...
"As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Both the 1981 studio version and Travels, the band's first live album version of this composition are imo equal to each other. It also reflects the sublime expression or musical quality of The Pat Metheny Group you had eluded to in your video. 'To the End of the World', likewise captures our unique sense or corporeal reflection of "Time" and human existence It has become a recurring theme and considertion for The Pat Metheny Group over the decades.
Era un 11 de Agosto de 1995 , entre a mixip en guadalajara y cuando vi el cd … y titulo supuse algo grande, pase al auto lo empece a escuchar y Woooo , otro discazo de Pat y lyle y llegando a la pista # 4 …. Un asombro lo que mis oidos estaban escuchando…. Que ritmo , clase, nonono , esta pieza solo la pueden haser grandes genios …. Gracias Pat y Gracias Lyle…. Por siempre “ to the end of the world” 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
I remember hearing somewhere that the 'Sound Effect Section' was due to a storm that happened when they were recording and that they recorded it and included it in the piece.Can anyone verify?
Absolutely fantastic reaction and analysis Doug! When I studied music in high school this album just came out. Beyond the Missouri Sky, Dream Theaters Awake, Yellowjackets Like a River and Steve Vai´s Passion and warfare was pretty much what I listened to for a couple of years. Amazing stuff. Awake is to this day my all time fav album.
I find it strange that there are many, many more tracks by PMG that I would pick over this. First Circle, as someone else suggested for example. Or something from Imaginary Day for example.
@@frankmarsh1159 "The Awakening" was always on my top ten. Sounds like circus music to me, with bagpipes. It was never performed like, though. I asked both Pat and Lyle , separately, to play it live, and both said it just didn't come together.
the whole album is amazing ! saw the concert during the tour for this album at Massey Hall in Toronto..Pat and the rest of the group did not disappoint !! thanks for doing this Doug 👍🏻✌️
Doug, Pat Metheny s debut album Bright Size Life is an exceptional. And Joco Pastorius on bass is unbelievable. All tracks are great but check out unquity road. I would love to here your reaction to it. Also I was curious if you were familiar with Nikolai rimsky-korsakov and the piece scheherazade? One of my very favorite classical compositions. Scheherazade and Other Stories by Renaissance is directly related to this piece. I was unsure if you were aware of it or not because when I watched your reaction to Renaissance scheherazade and Other Stories it seemed as though you are not familiar with the other.Thanks Mark M
Thank you Mr. D. Helvering for this theory lesson. You explained it so well; I can stop the video and map out the chords and then understand Methany's magic. I just discovered your channel and will be coming back for more practical, applicable lessons!
I got to see them on this tour..promoting this album..it was awesome to hear this song.Especially when it came to its peak...astoundingly. Great Review.
a lot of lylemays and pat meth compositions mr doug can listen and explain!! we live here,are you going with me, something to remind you,hard jazz tunes like go get it,and brasilian stuff like the unbielivable third wind with historical pmeth solo in the middle, and please listen the pmeth playing with acoustic picasso guitar, an oriental sound, and please talk bout synth guitar solos ciao from Italy
[taps foot impatiently, wondering when Doug will react/analyze some of Lyle's solo work... like Alaskan Suite, Slink, the Street Dreams suite, or for a rhythmic challenge, the live version of Chorinho] Really enjoy your analyses, Doctor Doug. :) Keep it comin', sir.
The Major third jumps during the Pat solo is something he does very often. It has a very cool "opening up" ladder effect. I love the way you analyzed and explained it.
So good to have a chart. That was awesome. You gotta do First Circle. That was Mr. Metheny's first stab at composing what he couldn't play at least initially. Just try the clapping part in the beginning. Takes a while to get the 22/8 feel right? Once you get it you'll be walking funny. :)
One of their best tracks, and that’s saying something. This breakdown really appealed to the geeky “ theory side “ of me. Many thanks for posting this.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
There's nothing more beautiful than Lyle May's piano solos
So many great pianists make beautiful music that they are playing to themselves, others while playing to their audience, Lyle sounds like he is playing to me as an individual.
His style is like a conversation, not a speech.
@@letsgomets002 ever hear bill evans ?
@@MsRiccig Mays/Metheny tribute to Evans - September 15th. Equally beautiful to Evans. Why can't more than one artist be considered "nothing more beautiful than"?
Colleen you are right, Lyle was a completely different musician. He and Pat could be considered as the Mozart and Bach of the 21st century.
one of best solos he ever played, imho...
These guys have ALWAYS been MASTERS at what they’ve done .. the PMG will always be UNIQUE
Pat is one of the great American guitarists, a composer, an innovator, sometimes seemingly undervalued in the flow of time. This is a brilliant track.
RIP Lyle. One of the best piano solos he did with the group. Also love the Roland synth solo by Pat. I have listened to this piece hundreds of times and never tire of it.
Me too
"September fifteenth" from the album "As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls". You won't regret listening to this masterpiece.
It’s For You also. This is the first song Lyle and Pat wrote and recorded together. Before anyone tries to argue with me about it I heard it from Lyle & Pat directly. They discussed it in their podcast.
@@cosmicgirl1234567 "It's Your You" is great but unfortunately it's on ECM. ECM blocks all their music on TH-cam.
@@frankmarsh1159 Really? Wow. I had no idea. Such a shames. It’s a great song.
Rick Beato is a big fan of September 15th!
This song never fails to get to me. Its a jam, its dramatic, colorful, textural, deeply emotional and captivating. One of my top faves. ❤️🔥
Doug - ya gotta do "First Circle". Melodically, Harmonically and Rhythmically - it will push all your buttons, while being so subtle you will end up just digging the ride.
Yeah, but ECM will block it on TH-cam.
@@jimbricker4982 ah - you're right. crap. There are some great live bootlegs on youtube though .........
I agree, copyright block or not. If you're going to dive into Metheny, First Circle is a rite of passage. I personally love 5-5-7, but hey.
@@jpwjr1199 - I hear you, man. I've been a Pat head since '84 and I would have no problem listing about a dozen must-hear tunes. His music is a gift that keeps giving.
You're right, first circle is a must.
The thunderclap makes for a perfect climax for Pat's guitar synth solo here. I've read that it was a lucky accident. They were recording in New England when a storm moved in and this was captured on tape. Not at that precise moment in the score, I'd suspect, but edited in. As you delve into Pat's ECM work, you'll see much use of such "found sounds." Train noises are a recurring theme. Echoed human voices are major sonic elements of "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Pat and Lyle wrote this after witnessing a tornado near Metheny's Kansas home. Three intervals of crowd voices mark the progress of the storm. First, the calm tones of casual conversations, then screams of anguish, then, as positive resolution, a bunch of children laughing and shrieking, playing in a pool.
Those little unexpected doses of real-world sounds, a la musique concrete, were one of the most appealing aspects of the Pat Metheny Group's music. It was almost unprecedented in jazz, but it echoed the sonic collages of The Beatles later period.
The thunder storm and rain that happens was recorded by accident. It was storming outside during the recording and was captured through an open door. They decided to keep it in the final recording and even had lighting effects that simulate the lightning during the live performance. TH-cam has one of the live performance of you search. Also, Pats podcast “Behind The Music” gives accounts by the band members on how all of the albums came to be. Many of the albums anyway.
This is by far my favorite Metheny tune....I used to travel regularly from Denver to Salt Lake, and I would put this CD in about the time I was entering the desert proper in Eastern Utah, about sunset, and this song, together with the desert on fire, would just transform me into a different, cosmic realm.....that little guitar riff at 16:08-09 (which you talked through...) is the most subtle little manifestation of Pat's genius in the entire piece......was cool seeing the score and your chord progression breakdown......
Started listening to Pat and Company in 85'. To this day I cannot tire of any of his songs and ALWAYS find something new within them. IMO he's is among the greatest composers alive today. BTW, RIP Lyle, you were a great one and your music will live on.
"As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls" is another classic that should not be missed. Turn down the lights, crank up the volume and just soak in the brilliance of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. Love your show, Doug. Keep up the great work.
got that one on vinyl, great album
Absolutely! I love that album, especially the title track.
September 15th would make a nice reaction video… just saying. :)
YEsss...!! My go to when I need therapy...!! LOL
One of the most impactful songs I've ever listened to!
GOD DAMN!!!! This music is so great!
Every note and every drum stroke is tasty!
Thanks Doug!
I see Pat Metheny Group and it’s an immediate thumbs up! PMG tunes always take me somewhere.
First Circle will push your buttons! The Approaching Storm another good one. I can't believe I have been listening to The Pat Metheny Group since the late seventies and waiting for each new album with bated breath! He has put a lifetime of excellent music out there and It gives me great joy to listen to his music!
It is not The Gathering Storm, you will never find it. the name of the song is "the Gathering Sky".
Huge Metheny fan here for 40 years. Great job! Love seeing and hearing someone experience this incredible music for the first time. I hope "First Circle" is your next Metheny tune. It's mind blowing when you start breaking it apart.
A suggestion: "Are You Going With Me?" from the album Offramp by the Pat Metheny Group. I find it hauntingly beautiful. There is also a live version on the album Travels.
This was my introduction to Pat. It is gorgeous. I suggest "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Both tracks are better than this one. (This one is lovely.)
Au Lait....hauntingly hypnotic!
This is magisterial:
Pat Metheny Group - Are You Going with Me? Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Canada. July 3, 1989.
With you there. It is wonderful.
@@2wayplebney Doug is supposed to do AFW,SFWF very soon.
I'm a Pat fan from the '80s. I'm not a musician but I enjoy hearing these songs through your knowledge base. Btw, unique sounds are part of the sound of the band. Pat embraced the way the synthesizer put its stamp on 70s and 80s pop music and Jazz-Rock fusion. I know lots of guitar purists that hate how he alters his guitar sound but I love it. The Way Up is another gem. Check it out.
Love PMG! It’s not just music to your ears but to your soul. So soothing I’ll never get tired of it. Thanks for sharing your review.
The way i look at it as calm at the beginning, a calm world, Lyle's(RIP) solo slowly starts to build throughout, then Pat with his iconic Roland guitar synth sound, builds and screams then the "explosion"..... end of the world....then back to the calm of a "new" world? I saw this live and it was amazing!!!!!
Pat Metheny is so expressive with that Roland guitar synth, which also creates quite a contrast with his beautifully fulsome and melodic hollow-body guitar sound.
@ Paul Duerinckx Exactly. He's a phenomenal player. I remember seeing this tour and being a few rows from the stage. This tune takes you on a journey. Have you seen Rick Beato's interview with Pat? Great interview.
@@bradalker5332 Yes I have. I'm not a prolific concert goer but I've seen Pat Metheny and The Pat Metheny Group probably more than any other act. Always exceptional.
Great reaction to my favorite song EVER!!! I was a DJ at WUMR (formerly 91.7 FM, "The Jazz Lover") and from what I was told, I was one of the first DJ's to play "To The End of The World", live, on the air, in it's entirety. Having been a music major over 40 years ago, the progressions drove my ears insane!!! It was love at first listen. I wholeheartedly agree with your excitement regarding the song. The ONLY place we disagree is that the SOUND EFFECT sections lends itself to separating the first 10 minutes from the last 2 minutes. It was a demarcation that I thought was absolutely brilliant. I closed my radio show at midnight with the song every time I was on the air. I played it uninterrupted until the VAMP AND FADE. That's when I back announced and signed off.
Thanks for your insights.
Barry Ford
Thanks for this. That's one of my favorite Metheny tracks, just unbelievably good.
If you really want to dive into something *huge*, try "The Way Up". It's a composition that takes an entire CD, It's almost 70 minutes long, in 4 sections and it is the last thing Metheny and Lyle Mays did together. The structure will really interest you, I think, because you have all of these "motifs" (I believe this is the right word?) that are repeated in various forms all the way through. Just a stunning piece of music. (Metheny said that it was influenced by Steve Reich.)
I like the 'weather effects' for one reason - after the crescendo of Pat's solo and the entire band, things need to reset to the original theme ... and I think a direct transition wouldn't have worked. This gives your head a chance to reset as well. As for the main melody recapitulation at the end, for me whereas the original run feels contemplative yet conversational with the bass, the end part feels introspective - like a review of a conversation with yourself.
I agree and it fits with the theme of the world. The thunder, rain, the driving, moody melody, whatever they’ were doing went to the end of the world and then beyond it.
Exactly, it’s part of the story of the title. You find peace in the end, or whatever you make of it.
Agreed. Plus the thunder and rain return the theme and title really beautifully. In my book most of Pat’s music is grounded in the unspeakable beauty and power of nature. “ the fields, the sky “; “ minuano” ; “ third wind “. That’s why it never gets old for me.
Another perspective on the weather effects section ... when they perform this in concert, he needs some time to switch guitars. :-) There are a lot of songs where they include something short like that, like a short piano solo or interlude, and he switches.
Doug thank you so much for giving your musical interpretation of Till the End of the World. It’s one of my favorite songs. I enjoy it from a listener’s perspective but I’m not trained from a musical scholar’s perspective. It has given me an even greater appreciation for a song I love!!! Keep doing what you do!!🎼
Lyle and Pat are the kings of ‘ethereal’. Common tone modulations are a mainstay of their works. Genius folks! “Phase Dance” would be well worth taking a look at too. Thank you, Sir! 😉👍
Lyle Mays was amazing. RIP Lyle.
I second that "Phase Dance" suggestion. Years ago I may have dismissed PM as "happy jazz", but I was so wrong! I mean, there's so much more to his/their music than just the "happy" stuff.
Perfect descriptive word.
Thanks, Doug! That is my #1 favorite musical piece. It elicits tears of joy for me.
The Pat Metheny Group is in my top 10. “To The End of the World” is one my favorites. I listen to it all the time, even the live performance. I backpack a lot in Shenandoah National Park and many times I come across incredible views and expanses in the middle of nowhere where. No people. This is the tune I hear in my head. I did a 45 day east-west-east cross country road trip and whenever I see mountain, lakes, rivers, and valley views, this is my theme song. It gets lots of playtime in my car.
Great Reaction video oF The PMG “To The End of the World”
I've heard this hundreds of times...
I even enjoy it on my longer running sessions... it's so open to interpretations, just beautiful streams of thoughts...
One of my favorite PMG tunes is "So May It Secretly Begin", studio version, highlighted by Lyly's solo. It melts me.
"Are You Going With Me", "The First Circle", "It's For You" are probably my top 3 favorites from PMG if you are looking for more recommendations. :)
AFTERNOON its a beatiful song too
Wow this was my first time listening to Pat Metheny Group. Outstanding!
Keep listening. 😁
I envy you, in a way. Beginner's Mind is a wonderful thing. Now you have so much to discover for yourself!
Your life is changed.
Hi Doug: I’m fairly new to your site. I’ve been listening to PMG ever since they joined the Jazz scene.
The music you should be listening to is anything from Imaginary Day. My mother was also Classically trained and went with me to see PMG on this tour. The entire set evokes a day in the life from one morning to the next.
It is what you say, sublime, especially when it passes from the night train passing into dawn.
I listened to this over & over when it was released. Lyles solo & then Pat's synth guitar solo just soars.
Hi! In my humble opinion, the most interesting may be:
5-5-7 (Letter From Home)
See the World (Secret Story)
Third Wind (Still life (talking))
A Story Within the Story (Imaginary Day)
When We Were Free (Quartet)
Oceania (Quartet)
Language of Time (Quartet)
Follow Me (Imaginary Day)
Wide and Far (From This Place)
Are We There Yet (Letter From Home)
Facing West (Secret Story)
As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls ()
Mas Alla (Beyond) (First Circle)
And thanks for all the work. I really liked the one with your friend DJ Rae who seems to like MINUANO as much as I do :-D
Woah! One of my favs! Thank you!!!!!
So just cool Doug that you cover PMG incredible music compositions. Thank you! Am a big PMG fan for 30yrs. First Circle, Phase Dance, Roots of Coincidence, The Way Up, ...
Doug you are a trip.Thank you so much for what you do. I love watching how you process the music. It helps ear players like myself better understand what they are doing. I would think you might listen afterward through a proper hifi speaker system and the lights down low. As much as I love my headphones, there is nothing like listening to the music as the notes literally hang in the air. No thinking. Just soak in the sonic sensations of this modern day Mozart.
I share the others gratitude of your bringing this music to others and feel a genuine thrill at your obvious appreciation for how Pat and Lyle display their gift for blending melody harmony and rhythm. I know that it has transported me to a different realm for over forty years. I never fail to meet like minded devotees sharing their passion at the dozens of live shows I have had the enormous privilege of attending through out my life. I highly recommend Travels and The Road to you, two of the finest live recordings of any band. Are you Going with Me and Goodbye are indescribably beautiful and The Half Life of Absolution will send you into orbit.
Pat will be at State College Pennsylvania on February 3. Although not the full on display from the groups live recordings the show was nonetheless quite enjoyable at The Rady Shell where I live in San Diego. There are also some great TH-cam videos of some live stuff with new ones appearing every month or so. Thanks again and keeping sharing your love for music.
Pat’s music makes me happy. Seeing a musician digging it in a musical way makes me happier. Thank you, Doug.
Great video! The list of wonderful Metheny/Mays songs is huge. Here's one: " September 15th."
You have to do The Way Up. It might be too long for your show though. It’s one piece, about 60 minutes long comprised of an intro and three parts. It’s a masterpiece. I saw them perform it live & it was as breathtaking as the LP. Secret Story, Off Ramp, Letter from Home, Imaginary Day…..All of them…everything is outstanding.
The first section of TWU is only about 11 minutes long. It serves as a overture for the rest of the piece, but I think it stands well on its own.
The Way Up is the single best thing I've ever heard in my life, the motivic tense ideas become a resolution on part three... that is the most sublime musical moment I perceived in my entire life, I wish he reacted to the whole piece, because those parts relate to each other in a fundamental way.
I saw Pat for this tour. He came out and said: "The first set will be the whole album start to finish. Then we'll take an intermission and come back and play some old favorites! Som you'll get your money's worth tonight!" And we did! Pat always assembles the greatest ensembles! I have had the good fortune to have seen him in concert about 6 or 7 times. I love Pat!
Knowing that the ECM tracks will get blocked. Have to stick to the Geffen stuff. My recommendation would be "See the World" from Pat's Secret Story album. The chord changes are crazy!
Thank you Doug for explaining us the structure of 12 phrasal tempos in which is built this beautuful piece of music of Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays for the Pat Metheney Group. I have as my favourites " It's for you" with predominantky ruling soubds of the Lyle Mays okarina sound, and also I would like you yo react to " Facing Wesr" song which suggests ne a great number of horses riding on the Red Canyon or so. A very beautiful image for sure. I really enjoy several of Pat and Lyle compositions. Their music make me feel motivated to the action abd the good -mood. It is a very uplifting music. No doubt.
Another in the list is: 5-5-7 which suggesrs me a businessman running to his office in a hurry. Or the idea of being in movement by walking with shoes in a hurry to go to work but in very optimistic way. No doubt Pat and Lyle' music is healing.
"The Way Up" will blow your mind
Thank you for this Doug! So heartening to hear a fresh perspective on Metheny & Mays and feel your passion for the language they speak accompanied by an astute play by play of the composition itself. That was cool 😎
Would love to see you cover "If I could" "Mas Alla" and "September Fifteenth". Great job sir and be well 🙏🏻
"Offramp" (album), "First Circle" (album) and "September fifteenth" from "As falls Witchita...", (nah, the whole album is great) as other has mentions are the ones you want to start with in regard to PMG (but this is not a bad start though)
Often overlooked is Steve Rodby's bass work thoughout the entire song especially the two major solo sections.
Great tune.The Groove of this song reminds me of "Captain Of Her Heart" by The Double. My favorite from Pat Metheny is "Last Train Home" so cool
I was very into Double back in the day. 😎
This groove is basically soul to soulesque after all its the 90s Back to Life was big. Love the use of this sample here wow so subtle. Also of course we had Enigma in the same rhythmic ball park with Sadness around this time too.
If you listen to " I got the power" by Snap, you will here this beat, pmg slowed it down...I have their live in China DVD, and its triggered off a pad with Mr. WERTICO in control as always. My favorite piece from this amazing group of sonic architects. RiP Lyle!!!!❤️
As a classical composer I'd love you to talk about this one: "Not to be forgotten (Our Final Hour)", last track of his album _Secret Story_. As it's also a classical orchestral and beatiful piece
Or ALL of the beautiful ballads on Secret Story, essentially those with Toots on harmonica.
Secret Story, to me is Pat's absolute Masterpiece.
now you're getting to the good stuff! love PMG - thanks for your analysis on this video!
Red Sky and Are you going with me? Two of my favorites.
Metheny and Mays. Genuses of the era in jazz, without question. Their entire catalog is inspiring. Pick any one and listen, and you will see.
Thank you for sharing PMG today with this track- I remember buying this tape to play in my car in 96 and was deeply moved by the R&B sound to the album, more so than any other previous one. The fluidity of the melodies on To The End Of The World are really dynamic with amazing solos by both Pat and Lyle showcasing their styles in improv that demonstrate how versatile they both are in conceptual Jazz with Blues, Bebop etc. There are so many key changes and modulations that keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat all through the PM whaling Guitar Synth solo. Also very interesting how the song winds down with to the drum and bass groove that takes us out. Another really amazing analysis video Doug! Never disappointed by PMG
Reminds me of that cold rainy night in 1995 when I first heard this on Jazz FM... a classic jazz track for all times.
The Roots of Coincidence was really what brought my attention to the PMG. Sounds ahead of it’s time and might be worth a listen!
I think the put the sound effect section, so live Pat can scange from the synth guitars to his elecric guitar that he was using at the start
Third Wind is also another great relaxing track
Relaxing? It makes me want to run, and I hate running.
One of my very favorites!!! I heard there was an actual thunderstorm while they were recording - so they put it in.
'First Circle' is the one to listen to. It's a fascinating, complex and unique composition. 'Are You Going With Me' is a legendary PMG tune that is a must-listen, but compositionally it's not quite as interesting because it repeats in a Bolero-type manner. It's a great experience nonetheless, and Lyle came up with a great counterpoint for the melody that isn't in the lead sheet.
Is that song the prequel to this? Sounds like it should be from the title. 😀😀
First Circle, The heat of the day, last train home, Slip Away are some amazing songs you should check out!
Doug, check out Rick Beato’s recent Pat Metheny interview when you have a chance.
Saw Pat Metheny once and Patheny Group 3 times.
Exactly the interview I was thinking of when I suggested Bright Size Life.
fantastic thing talkin bout music explaining harmonies!! and mr Doug doesnt know so much pmg! this is the best way to understand the language of artists,not only emotions, thanks soo much ciao from Italy
Pat Metheny's Catalog is extremely Large... He's one of the most intense touring musicians too. the group did like 250 concerts a year, fresh every time, every time. Pat himself would do extra side stuff... also always fresh. If you listen to the early stuff from the Seventies, you'll be very amazed how awesome that music still sounds, and those guys were in their early 20's back then...
Pat is still on the road! Saw him twice this year.
I have loved this song for years and after hearing your analysis I have learned a lot and like it even more. Great job!
Check out “First Circle” Pat Metheny Group. It has everything that makes for the perfect mix pushing all emotional buttons.
Letter from Home is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever....
You really ought to check out Pat Methey's signature song - Are You Going With Me on the Off Ramp album. Once you listen to it, you know why it is his signature song!
Saw this one live at Red Rocks back in the 90s and WOW can't imagine a better way to experience this song on a summer night at such an amazing location.
That was probably my first time, '79 or '80. Nana Vasconsuelos was in the percussion pit. During one song, a bright meteor blazed over the stage. The following year's Red Rocks advertising illustrated that scene, with meteor. I sat in the way back. Oh, for the days when Pat could sell out 8000 seats in Denver!
@@wheatridger That would have been amazing! Definitely a magical place to see such a great show.
One of my favorite songs of all time and it is fun to see Doug's reaction. I was blessed to see the PMG play this majestic tune live in Sacramento on the "We Live Here Tour" and it was a show stopper. The song moves me in many ways but there's a yearning and relentless intensity married to a subtle sense of melancholy. Tremendous songwriting and musicianship as always. I believe the songwriting team of Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny was the best American songwriting team ever. Their output from about 1977-2005 was consistently outstanding with several groundbreaking albums. Steve Rodby is not only an outstanding bass player, but a trusted producer as well. Paul Wertico remains my favorite drummer of all time...Which Metheny song to investigate next? Hmmmm...What about "Half Life of Absolution" from the live album, "The Road to You?" I also like Edison's suggestion of "First Circle."
Was this the outside show @ the Radison? Like 100 degrees and they had to quit @10pm bc of hotel curfew? 😧
@@pat557 Yes indeed, it was very hot and the crowd didn't like it when the material became more challenging. Terrific show though and the first of my 11 Metheny concerts...
From 2:24 starts the vibe, from 5:35 starts the heaven...
"As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Both the 1981 studio version and Travels, the band's first live album version of this composition are imo equal to each other. It also reflects the sublime expression or musical quality of The Pat Metheny Group you had eluded to in your video.
'To the End of the World', likewise captures our unique sense or corporeal reflection of "Time" and human existence It has become a recurring theme and considertion for The Pat Metheny Group over the decades.
Pliz... “Are You Going With Me?” is a masterpiece. To me is a musical “intercourse”. Two bodies floating on musical notes till the...
Pat Metheny - The first circle. A Must.
Finding and believing as a kind of symphonic part that should interest you, just listen and let us know on your next Pat review
Era un 11 de Agosto de 1995 , entre a mixip en guadalajara y cuando vi el cd … y titulo supuse algo grande, pase al auto lo empece a escuchar y Woooo , otro discazo de Pat y lyle y llegando a la pista # 4 …. Un asombro lo que mis oidos estaban escuchando…. Que ritmo , clase, nonono , esta pieza solo la pueden haser grandes genios …. Gracias Pat y Gracias Lyle…. Por siempre “ to the end of the world” 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
I've read that the "sound effects" were recorded outside the studio (in NYC) when a thunderstorm hit.
Loved this so much! So much fun to watch and hear your comments…I was smiling the whole time!
I remember hearing somewhere that the 'Sound Effect Section' was due to a storm that happened when they were recording and that they recorded it and included it in the piece.Can anyone verify?
Absolutely fantastic reaction and analysis Doug! When I studied music in high school this album just came out. Beyond the Missouri Sky, Dream Theaters Awake, Yellowjackets Like a River and Steve Vai´s Passion and warfare was pretty much what I listened to for a couple of years. Amazing stuff. Awake is to this day my all time fav album.
Methany and Mays, doesn't get any better. Masters of the cool groove.
Agree.
I find it strange that there are many, many more tracks by PMG that I would pick over this. First Circle, as someone else suggested for example. Or something from Imaginary Day for example.
First Circle would be great. Or San Lorenzo from Travels.
Imaginary Day is what I grew up listening to by pat, saw them 3 times on that tour, I second a selection from that
Well this is my favorite and I've been a fan since 1978. The Roland solo is my favorite Metheny solo.
@@frankmarsh1159 "The Awakening" was always on my top ten. Sounds like circus music to me, with bagpipes. It was never performed like, though. I asked both Pat and Lyle , separately, to play it live, and both said it just didn't come together.
the whole album is amazing ! saw the concert during the tour for this album at Massey Hall in Toronto..Pat and the rest of the group did not disappoint !! thanks for doing this Doug 👍🏻✌️
Doug I would absolutely suggest you analyze First Circle. It is actually astounding in composition and performance. ♥
Doug, Pat Metheny s debut album Bright Size Life is an exceptional. And Joco Pastorius on bass is unbelievable. All tracks are great but check out unquity road. I would love to here your reaction to it. Also I was curious if you were familiar with Nikolai rimsky-korsakov and the piece scheherazade? One of my very favorite classical compositions. Scheherazade and Other Stories by Renaissance is directly related to this piece. I was unsure if you were aware of it or not because when I watched your reaction to Renaissance scheherazade and Other Stories it seemed as though you are not familiar with the other.Thanks Mark M
From this album, Red Sky is also remarkable as well as underrated song
Thank you Mr. D. Helvering for this theory lesson. You explained it so well; I can stop the video and map out the chords and then understand Methany's magic. I just discovered your channel and will be coming back for more practical, applicable lessons!
TEDxCaltech - Lyle Mays and Friends. Even if you don't choose to react, check out this sublime music. You play keyboards. You'll like this.
In this album I love track 'Red Sky' and 'Here To Stay'.
I got to see them on this tour..promoting this album..it was awesome to hear this song.Especially when it came to its peak...astoundingly. Great Review.
a lot of lylemays and pat meth compositions mr doug can listen and explain!! we live here,are you going with me, something to remind you,hard jazz tunes like go get it,and brasilian stuff like the unbielivable third wind with historical pmeth solo in the middle, and please listen the pmeth playing with acoustic picasso guitar, an oriental sound, and please talk bout synth guitar solos ciao from Italy
[taps foot impatiently, wondering when Doug will react/analyze some of Lyle's solo work... like Alaskan Suite, Slink, the Street Dreams suite, or for a rhythmic challenge, the live version of Chorinho]
Really enjoy your analyses, Doctor Doug. :) Keep it comin', sir.
Doug I graduated high school in 94. I would love to hear you review music from your high school years. Love the channel!
The Major third jumps during the Pat solo is something he does very often. It has a very cool "opening up" ladder effect. I love the way you analyzed and explained it.
Great job, Doug! The sheet music was awesome. And as always, great analysis.😊
Always love the expressiveness of this comp. So good.
Get the DVD “ The Way Up” live in S Korea. some of the best music he’s done.
So good to have a chart. That was awesome. You gotta do First Circle. That was Mr. Metheny's first stab at composing what he couldn't play at least initially. Just try the clapping part in the beginning. Takes a while to get the 22/8 feel right? Once you get it you'll be walking funny. :)
What I appreciate about you is that you APPRECIATE the music... Thank you.
Can't wait until you encounter Holdsworth and his music
One of their best tracks, and that’s saying something. This breakdown really appealed to the geeky “ theory side “ of me. Many thanks for posting this.