Pianist Lyle Mays became known as the alter ego of Pat Metheny’s legendary first group. As this album from a 1993 indicates, he was able to move on and move forward with style. He’s teamed up alumnus Marc Johnson/b, Mark Walker/dr and then-nascent Bob Sheppard/ts-ss in a collection of rich and melodic originals.
The quartet takes one look back on the Mays/Metheny composition “Au Lait” where Sheppard’s tenor closes up after Mays romantically stretches across the long horizon. Walker shows his crisp support on the snappy “Hard Eights” and the team gels lyrically on “August.” Everyone gets a chance in the spotlight on the 24 minute “Fictionary” which includes Mays without support and exploring various hues, while Walker delivers and AK47 solo with shots ricocheting around the walls. Johnson’s work on the intro and statement on the reflective “Lincoln Reviews His Notes” is a pensive delight. Any chance of these guys getting back together?
Jazz Haus Records