One of the things that has created such a devoted following for guitarist Pat Metheny is that each recording seems like a personal quest. Never does he rest on his laurels; he takes his fans on his musical sojourns. Here are recordings of two pilgrimages.
The Unity Sessions is the result of a filmed performance of Pat Metheny’s band of Chris Potter/ts-bcl, Anthony Sanchez/dr, Ben Williams/b, Giulio Carmassi/p and his famed Orchestron. The two hour plus show includes marvelous acoustic work by the guitarist on a gorgeous medley and “Adagio” as well as more electronic frisky and aggressive moments as on the chaotic “Geneology.” Metheny sizzles on the strings during a clever read of “Cherokee” while the band is in vintage form on the galloping “Come and See.” Williams’ bass work is marvelous on “Two Folk Songs” and Sanchez is wonderfully restless on ”Police People.” Potter reaches for the sun and almost combusts in the process like Icarus on “Kin” and the entire band sound like they’ve been made with the same dna with their ESP-like twists and turns. Fascinating rhythms!
Trumpeter Cuong Vu has been a long time admirer of Metheny, and subsequently he invited the guitarist to sit in with his trio of Stomu Takeishi/b and Ted Poor/dr. Vu, who has been on sessions ranging from Dave Douglas to David Bowie, leans to the left, making this reminiscent of Metheny’s summit meeting with Ornette Coleman. Vu’s clear tone is abundant on pieces like “Acid” kiss, and Metheny sounds inspired with his electric guitar on the assertive and angular rhythms. The band sizzles and bops on “Not Crazy” with Vu’s staccato bursts a perfect foil for Metheny’s hot poker of strings. Vu keeps the tunes varied, as “Seeds of Doubt” opens with gentle blossoms of brass before the torrential rains pour onto the garden. Metheny-esqe melodicism is found on almost every track, and “Telescope” could easily be a “lost” session from the guitarists earlier days. An interesting rabbit trail!
Nonesuch Records