Pat Metheny Group

The 1978 debut album of the Pat Metheny Group introduces the now distinctive sound of Pat Metheny's guitar and Lyle Mays' keyboards. The music is melodious and upbeat, without sounding predictable and commercial. Mr Metheny composed all six songs, the best of which are “San Lorenzo” and “Phase Dance”, written in collaboration with Mr Mays.

Offramp

1982's Offramp is indeed off the ramp that Mr Metheny often takes. With the exception of “James”, the songs are abstract and difficult, reminiscent of Paul Winter's new age beats and Miles Davis' sparseness. The highlight is “Are You Going With Me?”, a lengthy piece that rises and rolls and gathers musical storm somewhere deep in space. Erik Satie would have loved this album, with all its ambient takes.

Letter From Home

In this 1989 offering, Mr Metheny puts his fascination with Brazilian music on center stage, blending Latin rhythms with strong elements of jazz and pop to form some of his most accessible songs ever. “Slip Away” calls to mind his compelling but underrated melodies for the 1985 film The Falcon and the Snowman, while “Dream of the Return” stands out for the spacious use of vocal by the Argentine percussionist Pedro Aznar.

Listen to the title track at the Audio Gallery.