Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life (1976)

I have been introduced to Metheny's music many, many years ago, by my dad, who has been a big fan of Pat since the 70s. I have these distant memories of lying in the back of the car, during what I then considered very long journeys, staring at the passing landscape outside of the windows and listening to Metheny and the crew. So in a way, his music is a soundtrack to my early childhood...and my days, it is some decent music!

Pat Metheny, born in 1954 in Lee's Summit (Missouri) is one of the most prolific jazz guitarists of our time. He's been active since 1974, has released over 40 albums (solo, as 'Pat Metheny'; in various duets, trios, quartets; but also with his 'Pat Metheny Group'), he has received 17 Grammy Awards and has worked with such great artists as: Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, Charlie Haden, John Scofield, Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea and Jaco Pastorius...and it was the collaboration with talented bassist Pastorius that rendered his debut album - 'Bright Size Life'.

Pat and Jaco met each other at the University of Miami and connected with each other immediately. As Pat puts it in the liner notes for Pastorius' 1976 debut album:

"As a young musician who met Jaco in his prime when we were both just starting out, I can only say that my reaction on hearing him for the first time …. was simply one of shock – I had literally not heard anything remotely like it, nor had anyone else at that time…..Our musical relationship was immediate….. We also became really good friends. During the short time that I lived in Miami (near Jaco's home town of Ft. Lauderdale), we played show gigs together and occasionally played at his house…. and spent a lot of time talking about music…"

The two were clearly like-minded individuals, and I think the best proof of that is the fantastic connection and understanding they portray in 'Bright Size Life'. The album is a product of great cooperation between two unique, incredibly talented musicians.

Metheny has managed to develop a style and sound that is impossible to copy. His extensive use of various delay, chorus and reverb effects has helped him forge a sound that is unmistakable - you can smell a Metheny track from miles away. Pat also likes to experiment a lot and push the boundaries of the instrument further and further. He is known to incorporate a 12-string guitar with alternate tunings (you can hear it on 'Bright Size Life's' 'Sirabhorn') and also makes use of a custom-made 42-string Pikasso guitar - check this monster out:

Pastorius, on the other hand, is considered to be a pioneer of the jazz bass guitar. He took it to a new level with his extensive harmonisation and elaborate solos in the higher register. Jaco used a fret-less bass guitar, which opened up plenty of room for innovation and experimentation.

Both musicians are considered to have shaped the way their instruments would since then be used in jazz.

'Bright Size Life' then, is a fantastic collaboration between two great musicians, supported by Bob Moses on drums, who fits in perfectly - not too overwhelming, so as not to dim the main stars of the album, but also adding great value with his cymbal-driven, free-spirited, imaginative solos. Pat and Jaco, on the other hand, work together perfectly - with Jaco at times effortlessly and creatively rounding off Metheny's phrases, and at times seeming to be trailing one step behind Pat and acting as counterpart to weigh out the balance. Both guy's solos are just out of this world - with Metheny giving the tunes a smooth, jazzy edge and Pastorius venturing into incredible figures, which leave me wondering if that guy really plays the bass.

The album features 8 tracks, 7 of which are Metheny's own compositions, and the finale - a Coleman tune brilliantly interpreted by the group. There are fast-paced, post-bop influenced, hard-hitting songs, like: 'Missouri Uncompromised', 'Round Trip/Broadway Blues' and the title track: 'Bright Size Life'. But there are also some deeper and more atmospheric songs like: 'Unity Village' or 'Sirabhorn'. There's a bit of everything really so I'm sure the album will appeal to many people.

Anyways, have a look for yourself. And keep an eye on any new posts on the blog because Pat, with his rich discography, is bound to make an appearance sooner or later!

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