BRIGHT SIZE LIFE

On the plus side the three musicians are great players and demonstrate their chops pretty well, albeit in a light straight jazz context. On the minus side much of the playing seems directionless, overly-noodly and meandering.

On the plus side Metheny's playing is distinctive from the start (his first solo album). On the minus side he hasn't learned to write proper melodies yet, i.e. to simplify to create something memorable that a listener can hook onto.

The slower sparer tracks like 'Unity Village' and 'Midwestern Nights Dream' probably come off the best as they have space to 'say' something rather than just meandering along in a semi- busy way.

Really because of the undeniable quality of playing on it, this album cannot be given less than 3 stars. Also I am sure it will appeal more to those into straighter jazz than I. BUT 'Bright Size Life' cannot get more than 3 stars from me because it does not progress beyond straight jazz and because (and this is the crux) contrary to what we have come to expect from Metheny THERE ARE NO REALLY GREAT MEMORABLE TUNES HERE!