TRAVELS (PAT METHENY GROUP)

This double CD was my introduction to Pat Metheney in 1994. (Since then I have listened to many studio albums and have been irritated time after time of a particular sound he has used often in his music since the late 80's. That high-ish sound reminiscent of bad whispering between one's teeth has made it impossible for me to put Metheny on the top of my jazz/fusion artists, where he otherwise doubtlessly would be.) And so, Travels has also remained as the favourite Metheny album of mine.

Featuring only 11 tracks in 96 minutes, this live offering recorded over the U.S. tour has a hurryless, happy and laid-back atmosphere; performances are relatively extended but not boring. The mood switches smoothly from soft romantic ('Goodbye') to exciting feel of natural forces ('Wichita Falls' with its yodl-yodl- yodl-yodl voices). Travels also demonstrates how perfectly the band creates together the magic, instead of being mere backing players of a guitarist. Especially the role of Lyle Mays (keyb) is huge; he also has co- written most tracks.

Travels indeed is very acceptable introduction to Metheny, or to modern fusion-oriented jazz in general, if you already have a taste for moody groovy instrumental music played with a rock combo.