PAT METHENY GROUP: STILL LIFE (TALKING)

This album probably best describes the sound of the Pat Metheny Group, and many PM fans would say it is his best ever (it is not my very favourite, but close). While categorized as 'jazz-rock fusion' here in PA, I would actually characterize the PMG sound as "progressive jazz", as there is not much 'rock' here (it is not like the fusion of Mahavishnu Orchestra or Return to Forever). However, it IS progressive, and really excellent. Minuando, the first track on this album, is perhaps the best example of such progressive jazz. Complex time signatures and melodies, counter-intuitive key changes, and diverse changing instrumentation are key features. But at the same an intense musicality. The rest of this album reflects a diversity of styles, ranging from such progressive jazz to regular jazz, very quiet ethereal music, rapid-fast guitar solos, and very beautiful acoustic-guitar ballads. In addition to Minuando, PM's song Last Train Home is one of PM's most iconic and requested compositions. The latter is not really progressive, but simply a beautiful evocative melody over a somewhat unique rhythm (a snare beat resembling the clickity-clack of a train). While this album is not my very favourite (the self-titled PMG album takes that spot for me), it is nonetheless up there with the best of PM, and would probably serve as the best introduction for those not familiar with PM's music. Each and every piece on this album is really excellent, not just good, and the album flows exceptionally well. Even though is is highly produced (I prefer my music more raw) whenever it ends I still always want more! I give this album 9.2 out of 10 on my 10-point scale.