With 15 Grammy Awards to his name, almost 30 years in the music business to his credit and the luxury of being labeled "Best Jazz Guitarist" by almost anyone in the position to know, Pat Metheny really had nothing left to prove during his performance at the Center for the Arts Saturday evening.
Since getting his big break in 1974, Metheny has averaged between 120 and 240 shows a year. Saturday's show was a rare local appearance promoting his latest release, "One Quiet Night." Metheny performed solo for the most part, but also performed in a trio with bassist Christian McBride and percussionist Antonio Sanchez.
Four blossoming ficus tree-like images lined the back of the stage as the dim lighting and smooth acoustics provided an intimate and elegant evening. At the sight of his trademark auburn-tinged frizzy hair, a room full of excited onlookers greeted Metheny with fervent cheering.
Metheny took the stage by himself, with just a guitar in hand. There was no vocal interplay in the show, just tremendous dexterity, talent and original flare. Incorporating selections from such previous gold records as "Letter From Home" and "Secret Story," as well as from his new album, he soared through the complex compositions with relative ease as the eager audience encouraged and awaited each blissful note.
Over the course of his brief solo set, he managed to touch upon all the various facets that a guitarist of his caliber brings to the table. For three songs, he played straightforward jazz guitar, with enticing melodies and catchy rhythms. Then, shifted gears and grabbed a classical guitar, showcasing the mastery so often attributed to his live playing. Lastly, to conclude Metheny's solo session, he introduced an instrument likened to an amalgam of a jazz guitar, mandolin and harp.
"The music always advances through the efforts of individuals," stated Metheny via e-mail.
After roaring applause, McBride and Sanchez joined Metheny on stage. Silver-tongued jazzy riffs took hold as McBride's contagiously slick bass grooves, coupled with Sanchez's versatility, laid the proper foundations for unadulterated jazz exploration.
"I have been friends with Christian for many years," stated Metheny. "We have played together here and there lots of times. Christian and Antonio had never played together before this tour; I felt they would be a perfect match for each other and it has turned out that I was right."
Seamlessly sliding through their pieces, the trio portrayed a sensible, patient style of live improvisation often exhibited by such renowned artists. They were in tune, alive and appeared happy to be there. Metheny's enthusiastic and mesmerizing guitar work was as breathtaking to watch and it was to hear.
"There are many people working really hard right now on trying to sound good and to absorb all the stuff that has happened throughout musical history and reconcile that with the particular qualities that make this time unique. Those are the musicians I want to listen to the most," Metheny said.
With an approach like that, it's no wonder Metheny's star continues to shine.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
