UNITY BAND

I just noticed that there are not yet any reviews of Pat Metheny's last three albums here on PA. This one is the first album from Pat's 'Unity Band', which includes Chris Potter on saxophones, Ben Williams, and the amazing Antonio Sanchez on drums. This album is, for the most part, more laid back than the follow-up 'Kin', which would include the same core lineup but add Giulio Carmassi on trumpet and other multiple instruments, creating the 'Unity Group' (as opposed to 'Band'). Unlike 'Kin', which will appeal to those who love progressive rock and not necessarily jazz, to like this 'Unity Band' album you will need to love jazz. But for those who do, it is really excellent jazz. The feel is set by first mellow guitar lines of the excellent 'New Year', followed by the equally excellent 'Roof Dogs'. The latter has become a common staple of Metheny's live show, and is among only two songs on this album with lots of energy, excellent fast high-pitched synth-guitar and sax solos (the other is the fast last song - 'Breakdealer'). 'Roof Dogs' is also likely the song that will appeal most to those who like the more progressive Metheny Group pieces. The rest of the album is mostly quiet and melodic (the first two minutes of Signals is a bit RIO, but it morphs into a great quiet slow piece), with Metheny playing his regular signature guitar sound on most songs (Roof Dogs is the main exception). To my mind, there is not a bad song on this album, and the compositions are excellent. I have listened to this album >20 times already. I like it slightly better than 'Kin'. I give it 8.5 out of 10 on my 10-point scale, which translates to 4 PA stars.