PAT METHENY GROUP: SPEAKING OF NOW

Being a long-time PM/PMG fan this was an album I was very much looking forward to when I became aware of the line-up changes which Pat had made, in particular Antonio Sanchez on drums. I was far from disappointed - all the usual trademarks were there: great, melodic, soaring guitar solos, tasteful accompaniment from Lyle (and some great piano solos from him also), haunting vocals and just some unforgettable, heartbreaking melodies. Unusually for me the whole album resonated with me straightaway - literally on the first listening. Usually it would take me a few listens to "get to grips" with any complex album such as this. Any concerns I had that this would make it an album with no longevity for my own ears were unfounded since it is still one of the PMG albums to which I regularly turn. As usual with PMG I see a few reviews here mentioning the term "smooth jazz" but I would strongly refute this. I really think that those who assess PMG in these terms have not properly listened and appreciated the underlying rhythmical complexities, harmonic richness and sheer melodic invention which pervades everything which Pat Metheny does - which means that it all qualifies as progressive in my book. Only negative aspect is the track "Afternoon" which I think veers a tad close to the smooth jazz end of things - but at least at 4;46 it is mercifully short. Particular favourite tracks are "As It Is"; "Proof" and "Wherever You Go" - the last of which regularly brings me to tears.