ORCHESTRION

I am listening now very fresh Pat Metheny album, released just a week ago. And I am expecting something special. Not because I think Pat is very experimental musician in the sense of music - during few decades I learned he is great soft guitar player, often on smooth jazz border.

The reason is this new his album is "real" solo album, where Pat plays all instruments himself. And there are many of them - all acoustic (but his guitar). But most interesting moment is that the album is not recorded as product of many overlays, pre-recorded different instruments sounds, mixed in one just in studio. No, this one is recorded using all the studio as instrument ( not very innovative idea, by the way). Pat uses "Orchestrionics" - a method of developing ensemble-oriented music using acoustic and acoustoelectric musical instruments that are mechanically controlled in a variety of ways, using solenoids and pneumatics. On top of these layers of acoustic sound, he adds electric guitar playing as an improvised component. And even more - starting from today Pat plays all this music live on big European live tour!

But speaking about all this attractions, let return back to music. Even if the way it was produced is not very usual, most important is a final product. And there are less unexpected things I can mention. In fact , all five compositions are competent contemporary jazz, soft, melodic, tasteful, with excellent electric Pat guitar on the top. But as usual very safe. Intelligent and pleasant listening. One of strong Pat's works. But no way revolution. I believe that Pat is very intrigued by the way he is playing his new music, and it will be really interesting to see/hear him playing live using all this devices. But in fact musical result is more or less similar to his previous works. Just another good album for quality contemporary jazz lovers.