Customer Reviews

As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls

5 star:		(84)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Several reviewers here have stated the title track is too long. Perhaps. But is a train trip across the Great Plains too long? Is a Beethoven symphony too long? Is Tarkovsky's "Solaris" too long? Perhaps. I'm not buying it, though. I think sometimes you just need to take a little time for beauty, if beauty has a lot to show you.

These same reviewers gush over the side-two songs, though, and I certainly agree. "September Fifteenth" makes me tear up almost every time. But these reviewers leave me wondering what their hurry is. Go to the station, look for the longest train trip leaving and step on! Listen closely as you pass the backsides of a dozen small bits of America, all different, all special. Listen to the scenery in between.

When I was a kid growing up between two mountain ranges, I was taught that the plains states were terribly flat, and because flat they were boring. As a grown man, I finally had the chance to see for myself. Flat? Perhaps. But vast. And terribly beautiful. How wrong my teachers were! When this album came out, I too was stirred more by the second side. Well, I was just 16, and hadn't seen the Great Plains yet.

I digress. If you can pick the power and beauty out of the plains, or out of the high desert, you certainly will appreciate the title track as I do. It's the journey that matters with this album, not the destination.

38, 42, 55, 3

As a musician and fan there is so much I could say about this wonderful CD. But I want to tell you about it from another angle. I have a condition that causes me to wake up every morning feeling as if I've been thrown off a ten story building. Beaten to a pulp, stiff, sore, and, because of the discovery that if I can wake up to this album, and in particular the last three cuts (starting with September 15 and ending with Estupenda Graca), I receive such warmth and consolation that I start feeling much better very quickly. Tension releases and by the time I hear the native American sound of Estupenda Graca I have myself been the recipient of amazing grace; grace which came in the form of music. When I'm up and going, and in my normal music listening state, I very much enjoy hearing the CD from beginning to end, allowing it take me on its dramatic journey. But when my body's engulfed in pain, my face is flushed, and my blood pressure is up, I know what to do. I can literally feel those terrible symptoms draining away if I just listen to the last three songs. There is so much love and sheer beauty there, and the sound is amazing like an angelic visit. I understand that a new release of this CD is coming in late February, 2000. It's probably been re-mastered or something, I don't know. I can't imagine it being any better. But even though I already have it, I'm sure I'll get the new release. That way I can take two and thank them in the morning. For anyone who needs comfort and consolation, this well is ever flowing. Speaking from a musical perspective, I believe this is a true American classic, and is easily one of the best CDs ever recorded (actually my first version was a phonograph LP). The album came out very close to the time that CDs had their debut. The interaction between Metheny's classical guitar and Mays' piano sounds like a mixture of classical and jazz. If you listen to music with your gut, welcome to paradise.

As Falls Wichita So Falls Wichita Falls is filed under Jazz for commercial reasons, but this music so far outclasses what passes for Jazz in most venues that it deserves a category all its own. What makes AFWSGWF so good is the blend of Americana with longer form songs that develop and flow freely at the same time.

The first time I heard the opening track "Ozark" I fell in love with this album. Combining Metheny's mastery of guitar with Mays' understated, but explosive playing, the song is nostalgic without sentimentality, is virtuositic without excess.

The entire album presents a high standard of writing and playing that Metheny and Mays were able to meet with the Pat Metheny Group while on ECM.

Check out Lyle May's self-titled solo album too.

Okay, I am only 15 years old, and perhaps I am biased because my dad used to play this CD for me all the time growing up. Even so, I feel that this album is a group of timeless songs I'll like always and forever. It's hard to say exactly "why" i guess...every song is so beautiful, I don't need many words to describe them. They can speak for themselves. I plan to share this CD with all my friends and pass it along to my children because I hope they will appreciate the great instrumental work that went into these peices. One thing I do wonder is how you can say its "boring" or that you "just don't get them". I mean, I respect your opinion but...I will always stand behind my great love of Pat Metheny. Especially As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls.

As a musician and fan there is so much I could say about this wonderful CD. But I want to tell you about it from another angle. I have a condition that causes me to wake up every morning feeling as if I've been thrown off a ten story building. Beaten to a pulp, stiff, sore, and, because of the fact that it happens every morning, I'll admit it: sad. I've made the discovery that if I can wake up to this album, and in particular the last three cuts (starting with September 15 and ending with Estupenda Graca), I receive such warmth and consolation that I start feeling much better very quickly. Tension releases and by the time I hear the native American sound of Estupenda Graca I have myself been the recipient of amazing grace; grace which came in the form of music. When I'm up and going, and in my normal music listening state, I very much enjoy hearing the CD from beginning to end, allowing it take me on its dramatic journey. But when my body's engulfed in pain, my face is flushed, and my blood pressure is up, I know what to do. I can literally feel those terrible symptoms draining away if I just listen to the last three songs. There is so much love and sheer beauty there, and the sound is amazing like an angelic visit. I understand that a new release of this CD is coming in late February, 2000. It's probably been re-mastered or something, I don't know. I can't imagine it being any better. But even though I already have it, I'm sure I'll get the new release. That way I can take two and thank them in the morning. For anyone who needs comfort and consolation, this well is ever flowing. Speaking from a musical perspective, I believe this is a true American classic, and is easily one of the best CDs ever recorded (actually my first version was a phonograph LP). The album came out very close to the time that CDs had their debut. The interaction between Metheny's classical guitar and Mays' piano sounds like a mixture of classical and jazz. If you listen to music with your gut, welcome to paradise.

Of all the different types of music I have ever listened to, nothing compares to the works of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. "As Falls Wichita" is the hands-down greatest album I have ever heard. I first heard it when I was nine years old or so, and am now 28. The music of this album moved me then, and continues to do so on so many more levels today. The music of this album will move you from joy to tears to triumph, and back again to joy. This is a wonderful album for any long stretch of road, or middle-of-nowhere moonlight prairie night, but it is so much more. All tracks on this album are fantastic, and works of art. The title track, however, will move you in ways no other piece of music ever has, if you really sit and listen to it. The more you hear it, you will catch my meaning. The ending with the childrens' voices makes me think of my own child, and what a blessing and joy she is, and it moves me to tears of joy and happiness each time I hear it. If I had only one album I could keep or listen to the rest of my life, this would be the one, hands down! Do your ears and your inner-being a favor, get this album! You'll thank yourself!

I have heard and read many reviewer explanations and ideas regarding the title track of this mystical album. To me the story behind "As Falls Wichita" remains a beautiful mystery just as the overall music defies description or genre. It may be hackneyed to say it, but I'm going to say it...this work is a masterpiece.

The collaboration of Metheny, Lyle Mays and Nana Vasconcelos is pure inspiration, and these three accomplished artists each at the height of their respective careers take the listener on an epic and hauntingly beautiful musical journey. Vasconcelos' use of the native barimbau and other percussion instruments effectively accentuate Metheny's prolific guitar work and May's eerie and soaring synthesizers. The 20-minute title piece is a thematically elliptical and musically complex story to be experienced again and again...just close your eyes and allow the music to take you wherever you feel compelled to go.

The four selections which follow "As Falls Wichita..." are each quite melodic, very distinctive and emotionally moving. Mays allows his virtuosity to shine with reckless abandon on "Ozark." One of Metheny's greatest ballads "September 15th" follows. The album ends on an appropriately spiritual note with "Estupenda Graca", a strangely glorious reworking of "Amazing Grace."

Words cannot express adequately enough the emotional impact of this music on the listener or the unforgettable way these three artists inspire one another during this recording. It is unarguably one of Metheny's greatest moments as composer and performer along with his group's followup recordings "Offramp" and "First Circle."

I first heard this album when I was little, my dad used to play it around the house. Back then I didn't appreciate it much, but over the years it's grown on me and has become one of my favorites.

There are only five songs on AFWSFWF, but all are supurb. Lyle Mays stunning talent on the piano runs itself over in Ozark, while "It's For You" begins slowly and builds up to a lively near-jam session. September Fifteenth is a beautiful ballad and Estupenda Grace finishes the album perfectly.

But the real gem of this album is the title track. I cant even imagine the thought that went into writing it. It is hands down one of the most mind blowing pieces of music I've ever heard. At 20 minutes long it may seem a little intimidating, but lower the lights, put it on, and just relax. It's the type of music that, 20 minutes later, will have you sitting in awe wondering if the composers arn't slightly more than human.

Hands down Metheny is a genius. Check out his other albums, but dont expect any AFWSFWF clones, each one has it's own distinct sound and mood. Finding a favorite might take a while, but never fear, Metheny's music is well worth the time.

Another reviewer has written of first hearing "As Falls Wichita..." in a record store, and strangely enough so did I. Popularity among record store emplyees is not surprising, as this disc is that rare thing; a perfect beauty. I first heard "It's For You" at 20, and I stood in wonder at the sparkling, fluid interplay between Pat Metheny's guitar and Lyle Mays' keyboard. I felt as if I was flying above green fields and flowing rivers, it transfigured me. I bought it that day, and for the last 23 years it has continued to do so. "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls" begins with the title track, which on the original vnyl was all of side one. I cannot adequately describe the aural journey that it takes you on. Many pieces of this length can be bloated or pretentious, not this one; it is just as long as it needs to be. It is also, incidentally, my all-time favorite road music, especially on a long drive through nature. "Ozark" immediately follows, and after the long journey of "As Falls Wichita...", invigorates with the cascading piano of Lyle Mays. Next comes "September 15th (Dedicated to Bill Evans)", one of the most hauntingly beautiful things I have ever heard; even having litened to it hundreds of times, its effect is still without peer in its emotional impact. "It's For You" comes perfectly after the gorgeous ache of "September 15th", thrilling with its preternatural joy. Finally comes "Estupenda Graca", a delicately wrought take on "Amazing Grace". It is an appropriate way to end what is to me, a most movingly spritual work. "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls" is as the music of heaven; the sound of perfection.

I got into Pat Metheny Group through this album. It is quite honestly one of the best recordings I have ever heard. The title track `As falls Witchita..' is both a mystery and a song I can't get enough off. It speaks to a deep level yet remains elusive to this day. `Ozark' is a beautiful fast piece of piano improvisation which captures the imagination. `September 15th' is one of the most beautiful and captivating pieces of music I have ever heard. It reminds me of the complexity in a rainy day. `Its for you' is uplifting and the guitar improvisation in an immersive experience. The last track `Stupenda Gracais an original take on the old hymn Amazing Grace. Metheny/Mays/Vasconcelos seem to have taken the emotional heart of this hymn and played it like something new.