Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
At a Loss For Words..., November 16, 2000
There are few works of art, music or film out there of which I can honestly say I am simply at a loss for adequate words to describe. "First Circle" is a monumental work full of joyful energy and an indescribably heartfelt melodiousness which a true fan of music can never forget.As other reviewers have already stated, the title track "The First Circle" is certainly one of the greatest musical compositions and recordings of the past century. The power and passion of this piece, as it progresses gracefully from a series of simple handclaps to its explosive and magical climax, takes ones heart and soul on an unforgettable flight. Enough said...you simply have to hear this track to believe it. Followed immediately afterwards by a gorgeous guitar and synthesizer ballad "If I Could", the power of the title song is again multiplied. This is Metheny's first album to utilize vocals so predominately (although he experimented with them on other recordings such as "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls" and "Offramp"). The effect is stunning and the vocals, sung most of the time without words, become another essential ensemble instrument along with piano, synthesizers, guitars, drums and bass. "Praise" concludes the album with a renewed confidence and exultation. What a pleasure to listen to an artist like Pat Metheny who, at the top of his form, finds excitement in expressing musically the positive aspects of the human experience. Bravo!!!
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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderfully stunning album..., May 2, 2003
First Circle was the first album I listened to of Pat and his group, the local public library had a copy of it on casette that I first checked out about 15 years ago, and would check out several times afterward, until I went and bought the CD.It is an absolutely beautiful and stunning album, save for the first track (Forward March), which is comical and amusing in it's own right (sounds like it was performed by a poorly-practiced & inept junior high marching band :) ). IMO, the standout tracks on the album would have to be the title track, which builds up from a complex but rhythmical hand clap (which I actually sat down and figured out) to a wonderful breathtaking vista of sound, as well as Tell It All, which has almost a suspenseful, tense milieu to it, If I Could, which brings to mind a nice, star-lit summer night from the past on the edge of town, looking down at the lights of the city, and End of the Game, where the group does an excellent job in improvising. Overall, I own about 2/3rds of Pat's albums, both as himself and with his group, and this one is my favorite (second being Still Life/Talking).
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five or more if there is any, July 27, 2005
i am from saudia i never been to the u.s.a (some guys will say good heavens) although i wish i did before things brock loss.i don't really how i bought this cd i didn't know any thing about pat niether any one of his group.i was looking for jazz cd (miles,coltrane.dizzy)while i was searching i found a list of great cds as the writer discribed it.i bicked this cd...i kind of liked the views of several persons,after that i began a journey with what i felt was my magic carpet to america ,europe,asia....every magical place i dreamed of and i couldn't go to (political or mostly fainancial reasons) anyway not pay this cd if you like it follow with (travels,secret story,offramp,pat metheny group,the road to u live,watercolors,as falls wichita...,new chautauqa,letter from home,the way up,bright size life,the falcon...and many more)
thanks pat & lyle & the rest of the gang at least you made it easy to run and dream in those tough times for everybody living hear on earth...lexusemalek@hotmail.com
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