Customer Reviews

First Circle

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!!!

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).

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

This 1984 album was Pat's first to simulataneously release on LP and CD, and his last with ECM records. It was also his last CD to appear in AAD. (I'm fairly sure that all his Geffen recordings are in DDD.) Although this is excellently recorded like all ECM discs, it does mean that if ever Manfred Eicher is short of a penny or two, he could always remaster the Metheny back-catalogue.

The Pat Metheny Group had outgrown ECM. The first track is a stunning vote of confidence by Metheny in his audience -- very few artists would have the nerve to put such a discordant opening on an album whose general style is Milton Nascimento meets Yes meets Steely Dan (well, the instrumental bits, anyway!). The shadow of Wayne Shorter's 'Native Dancer' looms over this 'First Circle'. There are more Latin elements than in previous Metheny recordings. And percussionist/mumbler Nana Vasconcelos is replaced by Pedro Aznar, who has a higher-pitched and beautiful voice.

'First Circle' follows much of the formula of its studio predecessor, the outstanding 'Offramp'. Paul Wertico replaces Dan Gottlieb seamlessly on drums. Still hankering to be the Miles Davis of the guitar, Pat uses the trumpet voice of his synclavier sparingly.

The opening track is, as I said, ridiculous, a parody of drum majorette tunes. (I saw the group in concert at the Hammersmith Odeon when they were showcasing this album. This was the tune they used to open the concert. They marched onto the stage, Pat playing guitar, with each of the other band members playing either a percussion or brass instrument.) After less than three minutes of this raucous stuff, 'Forward March' ends abruptly and we're into the rocky 'Yolanda'.

To promote this album, ECM put out a pop video, with the band wandering around various whitewashed rooms to the sound of track 5, 'Tell it all'. Maybe it's just me, but I never felt the music matched the video at all. If I had to guess, it seemed as if the video had been made to go with 'Are you going with me?' from the 'Offramp' album.

'Mas Alla' is a beautiful Latin song, as other reviewers have said here. And then we're into the very hymnal 'Praise', where Lyle recalls his chorister days. Very uplifting, and a great Metheny solo ends the album.

As ever, this is Pat Metheny's optimistic brand of jazz. Hard to classify, but always intelligent, often beautiful, the music just soars!

And by the way, the Pat Metheny Songbook is the bargain of the century. Most, if not all, the songs from this album are in there, and you can play them on either guitar or piano. It has certainly got me returning to our unused piano.

When I first played this album all those years ago I was driving thru some of Engalnds most fantastic scenery, namely the peak district. In normal circumstances the view would take your breath away. However, hearing First Circle and Mas Alla (beyond) was enough for me to forget the seven hour drive and the view. The solo elements by Lyle Mays and Pay Metheny are pure "anthems" for life long fans. Only "are you going with me" and "the longest summer" have the same effect - believe me I tried it some years later on the same journey. If you just getting into Mr Metheny this would be a great start. World music, world class talent and some really moving sounds

The Pat Metheny Group achieved their grand apex with this 1985 release. This is one of those rare albums of such stunning beauty that you are almost overwhelmed...speechless. I agree with another reviewer that the title track is one of the greatest songs of our time -- a cinematic epic full of optimism and performed with breathtaking finesse. "If I Could" is one of the most exquisitely gentle acoustic guitar tracks I've ever heard, and "Mas Alla (Beyond)" is tear-jerking rush of emotion fueled by Pedro Aznar's incomparable voice. DO NOT be fooled by the "Forward March" introduction, which is a jokey sketch deliberately played off-key like a poorly rehearsed high school marching band -- as if to disguise the rush of musical perfection that follows.

I can't say enough good things about this album, suffice to say that this a bona fide "desert island disc" that will change your life.

(If I Could) think of any album that reflects some of the best of recorded music in human history, the Pat Metheny Groups', "First Circle", would be my first choice. There is nothing but indescribable joy when listening to each song on this album. It's simply perfection in music, with absolute emotional passages throughout. The first track, 'Forward March', is a great introductory song, and quite humorous. Those lucky enough to have seen the PMG perform this live, as well as ANY song from this album have probably broken down into tears. The joy you experience in listening to the title track, 'The First Circle' never seems to cease. In every live performance I've heard this song played, the audience jumped off their seats in a standing ovation unlike any seen before. The beautiful wordless vocals of Pedro Aznar perfectly add to the already high state of consciousness this album possesses. It is truly a CD to have, and to share with others.

As I write this review I am listening to the title track, First Circle. I became infatuated with Pat Metheny within the last couple of months and stumbled upon this cd through research of this wonderful musician. I bought the cd used for a less than average price. The title track alone actually makes me feel guilty that I didn't pay hundreds of dollars for the cd. Just as others have said, you cannot put into words what this song DOES to you. It Inspires you, which I believe is the best compliment you could possibly give to a piece of music. Please purchase this cd and play the title track as loud as feesibly possible, and if it doesn't truly change your outlook on life then you must not be living, and you surely don't know what music MEANS.

I know these must seem like strong words, but do yourself a favor and see for yourself.

This is one of 2 albums that made Metheny my favorite musician and kept him in that spot for almost 10 years. I've burned through favorites quickly before, but to this day I can't find a musician I like better.

See some of the songs on First Circle done live sends chills through one's body.

This is one of the first Pat CDs I bought, and it is one of the best. However, it is difficult to call any one of his albums "one of the best" because they are all almost equally great. Pat Metheny is a genius whose music we are all fortunate to have the privilege of hearing. This album is excellent, so don't judge it on the basis of "Forward March." If you don't have any of his CDs yet, I would recommend starting with this one, along with "Still Life (Talking)" and "Letter From Home." If you aren't listening to Pat Metheny, you are missing out on some of the best music (if not THE best music)that has been made in our time.