Customer Reviews

A Map of the World (1999 Film)

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pat Metheny is a true musical poet. His score to Jane Hamilton's "A Map of the World" does something remarkable - it conjurs up not just the feeling and atmosphere of the book; it actually seems to address the central meaning and essense of forgiveness that makes this story one of the modern miracles of literature. As someone who has loved this book since it was released in the mid-90's, I was concerned when I heard that they were making a movie of it. I saw the movie the other night, and it is excellent. But the highlight of the film - and a major component of it's success is this hauntinly beautiful, truly deep music. Although there are comparisons to be made with Metheny's "Beyond the Missouri Sky", this music is far more substantial. There are several musical themes, especially the title theme melody, which appear regularly throughout this suite, that are some of Metheny's absolute best ballads. The harmonic ambiguity of the first piece on the record (you really cannot tell what key it is finally going to land in, it keeps modulating so much) sets EXACTLY the right tone for the protaganists (Alice Goodwin) mental state. And the basic sound Metheny is getting here out of his acoustic guitars is simply breathtaking - this man has the best touch of any acoustic guitarist in the world right now. But the most impressive aspect of this music is the excellent orchestral writing and overall scope of the music. The piece "Gone" has to be one of the most truly heartwrenching pieces of music writing since Mahler, or Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. I always enjoyed the sections on Metheny's "Secret Story" where his guitar improvisations were mirrored by his orchestral conception - but here it seems to be more concentrated on a single aspect - that of a kind of very simple, but as mentioned before, ambiguous harmonically, kind of "Americana" that resonates as true to not only this story - but to the feeling of this time in American Life. If you are looking for the "virtuosic" Pat, he is actually here - there is no other guitarist I can think of who can render such detail harmonies out of a guitar and make it sound SO SIMPLE - which is the mark of true virtuosity. No, there are not a million notes a second, or those kind of catchy tunes that his regular group is known for. But for sheer beauty, originality, depth and soul, "A Map of the World" may contain Metheny's best work to date.

If you're a fan of Pat Metheny's music, then this album is a must for the collection. Although not as free spirited as say "American Garage", and definately not as far out there as "Zero Tolerance For Silence", this newest release shows that Pat can do more than just play great guitar. This symphonic piece is soothing for the most part, and allows you to be introspective while listening to it. The titles alone say something about this album, with 28 cuts over 66+ minutes in length. The down side is that if you're looking for more of his percussive inspired music such as "First Circle" or even early works such as "Pat Metheny Group", this isn't going to be found here. The whole album is Pat on acoustic guitar backed by an orchestra (or in some instances an orchestra backed by Pat). The only member from PMG on this one is Steve Rodby on bass (even Lyle Mays is missing which I found a bit surprising). "A Map Of The World" is also not a one time listen through album. With the 28 songs on the project, it takes time to fathom the individual songs, and allow them to soak in. I've played this CD at least 6 times over the past 2 days, and I'm now finding that I'm going to continue listening to it. Once you've accomplished that, you'll find this CD in your frequent player catalog. Yes, Pat needs to come out with another PMG project like the old days (with songs like "Are You Going With Me" and "San Lorenzo"), but in the meantime this CD does help fill the void.

Even though Amazon gave it a 4 star review, it comes off at the end as if they don't care for this CD. If you are a Pat Metheny fan you will love this soundtrack. Its more than just background music. Comparing it to his previous work 'Secret Story" and "Missouri Sky' is valid, though its better than the latter (Metheny is a much better composer than Charlie Haden, and this CD is all Metheny), and the equal of "Secret Story". Though that CD is hard to top, its also closer to this one in its overall mood and sound. Buy "Map of the World" if your a fan. It will hold you over long enough till he comes out with his next Masterpiece.

This is classic Pat Metheny! I've read a customer review that stated, "Pat is getting too deep." If you were to check out his earlier recordings, you'd have to concure that Pat's music has always been introspective and reflective. Ever heard of Lyle Mays? He's just as deep if not deeper! Although it may seem that Pat is getting "too deep", as a musician matures, so does the music and that's not such a bad thing is it?

I almost diddn't buy this Metheny record because of all the negative comments here. But I disregarded the "critics" and bought it anyway. Thrilled I did. This music is absolutely beautiful beginning with the title track. I love listening to this in my car or when I need to relax. So many of the reviews on this site get way too technical. My inner critic is simple: Do I like the music. Forget all the technical stuff and comparisions with previous efforts. If the music moves you then it's great. Period.

People often talk about Metheny's versatility - but often artists seem to do a lot of different things just for the sake of doing it. This is never true for Metheny who somehow manages to brings something deep to each project he does. This record is one of the deepest of Metheny's forays into the world of highly melodic acoustic music. You need not know anything about the film or the book to get the feeling of this score and the message that it conveys. And the production, the playing, the writing are all first rate. Hard to take off the cd player - it was stuck in there for a week!

To say the Pat has become 'too deep', is a high compliment,(not a put down, as another listener expressed) for it shows that he can 'travel' ranges of music presentation with creativity and style and hold one in his hands, wrapt in their own world , traveling the map of the world we each hold in our minds and souls. Some trips are short, others long and overflowing with sentiments and memories, much the way Pat has presented his work in this CD. Pat has always had that ability to make his music a personal belonging to be enjoyed and feel as one wants to feel. He can draw that out of a person, if the listener allows for the free flow to occur. Pat has done it here, again with style and grace. All 'gifts' of music from Metheny continues to be eclectic and joyful to listen and own. Let your mind travel your personal map of the world: you will find things there you thought you lost or left behind. The trip is worth it, each time you listen to this work.

This is the most soothing, calming music - - the cd in it's entirety is excellent! I listen to this cd as background music every day and use it to put my infant to sleep at night. I am buying my 2nd cd as I've worn out the first! Highly recommend for all ages.

Simply put-- the most beautiful acoustic album I've ever heard-- period. This is one of those rare albums I can listen to over and over and each time it becomes more spectacular. Not flashy at all. For those familiar with classical music-- this reminds me of Samuel Barber -- fantastic, beautiful, perfect. Bravo

That's what is intended for and that's waht it is. It has by no means the strenght of Beyond The Missouri Sky. It is also not another Secret Story. It is a sound track and based on that it is very nice to listen to. Acoustic guitar with a Chamber Orchestra. The basic melody is lovely!