Customer Reviews

Pat Metheny Group: More Travels [VHS]

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This video is unquestionably the next best thing to seeing them all in concert. The lights, camera angles, and yes . . . the music offer an ethereal, in depth view of the Group's dynamic. The only disappointment I have it that it's not (currently) available on DVD. If and when that occurs I will be first in line to buy it. In sum, it is a must have for anyone even remotely interested in Pat, Lyle, Steve, or Paul. In fact, I think I'll go rewatch it now.

Having been to many PMG concerts, I was anxious to have a video memory to add to my library. My suprise at even finding this tape was surpassed by elation of its high quality. I would have gladly accepted a standard concert video tape of this wonderful band - you know the look: limited angles, lighting and lots of annoying crowd noise. Happily, this tape has none of these distractions and truly makes you feel as though you're wandering around their sound check, stopping to check out each of these guys' technique and style. Highly recommended viewing for musicians and fans.

... because having just received the tape, I will play it once a week and by next year the VHS tape will be toast! Seriously, what can be said about the contents of the video? First, it shows you that the sum can be much greater than the parts alone. The PMG in this video is made up of six musicians, but when they play together the sound dimension of their music approaches the grand level of a symphony. There is so much detail and intricacies in the sound it is simply amazing. And the video version offers you a concert-like experience and gives you a (visual) idea how each member of the group is working to give you that special sound. It could be Pat's nimble fingers sliding up and down incredibly fast on the solo part of "Have You Heard", or Lyle doing his elegant solo on "First Circle", for example. Besides the fine music, there are the intimate footages of PMG on the road in Europe that is also worth seeing if you are a PMG fan, as well as the short, informal interviews of the band members on why touring is so fun. Well, they got me convinced - I wish I could have been there with them in Europe, but since I couldn't, this video is the next best thing, and a best thing it is.

Really, if you are a music fan and you haven't seen and heard Pat Metheny Group, this video and the album "The Road To You" are just what you need. "First Circle", "Are You Going With Me?" and "Have You Heard" are my favorites. Go for it.

Pat Metheny, jazz guitarist and composer, with his group performing 8 compositions during their world tour in 1992-3. As a guitarist he plays rally astonishing, and as a composer, somehow his compositions could bring his listeners out far beyond imagination. His music can be soaring, sad, angry, and the expression of his face tells us all. With his life time co-writer Lyle Mays, Pat bring out a new definiton of Jazz itself. My favourites are "Have You Heard" and "First Circle", and Opening Solo at the beginning of the video.

Having seen this video several times, all I can do is echo the sentiments of every other fan that "More Travels" is most deserving of a proper DVD release. While I would certainly prefer 5.1 surround mixed by none other than Alan Parsons as well, I would be happy just to have the original stereo just to hear the piano solo Lyle Mays performs on "First Circle" (that particular performance actually rivals the studio release). And, yes, the visual aesthetics and artistry of this presentation are far superior to those of the other PMG dvds currently available. When is David Geffen going to wake up and smell the coffee on this one?!

Although a fan of Pat since he began (found him on WRVR in NYC)and love his original groups albums the best, this performance is incredible. It is so sensual, so personal and so powerful. It evokes emotions from quiet introspection to powerful energy releases. These performances done around friends and crew are truly what live performances should be, rested, comfortable, honest and enjoyable for both the players and the listeners. Almost any music appreciator will be touched postively by this video. Pat and company MAKE THIS A DVD!, we're all worried about wearing out the tapes! I have two and counting...

This video is for the Metheny fan and for all fans of jazz and great music. Even the brief chat session is informative and entertaining. Last Train Home is probably the best track on the video. I guarantee it'll give you goosebumps when you hear it.

You get back so much more than you pay for with this video. These are live studio videos, the players are not pretending like you would find on VH1. If you're a fan of Pat than get this video immediately. If you're not, than this video could very possibly make you a fan. It is awsome. I recommend plugging some speakers into your VCR for this one.

This is absolutely phenomenal and would make a Pat Metheny fan out of anyone. If you buy it and don't like it -heh it was worth the try at $6.99. I urge you to hear and see simply the greatest guitarist in the world at work..