Customer Reviews

Pat Metheny Group - Speaking of Now Live

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Shame on you guys at amazon...whoever wrote the editorial, anyway. The last sentence, in reference to Metheny's facial "contortions" discouraged me for a couple of months from buying this gem...then, after reading enough stellar "amateur" reviews to the contrary, I picked it up locally. WOW. The last jazz DVD to blow me away like this was Jean-Luc Ponty's "In Concert". The production and performance are phenomenal on "Speaking of Now Live"...Ironically, the previous Japan DVD "We Live Here" features far more close-ups of Pat Metheny's facial expressions than this new effort. I see a virtuoso guitarist in sheer rapture as his fingers blaze across the fretboard! Pat Metheny's band, regardless of incarnation, remains the eighth wonder of the modern world. This level of musicianship simply beggars description. If you're pondering whether or not you need "yet another Pat Metheny DVD", I heartily recommend this extravaganza. There is so much information coming at you for over two hours that you can't digest it all at once! WHERE does he find these players?? During the last number, the percussionist dons a bass and is suddenly flying all over it, simultaneously scat-singing! It's truly a shame that the average person gets no more exposure to this incredible music than as elevator music during the Weather Channel's "Local on the Eights" (!) Check this one out, folks.

Several weeks ago, I posted a review of the PMG's "We Live Here" DVD and remarked that many of the songs performed live by the group on the DVD were almost indistinguishable from their studio performance on the CD of the same title. The selection of songs on the DVD also closely mirrored those on the CD. With that DVD, the only thing you are really getting is the chance to see the performers (not just hear them). You're also treated to some short interviews from the band's members.

In contrast, this DVD is a significant departure from the CD of the same title. Although 7 of the 9 songs from the CD are included here, we're also treated to 9 other songs. Overall it's a very different experience from the CD, and for that reason alone I can recommend this DVD. But there are plenty of other reasons as well (particularly the last track).

As with other PMG live concerts captured on DVD, the audio is outstanding. As on the "We Live Here" DVD, this concert was recorded live in Tokyo and appears to use essentially the same videography team. The videography was a bit better this time around, but frankly it's nothing special and it's the audio rather than video that makes these DVDs worthwhile. My primary interest in watching, rather than just listening, was to get a better feel for the performers themselves...what they look like, how they interact with each other and their instruments, and who plays what on various songs.

One thing I liked about this DVD compared to "We Live Here" was that it captured a feel for the performance better, abandoning the annoyingly abrupt segues and interspersed interviews, and just letting the music roll exactly as if you were at the concert. It felt more cohesive to me.

PMG newcomers Richard Bona and Cuong Vu are smokin' here and each brings his own influences that, while retaining that classic sound we've come to expect from the PMG, also evolve it into something that reflects their fingerprints as well.

Bona, originally from Cameroon, is a truly gifted performer and were there nothing else worthwhile on the video, I'd still recommend it just to see him. His fretless bass/vocal scat solo on "Song for Bilbao" is phenomenal and an otherwise docile crowd comes alive for it. Second only to Pat himself, Bona is featured numerous times on the video as a spotlight performer. This guy is a major talent. He plays too many instruments to mention here. Suffice to say, they all play a part in giving a full, intricate sound to the group.

As a trumpet player myself, I was particularly impressed with Vu. I remarked elsewhere that his playing reminds me of a minimalist painting - nothing wasted, everything counts. He reminds me of the proverbial "man of few words." When he speaks, you're advised to listen...he's got something to say, something worth hearing. His playing often has a mesmerizing, haunting quality to it - sometimes almost like the midnight keening of a bird over the lake. It's also a very mellow sound, not unlike a flugelhorn in some ways. And as with previous incarnations of the PMG where the players outside "core" members of the group played a multitude of instruments, Vu adds to the sonic texture of the group with things like the marimba, bells, vocals, and percussion.

Next, let's talk about the drums. As a Paul Wertico fan, I was not sure what to expect from Antonio Sanchez. But let's put it this way: I was not disappointed. He knows his way around a drum set. Big time. I enjoyed his playing every bit as much as Wertico. Actually seeing him play, rather than just listening, was interesting for me. He's an extremely serious guy. Wertico strikes me as more of a "free spirit" when he plays - having fun, a bit of a wild child. In contrast, with Sanchez you get the impression of somebody at work ... almost a Carl's Jr. "don't bother me - I'm drumming" vibe eminates from the guy. He takes his craft very, very seriously. And he's very, very good at it. We're treated to a tasty solo from him on the last track, "Song for Bilbao." It's the epitome of what I think of when I think "jazz."

As usual, Rodby is rock-solid on the bass. When you take the time to tune out the rest of the instruments and just listen to the bass lines, he's as much a driving force in grooving the band as Sanchez. On one of the songs, "Roots of Coincidence," Rodby uses the bow on the upright bass, rather than the usual plucking - giving a symphonic-like sound to an especially dramatic section of the piece.

Lyle Mays as usual is terrific and he solos quite a few times on this DVD. Never known as being a real animated fellow, he does manage to crack a smile or two and lets us know that behind the poker face there lives somebody who really does enjoy what he does for a living. I've spoke of his talents in my other reviews, and won't repeat them here. Bottom line: he and Metheny form one of the most prolific and talented teams in jazz today, and Mays is huge part of what makes the PMG special. He even picks up the guitar and joins Pat for one of the tracks ("On Her Way")...I didn't even know Mays played the instrument.

Striped-shirt Metheny himself spends quite a bit of time on acoustic instruments on this DVD, and I have remarked before on his ability to deliver a poetic, poignant experience on those instruments. He does so here on numerous occasions. We even get to see that really strange-looking custom-made 42-string guitar commissioned by Pat to Canadian instrument maker Linda Manzer - dubbed the Pikasso guitar - that sounds like a cross between a zither and a sitar. He uses it on "Are You Going With Me" and it sounds so different than the version on the album "Offramp" that I had trouble recognizing it was the same tune. The same can be said for many of the other 8 songs that appear on this DVD and aren't from the "Speaking of Now" CD. They appear on other PMG CDs, but you have to listen carefully because they are orchestrated and performed totally differently here. They feel like entirely new songs rather than old friends. One song in particular, "Roots of Coincidence" has moments that have a distinctly hard rock feel to them - something I've never heard from Metheny before.

All in all, I enjoyed the DVD. If you're a Metheny fan, this DVD is worth checking out. You'll get things here you won't get elsewhere, not even on the CD of the same title. If you're new to the PMG, it's worth noting that the selections on this DVD were a bit more eclectic than what you'll find on most of the group's CDs, so you might want to listen to some of their other CDs before rendering an overall verdict on their music. I recommend "Still Life Talking." It's their all-time best seller and I've never met anyone who doesn't like it.

In closing, my pick of the litter for the DVD was the last track: "Song for Bilbao." It captures the signature PMG sound, putting them squarely in that sweet spot where they groove the best. The tune showcases the whole band, including a Gillespie-like solo from Vu, an amazing bass/vocal scat from Bona that I already mentioned above, and a chance for Sanchez to really show us his chops. I must have played that track 10 times in a row and still couldn't get enough of it. Indeed, that one alone was worth the price of admission as far as I'm concerned. If for no other reason, get the DVD so you can experience that tune.

I am a latecomer to the PMG following and I'm wondering why I never noticed them before. I now tell everyone about this group and I'm surprised how many people have no clue who I'm talking about. I bought the "As it is" album and was blown away. I never heard a group with such passion and spirit. It strikes directly deeply into the soul and gets at the emotions (yes I do blare it, I don't care if onlookers think I'm a weirdo) Every note and every beat it perfect and intentional. I will honestly tell you that you will only fully appreciate this music if you are really an avid listener or musician. Try playin this stuff on your instrument and you'll realize how crazy intricate the music is....listen to the song again and there are always minute new details you'll pick up on and say wow! You just can't get sick of it. There's always a new angle to it.

I had to buy the DVD and was floored! This DVD sits right in my 6-disc DVD changer (#6) and I never take it out. Everyone knows it's a permanent fixture there. From time to time I have to watch it again, over and over. It totally captivates me. It's a great production in terms of visual quality, length and sound quality. I do agree that the audience seems almost artificial but who cares! I have previewed other PMG materials; call me ignorant, but I think this is his best stuff. The creativity of the percusionist and his vocals (acting like a seperate instrument), the trumpet player that can do things I never heard. The bassist is 100% PERFECT. I was looking for at least 1 note he may have screwed up: NOTHING perfect! Uncanny! The drummer? Whoa! This dude is beserk! One of the best drummers I have ever heard and he has a kit that's expansive. Lyle Mays is sheer genius. People if you want to learn what good music really is, do yourself a favor and get this DVD. It's not enough just to hear the music. When you see it live and see how much these guys are into their music, it takes you away. A must buy, worth every penny, you won't regret it!

I saw the concert performance of this material in Universal City, CA about two years ago at the beginning of their year plus long world tour. It was absolutely MAGIC!! As for Pat, a more honest and knowing performance can not be given by a human being, and who better to support than the PMG? Years later, the live feeling of this artistic masterpiece is still with me. The live performance, (like the CD) was a superb Pat Metheny Group endeavor. This work ("S.O.N.") is one of their finest of all time and I have been ever since eagerly awaiting the DVD release. In the meantime I have collected every PMG DVD release available in The States. The DVDs are all VERY CONSISTANT in quality and performance with PMG releases on CD.

OK....Alright.....I give...Uncle. I have tried my level best not to be drawn
in. I have hunted in vain for something trite or poorly played; I have put
this DVD on and tried to do useful work while it was running, but I have
failed. I can no longer deny the truth: I am a convert. I am blown away.
This is the most inventive pap I have ever heard. This band has taken all
the bad crapola out there, the mindless wandering of new age noodling, the
Kenny G warm milk, the neo-disco fusion funk failures, and a few other
equally useless attempts at music and has given it direction, development
and substance. Mind you, I still find that other stuff BORING, but this has
made a silk purse out of a sows ear! I'm a sucker for sambas; yeah, that's
it. Or maybe it's that these guys are MUSICIANS...

Some day Pat and Stevie Ray are gonna jam together, and I'm gonna be a good boy,
because I want to be there.

This is a TIGHT band!!! It's a wonderful example of the whole being more

than the sum of its parts.

Lyle Mays can play piano for me any time. It's no wonder Pat has stayed with
him...they play as one. I'd love to hear him play Debussy and Ravel.
The DVD really adds to the enjoyment. My favorites: today, "The Roots of
Coincidence" and "Song for Bilbao". Tomorrow I might choose something else.

Bottom line: I haven't been very productive this week.

I've been attending Pat Metheney Group concerts since 1980. My first was at the Santa Cruz Auditorium and I was awe struck by the guitar soloing techiques of Pat Metheney. As I became more familiar with the music of Pat and Lyle through their cds, I find it to be a transcending experience to see them live. No concert I have been to can compare to a Pat Metheney Group concert. This DVD "Speaking of Now," clearly reflects the genius of the collaboration between Pat and Lyle and their ablility to continually change, not only musically, but discovering new, fresh talent such as; Antonio Sanchez on drums and Cuong Vu on trumpet and percussion. Make sure you have some good speakers for this one.You will want to hear every chord voicing and subtle nuance of sound from each and every one of these incredible musicians.

I've been a Pat Metheny/Lyle Mayes fan for 25 years and I've seen them live numerous times. Furthermore, I have every live DVD you can legally buy and several more that you can't. Now that I've established myself as a PMG expert, I can unequivocally tell you that this is the best PMG live performance on DVD you can buy. Runner up is a bootleg.

We all have our favorite concert DVDs that we've had to repurchase because we've worn them out with scratches and mishandling or because you don't remember who you loaned it to last. But how many of you have bought the same DVD FOUR TIMES?!?!? I have and that doesn't even count who knows how many copies I've purchased and given away as gifts!

This is a very well filmed concert (sound goes without saying), but what makes this performance shine is this is PMG at its best -- hands down the best collection and best matched set of musicians Pat/Lyle have surrounded themselves with to date.

I don't believe I've ever uttered the words "best drummer on the planet" until I saw Antonio Sanchez on this DVD. And Richard Bona? Are you frickin' kidding me? That guy's voice will send chills up your spine. Every time I watch this DVD I replay the ending of "You" about five times just to experience over and over the gorgeous subtlety of the song's ending. Lyle Mayes will blow you away with his mastery of the keys (the dude doesn't even practice because he believes it stymies improvisation). And though it should go without saying, Pat Metheny is by far and away the best jazz guitarist in the world. Combine that with virtuoso performances by Coung Vu on trumpet and long time member Steve Rodby on bass and you have a jazz ensemble that is both rarity and a treat.

These guys are on a musical level that is pure genious and competes with the likes of Mozart. This DVD captures their genious brilliantly and if you have any appreciation for and understanding of fine music you will find yourself watching and listening to this DVD over and over.

The only negative I've heard about this DVD is regarding the Japanese audience's over politeness/stiffness. I find that comment really odd since if I were directing this DVD, this is exactly the audience I would want because they don't get in the way of the music or the performance. In other words, what you see and experience is just the band and it is in no way colored by the audience. For this kind of music, that's exactly what you want. Trust me, this DVD makes for a far more intimate experience than having to suffer through a live show with a handful of drunks who know just when to "HOOT" at the worst times. And besides, the Japanese dress nice. :-) But seriously, if this were any other Jazz ensemble, sure, you would want the smokey jazz club atmosphere and a bunch of drunks hooting, but this is a different scene all together and is music that you need to DEEPLY listen to, and you get to do that on this DVD, and then some...Enjoy!

Beautifully composed, beautifully performed and beautifully filmed. This leaves me speechless. All you need is a glass of wine and your evening couldn't be better. All the musicians perform at their best. The audience is respectful. You can't ask for more.

I own all of the PMG DVDs and videos, and this, by far, is the very best. If you are a fan, you have to own it. If you aren't a fan, you will be after watching it. The sound is perfect, and the video is flawless. A definite "must have"!!

I think I own every PMG release, as well as Pat with anyone else. I even have Zero Tolerance, and the one where he backs up Joni Mitchell. It's the fattest and most cherished part of my music collection. This DVD is another winner, and possibly the most stunning display of musical beauty and skill to date.

Here Pat trots out three new backing band members, each of which could surely have successful solo careers sooner or later. They're that good. We first heard these guys play on the Speaking of Now CD, now we get to see them play. Pat must be very confident to surround himself with so many excellent musicians, but then he probably received his Doctorate of music degree when he was still in diapers (grin).

The Tokyo crowd is a bit sedate, so the camera does not play on them much. All the better, as we get to see excellent closeups of the various musicians playing intense passages, instead of seeing the crowd. I wish the cameragrapher had not done any MTV-ish fast video cuts, but at least there are not that many. Most edits are calmly paced.

The music sounds a bit better to me when I play it in 5ch stereo instead of Dolby. Some might call that heresy, maybe it's just my Yamaha receiver that's not as good as the best decoders.

I'm curious about the band members that left, i.e.; why. They were no slouches. I see Paul Wertico is on his own. Hadn't Paul been drumming PMG since the ECM days? Seems a shame to leave a legend behind.

In any case, this is a must-buy for Pat Metheny fans, and a good introduction to PM for anyone who appreciates extreme-skill jazz rock. I couldn't disagree more with the official Amazon review. Even if you don't particularly like the video, you can still turn off the TV and enjoy the good mix of new and old PMG tunes. Perhaps Sam Graham was just trying to stir us up so we'd write more reviews.