Customer Reviews

Road to You: Live in Europe

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

 

 

I am blown away by the lackluster reviews here for PMG's Road To You (Live) [1993] European CD. Perhaps there isn't enough improvisation or simply disappointment that "they sound like just what they sound like" live. If it isn't PMG you want to hear, then listen to something else. Admittedly, I have been a sold-out Metheniac for 25 years now, and for me, all of Pat's music improves with repeated listenings. "Half Life of Absolution" alone is worth far more than the purchase price of the CD. If you can't feel the heat coming off of *this* jam, then there is something seriously wrong with YOU.

In a live performance, a lot can go wrong: feedback, noise, mistakes. But there are no mistakes in "Half Life of Absolution" (HLOA). Take note, guitar fiends. There is much to learn here. Pat has taken feedback and integrated it into the whole of the piece. His timing perfectly dovetails the distortion of his chosen electronic effect into the phrasing to create a continuous, complete piece of music with nothing thrown away. Pat does the real work; he doesn't rely on tricks. He makes it sound easy, but I doubt that it is. He hears and plays the tune (and plays with the tune) simultaneously. It smolders and builds to the scorching mid-section in a controlled burn that excites but never flames out of control. You think it's peaked, but hold on as Lyle takes us into the next flaming section, dipping and rolling, building and picking up percussive speed. To the very end, HLOA uses electronic guitar effect as the central instrument, and yet, it is never ever chaotic or overdone. Elegance and perfection, people. Your money's worth is right here.

Other highlights: A beautiful rendition of "Naked Moon." Pat has taken romantic and given it sound in this 5-minute piece. I haven't found "Naked Moon" on any other recordings. The title track "The Road To You" is also tenderly performed. "First Circle," a perennial PMG favorite, is excellently presented as always. "First Circle" has a life of its own. It's as if it were always there, just waiting to be plucked from the ether, captured solely for our endless pleasure. The muse deemed Pat worthy to present this gem to the world, and we are richer for it.

The European audience cannot be surpassed for their respect and etiquette during a music performance. Even when the music has ascended to frenzy for listener and player alike, this audience remains cool and holds its applause until the last note has fallen still. And like all PMG audiences, they heap generous applause on the band at the end of each tune. Road To You Live is performance at its best and definitely not to be missed for fusion jazz enthusiasts, PMG lovers, guitar fiends, and generally anyone who knows a hot performance when they hear one.

Line-up: Pat on guitar, Lyle Mays on keys, Steve Rodby on bass, Paul Wertico on drums, Armando Marcal on percussion and voice, and Pedro Aznar on pretty much everything else (as well as the above-mentioned instruments).

To steal a line from John McEnroe..you can't be serious! I may not have the music background of others. All I know is what sounds good to my ears. By far, this is the cd that every kid in every jazz band in every high school should be required to listen to. If I had just one cd in my collection, this is the one I would want. You can listen to it over and over again and still get something new out of it. Maybe I go a little overboard for PMG, I can thank my brother for that, but clearly to call this "bland" is like calling the sun a 60 watt bulb! There's no reason to dis Pat's fans for liking his music. If you don't like it, don't buy it! There's plenty of fans out there that will make up for your loss. "Bland, devoid of wit...please! Genuis is in the ear of the beholder!

I am surprised at how few and how mixed the reviews are for this album -- on amazon.com there are only six reviews and a 4-star average for this outstanding CD, whereas the less certain 'We Live Here' attracts sixteen reviews, all 5-star.

This 1993 live album wonderfully wraps up the era that began in the studio with 'First Circle' and ended with 'Letter From Home'.

It also marks the end of Metheny's fascination with Transportation and Real Estate, when it comes to album titles. I think there's a potential PhD thesis waiting to be written here, but it started with 'American Garage', and went on through 'Offramp', 'Travels', 'Letter From Home', 'The Road to You' and ended with 'We Live Here'. Maybe they are clues to the location of buried treasure -- don't read to much into the map sections on the cover of 'We Live Here'.

More seriously, this album is a greatest hits collection from the era, and there are some great versions too. Even the audience is nicely recorded.

I went to see Metheny in concert in London several years before this album, and I was mystified by the long track in a heavy rock instrumental idiom that the band played. It wasn't on any album, and I don't think Metheny explained what it was at the concert. Well, it turned up on this album, the magnificent 'Half Life of Absolution'.

It's very unusual for an artist to be known for TWO great live albums, but Metheny should be. 'Travels' and this record are both wonderful.

I found this album to be their most energetic, a kind of energy which can only be produced playing live. And for that reason I consider it one of their best cd's to date, if not their best. The recordings sound even better and more fluent than the studio recordings, especially noticed on Have You Heard, The First Circle and Last Train Home (much better live!). PMG is definitely one of those rare bands that truly sounds even better live. The only regret I have with this album is that they did not include "Minuano (Six Eight)". I think that song would have been great as the last track and it really would have fit this brazilian-influenced project. Of course the cd could have become overcrowded and I guess Minuano would have really fought Third Wind because they are very similar in many respects, one example being their fast-paced tempo, as so are many other songs such as Beat 70, Days Ahead and some others I mentioned prior. But I am just splitting hairs and I do enjoy the collection of songs Metheny put together! I highly recommend this cd. One of my all-time favourites!

I found this album to be their most energetic, a kind of energy which can only be produced playing live. And for that reason I consider it one of their best cd's to date, if not their best. The recordings sound even better and more fluent than the studio recordings, especially noticed on Have You Heard, The First Circle and Last Train Home (much better live!). PMG is definitely one of those rare bands that truly sounds even better live. The only regret I have with this album is that they did not include "Minuano (Six Eight)". I think that song would have been great as the last track and it really would have fit this brazilian-influenced project. Of course the cd could have become overcrowded and I guess Minuano would have really fought Third Wind because they are very similar in many respects, one example being their fast-paced tempo, as so are many other songs such as Beat 70, Better Days Ahead and some others I mentioned prior. But I am just splitting hairs and I do enjoy the collection of songs Metheny has put together! I highly recommend this cd. One of my all-time favourites!

This album was my first taste of Mr. Metheny, and I was very pleasantly surprised, not being much of a jazz fusion buff. For a live album the sound is incredible, the aural equivalent of sitting down in a comfy armchair and being whisked away high over mountaintops. The music is highly accessible, relaxed, harmonious, sweet and enlightened. This is a PERFECT chill-out album, guaranteed to restore even the foulest of moods. An excellent buy.

FORGET 'Grammophone's' opinion of 'pretty boring recent releases' prior to the "Road to you". This album, along with previous releases continues to show the wonderful talent and ability of the group. Listening to this CD again after seeing the group in Northampton, MA made me feel like I was on tour with them.

Easily my favorite of all Metheny CD's. This recording has it all! Having just seen Pat & Co. (along with his brother Mike for a couple of tunes) at the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival two weekends ago (local boy does good) just reenforces just how tight this group is! Favorite track? Hard to pick but I'd have to go with "Last Train Home." It captures the spirit and soul of a long awaited reunion with one's roots. Listen carefully and you'll hear the plaintive sound of the train whistle...neat touch! Also favorites are "First Circle" (of course) and "Naked Moon." Least favorite is "Half Life of Absolution." Little out there for my taste but then we all have to spread our wings occasionally.

I'm amazed at the negative reviews. Of course they have a right to their opinion, but I'd love to know what the reviewers weren't hearing that I am. This album really travels, and has a fun, celebratory energy.

Methaney takes some old and new and mixes it all together for an excellent introduction into Pat Methaney Group music. His solo work is always interesting and all over the place, but with "Group" he plays a smaller part in a great band. this album is endlessly entertaining and the material grows over time. highly recommended to start with, if your looking into Pat Methaney Group.