First posted on Mark Is Cranky:
Much like those pointless negative reviews where the writer (read: attacker) has never liked the band in question, I sometimes wonder if maybe it's just not right to go on about my favorite artists. Let's face it, I own just about every recording Pat Metheny has ever produced. Solo records. Sideman projects. Film music. Soundtrack singles. Group albums.
So, is it possible for an uber-fan such as myself to deal with a new Metheny composition in an impartial manner? Is impartiality worth anything in this context?
No. That's just not what I'm here for. Aside from the implication that music can be graded via some sort of empirical scale, there's one very important aspect of the music that is done little justice by the application of detachment:me. That is: I've been listening to this music for so many years (around 25) that the memories and emotional attachments simply cannot be ignored. This isn't just music, it a part of me.
So be it.
To these ears, The Way Up is one of the most impressive and thrilling compositions that Metheny and collaborator Lyle Mays have ever done. Metheny has spoken about his idea that the music of the Pat Metheny Group can be thought of as one long tune. The Way Up takes that idea, expands upon it and then distills it down to 68 minutes of Metheny Group essence. It's a career retrospective brought to life through a new and forward-looking four-part suite. A retrospective that's not looking backward? Isn't that a contradiction? Metheny himself states that "This record takes every aspect of the band to a new level."
That is not mere hyperbole.
Some sound fragments to consider:
- The staccato guitar (recalling his work with Steve Reich on Different Trains) that simulates the arrival of a train at the very start of the program
- The tag-team phrases that seem to complete each other's thoughts as "Opening" expands
- The gorgeous Lyle Mays piano solo during "Part Two". It's full of long chords played very rubato. The final notes of the solo morph into a Cuong Vu trumpet solo.
- The Gamelan-like "dropout" section in "Part One"
- The cymbal crashes that decay and fade out as "Part One" concludes...leading into the guitar arpeggios of "Part Two"
Article comments
1 - JR
How many different covers are there? I saw three when I bought my copy (the solid red pole as shown above).
2 - Mark Saleski
i don't know. my review copy came in an ultra-plain brown slipjacket.
i did read something about the packaging over at the Metheny site though.
3 - jhmeyer
One thing I have truly relished listening to The Way Up is to periodically read the reviews (only on occasion, mind you) of which now there are plenty, during the partial duration of the piece on various sites like this one and PMG dot com.
The review I have just read here is simply is one of the best. These so multiple of reviews have increased my sensitivity of this indescribable expression of ultimately, awe. And in all sincerity I am without further descriptive words in my vocabulary to say what this thing is. The Way Up is simply a form of expression of such intelligence, complexity and grace that at the very least it is a testament of what the human mind is capable of. It inspires excellence. Excellence.
Yet I have learned so much from these writings that no matter whether somewhat negative or insightful or incredibly gushing or very intelligent musically I have learned to listen with such an open mind that my experience has been immeasurably enhanced by others own experiences about The Way Up and how those experiences are described. What I listen to and what I hear and how it affects me and how many times I am able to discover some new 3 second sound dips or rises or maybe some reminiscent phrase from a few seconds of twelve years ago of something I can’t quite identify is just sheer brilliance. And I don’t really care if not one of my friends or colleagues hear this same thing or are even interested in The Pat Metheny Group or not, or know who he is but don't listen. Screw ‘em! It would be a better world if this man’s music was heard like Mozart’s or Beethoven’s centuries ago. Ain’t going to happen any time soon so I am resolved in unfortunate appreciative pleasure.
There is a very simple line in this specific review that encapsulates what I'm talking about..."This isn't just music, it's a part of me." I know this --I really get this statement. And with all the over-the top un-necessity of our culture right now and with so many diffused points of view about literally everything imaginable I cannot help myself thinking that what we have found during the course of our lives no matter how long or short (doesn't matter) that we have collectively been involved with Pat Metheny's music it simply seems like some incredibly unique and blessed thing; some language that only a very few have access to it’s translation. Something we ventured upon at some time or another and for whatever reason got the groove of this guys' language. And I'm not trying to do some kind of spiritual thing here although it is nearly impossible for me to release that element from my listening experience with his music.
All of that said -- as I hear these musical thoughts in this very piece (not ‘song’ or ‘tune’), all the creativity, the complexity, the undeniable maximum zenith of one individual’s talent I am totally and wonderfully without words to express the fullness of Pat Metheny’s gift.
The single and only criticism I could have about TWU is if I changed anything at all I think that Nonesuch could have a special release of the entire 68 minutes and thirteen seconds with no breaks at all. No split second gaps from one to another- the WHOLE thing from beginning to end. The only single place that will happen at this point in time is to visit it live. I’m realistic enough to know that that is probably not a smart way to market a CD and I know that the ‘breaks’ on the CD are appreciated by many but I for one could do with nothing but 68minutes and thirteen seconds straight up. And April 1st can’t come quick enough for those Row C seats for me and my brother whom is seeing this for the first time. First time? Yeah for me too " each and every time I see him live it’s only just a tweak from the last and always feels like simply bliss. Can’t wait until “That’s the Way of the World”….
4 - Mark Saleski
wow! thanks.
5 - Eric Olsen
very well deserved Mark - see, I keep telling you
6 - William Adams
Mark, I first saw the Pat Metheny Group in concert in the fall of 1978 in Tallahassee. I agree that there is no objective listening possible. It would be like trying to be objective about a close lifetime friend! You precisely captured my feelings about PMG. Its Saturday morning and I am impatiently waiting for 10:00am to get here so I can go purchase The Way Up.
7 - Elena Gillespie
Excellent, Mark, excellent. A part of you, yes. I think even the group is going to be surprised at the the response it gets.
All the best,
Elena
8 - paddy
The first time I saw the Pat Metheny Group, it was the concert in support of the AFWSFWF album. I was rough 15-16 years old and music has never been the same for me. Being fortunate enough to live in the NY-NJ area, I catch PMG every concert they play in the area. If its 3-4 nights at the Beacon and then in New Brunswick " so be it. It's a necessity. I only wish he was playing The Garden or Shea Stadium " if that many people heard The Way Up " no doubt the world would change.
That being said, The Way Up redefines the term blown away. I can't stop listening to it " and we're talking 7-8 times per day. At certain points, I can't not move to the music, at other more poignant moments, I can't compose myself. This piece really does defy words.
9 - Michael Gerlinger
Well said, Mark.
It is strange and wonderful to share the experience of loving this record FROM NOTE ONE!
I love PAT's work since 1980 and was occasionally disappointed about the frequent déja vues (ecoutés). I always hoped Pat would reach out some more.
And now they did it.
I feel this record is going to last. It is a milestone, their "Sketches of Spain". This record will be celebrated for a long time.
10 - Jay
The only issue I have with Mark's review is that he is wrong when he refers to The Way Up as a suite. I have read and heard Pat speak about this 68:10 minute piece and he specifically has said that it is not a suite or any traditional structure as used in many classical pieces. It is one piece of music. He said the only reason there are four sections on the CD is to make it easier to navigate through the piece. Where the 4 cuts were made has little to do with the music and do not represent different movements.
Apart from his misunderstanding about the sections of TWU, his review is insightful.
The Way Up is a fantastic work and one that will be listened to, written about and spoken of for many, many years.
11 - harold
The one thing that came to my mind when I first listen to TWU is that for many year pat's music make me feel so good and alive and happy and today after all this time he now give me this album wish adds more and more grate fillings to my life THE word from me to PMG is THANKS. You add beauty to this world that some times seems to be so ugly..
12 - Ron Williams
I just saw Pat & the Band play at the Hummingbird Center in Toronto (Feb;18,2005). It was the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing Pat play live even though I have been listening to his music since he first started releasing his own albums (remember them?). I have to tell you that this was one of the best show I have ever seen. The band was excellent, the setlist was great, everything simply couldn't have been better. I highly recommend seeing them play in support of the new "The Way Up" cd. It will be money well spent. I give the show an 11 out of 10!
13 - paul
I travelled from Montreal to see PMG at the Hummingbirg in Toronto. They played TWU without missing a note, a standing ovation was given and Pat seemed happy and perhaps relieved that they have performed the new set. Of course after we were served the classics. How many notes does this man remembers, how many guitars does he bring to a show ?
He is a genious and a gifted musician.
It is the best musical show.
14 - Leyland Gordon
I agree with all. The concert in Toronto was excellent and the new album is a masterpiece. I too have listened for years and agree that you cannot render a completely impartial critique when you've listened and enjoyed a band for so long. That said, I have eventually been disappointed by other artists whom I've long admired because they stopped pursuing higher forms of musical expression.
What distinguishes PMG from the rest is the unstoppable work ethic.
15 - Leah Ann
If I only knew someone in real life that understands this whole PMG thing the way you all seem to! Of course living in NoWhere IN may be the cause of my dilemna, but all of your comments reassure me in that others are crazy for NOT knowing the PMG experience.
16 - Mark Saleski
thanks.
i live in nowhere, new hampshire....so location is apparently no excuse!
17 - W Larson
The Way Up is gorgeous, moving, and rearranging neurons in my brain with each fresh listening...
regarding 'objective' reviews: if you can give an 'objective' review, it is simply not great art. Great art takes us over and transforms us in some way. There is a simultaneous recognition and movement towards/into it. If it is great art, we -- I think by definition -- are changed, and 'objectivity' is impossible because we are no longer apart/separate from the experience.
There is no way to simultaneously appreciate The Way Up, AND give an 'objective review.'
...in my opinion, the opening review to this thread was right-on!
18 - JIM BURLONG
I had the fantastic pleasure of seeing The Way Up plus nearly 2 hours of further amazing performances by PMG last Sunday at The London Appolo.
Truly a "SYMPHONY FOR TH 21 ST CENTURY"
We now have a musician alive in the world who can truly take over the mantle of the late great Miles and push this gret great music of jazz to the ultimate frontier.
Jim Burlong Sussex England
19 - Mark Saleski
yes, the live "The Way Up" experience was quite something to behold. i had a complete and total blast at the boston show.