Unity Band

fine

This disc marks the first time Pat Metheny has played with a tenor sax player in the studio since 1980's  80/81  (which featured Dewey Redman and the late Michael Brecker), and the first time he's collaborated with any reedman since  Song X  in 1985, a recording that bears more of the stamp of his mighty collaborator Ornette Coleman than many of his fans are comfortable with. As if to ease his listener gently back into this configuration, and to carefully point out its possibilities, the opening track "New Year" starts with the guitarist prettily soloing on nylon-string guitar before the rest of the band comes in. "Roofdogs", up next, starts as a trio (sounding like it came from the same sonic universe as "The Red One", off his 2008 trio record  Day Trip ) ahead of the appearance of the fourth member of the quartet. And the third track, "Come And See", opens with a duet between bass clarinet and Metheny on his 42-string Pikasso guitar, followed by a transition to full band that's reminiscent of the segue from "Into The Dream" to "So May It Secretly Begin" on  Trio Live  in 2000.The reeds player on this date is the redoubtable Chris Potter, known to many of us from his lengthy, imaginative solo on "West Of Hollywood", which was the closer for Steely Dan's 2000 comeback album  Two Against Nature , and also his sterling work with Dave Holland (beginning with  Prime Directive  from the same year). Here, he's a perfect foil for Metheny; the inventiveness and taste that both exhibit throughout is of the highest quality, irrespective of the style the piece is written in. This wide-ranging variety is nowhere better exhibited than on the set's final three tunes. On the first, "Signals", Metheny dusts off his Orchestrion, the mechanical behemoth around which he built 2010's  album of the same name . This track harks back to that set; built up in an intriguing fashion from layers of loops over which Metheny and Potter interlock their solos. "Then And Now", a gentle, lyrical ballad follows, before the appearance of "Breakdealer": a fast, attacking piece over which everyone solos (including newcomer Ben Williams on bass and longstanding Metheny sideman Antonio Sanchez on drums) before its dazzling climax.Those of us who might have been wondering whether it was a good idea to return to this quartet lineup (particularly if it meant delaying another release by the much-loved Pat Metheny Group) will have had any lingering doubts removed by the excellence of the playing, and the links to other places in Metheny's large back catalogue showcased here. In fact, at the close of this terrific set, you're left wanting more - which will doubtlessly be provided by this great band's live appearances later this summer.

Excellent musicianship and a quality recording by bandleader who is a master at his craft in jazz fusion. Excellent production with a team of musicians equally skilled.

Pat Metheny at his best. Fabulous American guitar player with a top line-up of jazz players. Some really good tunes.

Most certainly one of the best jazz albums of the year. Excellent performances by Chris Potter, Ben Williams, Antonio Sanchez and of course Pat Metheny.

not as good as some others

Bought as a gift, recipient seems pleased with purchase

This is a great Album from a the renowned Master Guitarist. Anyone who likes his previous albums will enjoy this one.