80/81

I looooove this album, and I have to say, I'm very confused. Why is there not more reviews of this album? Where are all these people who call themselves Pat Metheny fans? After all, this album was a major breakthrough in all respects, personel, instrumentation, composition, concepts, and musicianship, and was unparalleled at the time for Metheny, and is referred to as his musical "Bar Mitzvah" For me, this album is seriously underrated. With just the right mix of "free"-jazz and "normal"-jazz, there is more than enough of a challenge for progressive listeners, while not entirely alienating those more atuned to his more lyrical, melodic approach, and also giving something for those who are in between. In visual artistic terms, there is a mix of Kandinsky, Picasso, Miro, with a bit of Monet, Manet,Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Franz Marc. I agree entirely, the three tracks The Two folk songs, Every Day (I thankyou), and Goin' Ahead are the major highlights of this album. Some stunning performances by Mike Brecker who lets loose in spectacular fashion on both TFS and ED(IT), and of course Metheny himself. For me, Two Folk Songs almost moves me to tears, the whole span of life is told in it, and Metheny's turn at solo is like the calm after the storm after Brecker's searing solo in the first half. Also Metheny's fierce strumming on this song has to be heard to be believed, holding it together while Brecker goes awol!.......bloody brilliant! More than anything else there is one word that nicely sums up this album, and /or the approach of Metheny and co to it, and that is it is so PAASIONATE. Only Song X betters it in this respect. If you are going to buy this album be sure you buy the 8 track version (comp) and not the abridged 6 track version. This album compares nicely with Song X, and aspects of the album Offramp. Do yourself a long overdue favour, give your ears a cleanout, be challenged, release the straightjacket, and buy this album. This album is the aural equivalent of a long road trip! Recommended listening!

I've been a PM fan from very early on in his career and, so far as I'm concerned, this is one of his best efforts. I bought vinyl in 1981 and nearly wore the grooves out.Now, 30 years later, I heard a cut on Pandora. I figuratively dashed to Amazon MP3 and downloaded 80/81, and how wonderful it was, all over again!I thought about downgrading my rating to 4 stars -- but didn't -- ONLY because I can't really get into the harder "Side B" stuff. What I love of 80/81 is just too good. The personal "lift" I get from my favorite stuff on this album brings immense joy to my ears and heart! 30 years later, I'm overjoyed to have it again! Awesome album!

Still finding replacements of old vinyl. Some really great cuts am masterful players. Missing some cut/s from double lp, but I can't remember what it is....!

Heard music from this album on Sinnett in Session on 88.9 WHRV Norfolk. I had to have it.

Dazzling chemistry on this cd. Love Brecker and Dewey Redman and how they compliment one another!!

Long been one of my favorites. Most of the tracks are only available on CD, not via download. Well worth owning one of the seminal jazz albums of the 80s.

Ein Musthave für jeden Saxophonisten!

Great album, groundbreaking music from Pat and company.

A brilliant re-issue from 1980,when Pat Metheny was still in his late-twenties.Followers of jazz will note the amazing line-up supporting Metheny on this ECM record date.For Pat Metheny,this was a watershed album that confirmed that he could hold his end up in the finest jazz musicians anyw here.The end product speaks for itself!Some of the album(a double-album,did'nt I say?),is lyrical and folksy;other tunes are more in a bebop vein,with a brilliant blues cover of an Ornette Coleman tune for good measure.Hard-core jazz fans will be well satisfyed.Newcomers to Pat Metheny might be better advised to try OFFRAMP, LETTER FROM HOME or SELECTED RECORDINGSI hereby recommend this album,folks!

This is one of Pat Metheny's best albums and my second favourite after 'Offramp'. The lineup is fantastic and the music they make equally so. Personally, I would buy this disc for the first track alone, 'Two Folk Songs'. It opens with Metheny strumming on acoustic with a sax melody overlaid, joined by Jack de Johnette after a minute or so. So far, so Jazz FM I hear you say, but it's how the track develops that really is the revelation here. Metheny barely takes centre stage, instead playing a supportive role which allows the rest of the ensemble to shine. And how they shine. Jack de Johnette's drumming is a wonder, at once supple, subtle, rhythmic and dynamic, propelling and anchoring the music, along with Charlie Haden, into more dissonant waters as the two sax players take their turns, their mellifluous lines spiralling off into envelope-pushing harmonic avenues reminiscent of Coltrane on 'A Love Supreme' (what can I say, I like it!).This being partly composed by Charlie Haden, however, means that while the top line explores the clouds, the rhythm section keep the group's collective feet firmly on the ground and the piece gently ebbs to a close over the final minutes. The harmonic adventurousness on this track is further explored on 'Open' and is counterbalanced by less 'out there' compositions. The album neatly displays the two sides to Metheny's playing, his love of melody and his love of harmonic exploration.I like the balance, though I realise that some prefer Metheny's sweeter side, and the fact that he's willing to challenge the listener. Whilst each of the band members are all great players, the feeling is always that of a group playing, rather than individuals grandstanding.

Supports my research into Pat Metheny music on ECM and my reading of Pat Metheny ECM Years book

super

MarvellousBought it on vinyl years ago and it’s still sounds fantastic.