Matheny, Pat: Side Eye NYC V1.IV

I love Pat Metheny’s concept for his Side Eye band project. Metheny has decided to become a mentor to aspiring young jazz musicians. Citing his time with vibraphonist Gary Burton as the inspiration for this project, it was an opportunity essential to kick starting his career. We can all just think of how many musicians came out of Miles Davis’ groups over the years, and this is a concept I would love to see more of the elder statesmen take on. Metheny also gets the opportunity to hear what the next generation has to offer, and I am sure this lights a fire under him. According to other articles, Side Eye will be a rotating cast of younger musicians. This is the fourth iteration of the group, which is why it is title V1.IV.

This is a live album that was recorded in New York City pre-covid. The band is a trio consisting of Metheny, pianist/keyboardist James Francies and drummer Marcus Gilmour. The opening 13+ minute “It Starts When We Disappear� sounds massive for just a three piece. Metheny’s music has always had an ethereal quality to me; it has movement, space, and color. Francies scatters interesting sound effects throughout the track. “Timeline� has a bluesy feel and I am a sucker for that Hammond organ sound which is featured here. The song really builds up to the ending, Metheny and Francies both shine. Gilmour propels the music; he is subtly intricate, and grooving at the same time. “Lodger� gives off a Little Wing (Hendrix) vibe to me; the song just has that aura about it. It is truly a beautiful melody, and feels very passionate, and Metheny at his most free to my ears. The band cover a re-arranged version of Ornette Coleman’s “Turnaround�, and close the album with another lengthy number “Zenith Blue� featuring the guitar synth, and seems to have the most rhythmic complexity of the set.

I will have the good fortune to see Side Eye live in November, and I expect to be blown away based on the wonderful music and musicianship on NYC V1.IV.

Track List:

1. It Starts When It Disappears (13:47)
2. Better Days Ahead (5:26)
3. Timeline (7:12)
4. Bright Size Life (5:34)
5. Lodger (6:16)
6. Sirabhorn (5:07)
7. Turnaround (7:42)
8. Zenith Blue (11:37)

Added: October 30th 2021
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
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Language: english

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