Ecm Records
2004
:rarum IX - Selected Recordings
About This Album
The Rarum series on the ECM label is unique in that it issues "best-of" compilations picked by the artists themselves. While this can be a double-edged sword (oftentimes what an artist and his or her own fans enjoy are two different things), in this case it turns out to be a blessing. Metheny is obviously a fine judge of his own work, both from artistic and popular points of view. The selections are accompanied by an album-by-album overview by Metheny in the liner notes. This set begins with the title track -- one from his first outing for the label, "Bright Size Life," accompanied by drummer Bob Moses, with the late Jaco Pastorius on bass. The trademark fluidity and euphoria in Metheny's sound is everywhere evident, and though it has evolved considerably form this early period, it has never lost its ring, its beautiful rounded engagement with all that is warm and open. Following this with "Phase Dance," from the first Pat Metheny Group album, and then the title cut from New Chautauqua, is easily a rallying of the "hits", so to speak. The inclusion of "Airstream" form American Garage signals the end of Metheny's first period as a leader.
Track List (try tracks 1,4 and 9)

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