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Lyle Mays: Ascent

By Scott Lichtman
March 12, 2024
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In 1986, master keyboardist Lyle Mays—known for his role in the Pat Metheny Group—issued his first solo album, Lyle Mays. It's full of compositions and improvisations that merit close listening, but the most astonishing piece may be "Ascent." The song's extended guitar solo, from Bill Frisell, redefines the sonic territory that an electric guitar can claim.

Starting at 3:32, listen to how Frisell's solo patiently builds chorus after chorus. Its phrasing crosses motifs, and the sound effect boxes make the notes sing like a violin. Eventually, the solo ceases to sound like its being played on guitar. Instead, it's pure sensation: it's an eagle swooping down on its prey; a firefighter rushing into a building to save a child; the ocean tossing. All the while, drummer Alex Acuña crashes and rolls the swells to new heights. "Ascent" is a rush that leaves you with a feeling of "Ah."

Contact Scott Lichtman on All About Jazz.
Jazz/fusion keyboardist & autograph collector in Stamford CT.

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