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Pat Metheny Group: Speaking of Now
The album starts off well enough with the likeable "As It Is," beginning with a light, sauntering backbeat and jangling acoustic guitar riffs and building to the soaring chorus we've come to expect from the Metheny/Mays writing team. Other highlights include the epic composition "A Place in the World" - very similar in structure if not in emotional impact to "The First Circle" - and "On Her Way," for its sunny disposition and a particularly inspired solo by Metheny. "Another Life" seems to be something altogether new for the group. Multitracked vocals form a chorale which is interspersed with gentle ensemble playing. The song is quite lovely, and Metheny deserves credit for further incorporating the creative use of the human voice into the usually segregated instrumental jazz world.
Unfortunately, too many tunes on the album are less satisfying. The overlong "Proof" bogs down with an awkward polyrhythmic melodic section and some rather directionless improvisation from trumpeter Vu. "The Gathering Sky" begins with an ebullient piano/bass melodic line over light hand percussion, but suddenly a rhythmic modulation detours into a much faster, ominous-sounding section, completely destroying the good vibes of the tune's buoyant beginnings. "You" and "Afternoon" feature the gentle, lithe voice of Richard Bona, but his vocalizing is full of unusual consonants that sometimes distract from the simple grace of the melodies he sings.
In the end, Speaking of Now is somewhat disappointing due to the inconsistency of the writing and a general lack of the creativity that practically explodes out of Imaginary Day. Clearly we should expect more than solid playing and slick production from the Pat Metheny Group.
Track Listing
As It Is, Proof, Another Life, The Gathering Sky, You, On Her Way, A Place in the World, Afternoon, Wherever You Go
Personnel
Pat Metheny
guitarPat Metheny (guitars & guitar synth), Lyle Mays (piano & keyboards), Steve Rodby (bass), Richard Bona (vocals & percussion), Cuong Vu (trumpet & vocals), Antonio Sanchez (drums)
Album information
Title: Speaking of Now | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Warner Bros.
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