Pat Metheny Fans, Great Suggestions Please ??

Great thread. I just received a few more Metheny's older albums and was pretty shocked on the quality of recording on these CD's. Most of the recordings that date back to the late 70's are still excellent and in good shape. The great tunes of fusion music are a bonus. So far, I liked all Metheny's albums except for one, the Trio 99>00. However, I share the same opinion as with Chaz801 in that Metheny's contemporary fusion style is one of the finest in jazz music bar none.

I apologize for repeating most that have been said but just can't resist. Charlie Haden/Pat Metheny's "Beyond the Missouri Sky" is a must have. My favourites from this album in order are "Cinema Paradiso(love theme)", "The Moon Song" and "Our Spanish Love Song". I like "James" in "American Garage" and "Farmer's Trust" in "ECM Works II". Pat Metheny Group album with Mays, Egan and Gottlieb is another must have. "Imaginary Day" is another excellent album and my favourites are "follow me" and "across the sky".

Judging from the response here and recommendations of 'must-haves', "The Way Up", "Still Life Talking" and "Letter from Home" will most likely make their way to my doorstep very soon.

I'm glad I discovered this thread.

Re Beyond the Missouri Sky recommendation whcih couples Metheny and Haden - If you like that recording a must have is Charlie Haden and Kenny Barron in Night and the City. With all respect to the Metheny/Haden coupling, this recording by Barron and Haden is equally engaging in the same manner as Missouri Sky. FWIW.

You must get the "white" album with San Lorenzo and Phase Dance. It's terrific, although due to the age of the recording can sound a bit washed out and dated. Still worth the price of admission, though.

I now have most of Metheny's albums and find three of his recordings that are exceptional in quality. They are as follows:-

1) One Quiet Night (recorded on Solo Baritone Guitar)
2) Beyond The Missouri Sky ; Haden/Metheny
3) A Map Of The World (soundtrack)

I am surprised no one mentioned the soundtrack "A map of the world" taken from the movie released in 1999 starring Sigourney Weaver. Quality of recording was excellent and the great tunes were a bonus.

The other albums especially from the early 80's and 90's are lightweight in the bass in comparison and do not possess the clarity and depth of the ones as mentioned above.

Ryder,
I've been a Metheny fan for many years. Never cared for the 3 CDs you mention but hey, that's a personal thing. The Metheny discography has a lot to choose from so just about anyone should be able to find something to their liking. One thing for sure, he never does just the same old thing! Because of this there are probably very few fans that like "everything" he does.