Pat Metheny Fans, Great Suggestions Please ??

I prefer the ECM era: Bright Size Life, Watercolors, White Album (favorite), New Chautauqua (solo guitar), As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls, 80/81 (Live)
. This is essentially the original Metheny group and I think will stand the test of time. Sonics are very good. ECM sonics tend to be a little laid back. Check out some of the Lyle Mays solo stuff.

I have been a Pat Metheny fan since 1980, the year I first saw him live (RIT Rochester NY).
My favorites over the decades:
1. New Chautauqua (hey I used to live in Chautauqua county NY)
2. As Falls Wichita
3. Offramp
4. Still Life Talking
5. 80/81 (this is not live.. the live album is "travels" and it is 80/81 not 80/84, for the year it was recorded)
6. Secret story

Watercolors.

"American Garage" and "Travels" are excellent. Travels has a long jam "Are you going with me?" that's always been one of my favorite songs (ie by anyone). The energy of the audience reaction really adds to the performance. This one needs to be cranked!

"The Way Up" came out in 2005 and I like it a lot (probably better than American Garage). It's a little more progressive than his other work. One review I read by a jazz purist said it's a "Prog-Rock" release and he didn't like it for that reason. It's hardly prog rock, but it is unique for Metheny.

"One Quiet Night" is an absolute must have. You MUST have it. It's solo acoustic, recorded on a baritone guitar. It's an amazing piece by anyone. I'm surprised noone mentioned it above.

You may also look into his work with Gary Burton. Gary was his mentor - discovered him so to speak. I have "Ring" by the Gary Burton Quintet, and while it's not the distinctive Pat Metheny sound, it features his un-mistakable guitar work. And he was only 17 years old when it was recorded!

Thanks Guys,

Sheesh, I'll be busy with all these for quite a while !