Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society: Music and the Brain

Music is a universal language and a powerful force in the world. It can have incredible impact on our brain and easily make us cry or make us joyful. Just a few notes of a song can cause us to remember memories long past. Pat Metheny is a legendary jazz guitarist who understands the power of music. He has received three gold albums and 20 Grammy Awards. In this dialogue, Mr. Metheny will discuss, with a panel of SfN members, the impact of music on the brain and on our emotions and memory, as well as the process of creativity in music, art, and science and the role of music in healing.
Support contributed by: Elsevier

[@corvette488]

I’m a NYC taxi driver. One day I was sitting at a red light when the guy steps out and puts up his hand. The light changes and I cross the intersection and stop for this guy. There was something very familiar about him, but when I look at him in my rear view mirror I was compelled to ask him if anyone ever said he looked like Pat Metheny. He say, “I am Pat Metheny.” My mind was blown! In the course of the trip, I shared with him the fact that his music was the sound track to to my families life. The way he responded and some things he shared revealed the most humble artist I could ever imagine. Meeting Pat was life changing.

[@tes-uu9sf]

“...I am Pat Metheny.” !!!

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Beautiful witness...blessings...🙏👍

[@RobertBowerNexus]

Removing the audio due to copyright especially with the composer of the music in discussion is a real and sad commentary on the state of music today while depriving and taking away the import of the sound in relation to the subject matter for the viewer and listener... Aside from that, hearing Pat talk about his relationship with music is simply brilliant!

[@RobertBowerNexus]

Are the slides copyrighted too? Come on folks!

[@mariaalexea4756]

indeed, but what else to do when the parasitic action of plagiarism and copyright infringement is expanding more and more leading to destruction of creativity? the same applies to any other immaterial creation. Intellectual property rights are not respected

[@RobertBowerNexus]

@@mariaalexea4756 they played clips, irrational given the context...especially with the composer on stage. Check out Article 13 on the table in the EU...complete nonsense

[@angeldc54]

Removing the music is just sad and removes most of the interest of the event

[@barbarahamilton8149]

@@angeldc54o

[@marekburag]

If Pat brought you here, you will have the audio in your head...

[@SidLaw500]

What I like about Metheny's music is that it has a midwestern melodic sweetness against a dark, more haunting harmonic background.

[@alexdven]

Pat Metheny is a genius. A national treasure.

[@marca7434]

alexdven ... Pat IS a national treasure that we have watched blossom into his continuous, full genius ... in our lifetime. They will be discussing him with reverence for as long as people listen to and study great music. 🎵

[@kimjolly7103]

Back in 1986, "Are You going With Me" was the first song I heard by Pat Metheney and it stopped me dead in my tracks. I just remember standing there in my apartment spellbound. Pat's music was the beginning of something indescribable, etheral, other worldly, deeply emotional, spiritual and a multitude of emotions we feel but can never quite put into words. I have often thought if I had the chance to speak to this great musician, I would pose the question, "from where does this music come"? This discussion has brought me closer to the answer and it was fascinating listening to Pat discuss his musical genius. His brilliance is beyond measure and all I can offer in return is my humble gratitude.

[@lizgoodwin1812]

Beautiful post, Kim Jolly. Eloquently said! There is truly something ineffable about that composition! God bless. 🎼🎶🎵🎸🎹

[@paulpower7018]

It's" Soul" music.

[@lizgoodwin1812]

@@paulpower7018 Right on, Paul Power! That's exactly what it is! 😊🎵🎶🎼God Bless!

[@markproulx1472]

kim jolly: ❤️

[@he729gtd61]

so true Kim! Exactly like my experince wirh his music! ..Last train home. omg

[@emilsabatini4038]

As dumb as I am about music and the dynamics of music and the playing of music I find this format on music and its effect most fascinating ! When u mention musicians and composers of music for me Pat Matheny is without a doubt number one ! The world is a better place with him and his music in it!

[@bluecrueful]

Yes, music can heal. Pat's music lifted me out of a clinical depression.

[@heatherstub]

You too? And I've been struggling with Trigeminal Neuralgia for almost 46 years! After having a ministroke in 2002, everything really changed. One day in particular, I awoke halucinating that I was at work on the phone with a customer. It took nearly 11 minutes to begin to realize that something was very wrong when I called my best friend. It took her around 4 minutes to get through to me that I was in my living room, because she knew I wasn't working at that point yet. I'd had the ministroke nearly 3 weeks before that, and I was told this might happen. I certainly knew I'd be rehabbing for 5 months or so from home, but I never thought I'd be so confused in my entire life. She told me to put on Pat Metheny or Paul Winter, because I loved their music. The first album I found was "Letter From Home", and I had to play it twice. The first time, I felt so ashamed that I hadn't thought about it, (Yeah, my stinkin' thinkin' got the better of me!), and the second time, I ccried and laughed and sang along like crazy! I'd forgotten how much I loved that album. Even though the ministroke was in the left temporal artery, it was hemoragic. The meds only made things worse, because asprin can only make you have more! I'd been through a lot in 13-1/2 years, too, but this was the catalyst that got me started on my way back to music. I'm so glad I'm still here to sing my heart out, and it would just make things even better if I could meet Pat. He is such a positive influence in my life, and I've had a dream to sing "First Circle" with him for years now, not to mention other songs. I know it's a dream, but I need to make it a reality.

[@leilareed5064]

I really enjoy listening to Pat Metheny, both music and speaking. He is a fantastic individual and I wish him well in all his endeavors 😊

[@rafaelrodriguessantos6379]

He is so well articulated. His speech was really well given. He's not just a terrific musician but also an amazing orator

[@davidcox8961]

Well, he's a great improviser with words and music.

[@joserobertocarmona3285]

Pat is an outstanding human being.

[@PutItAway101]

If you haven't already, check out his interview with Rick Beato

[@XYBand]

Him and Victor Wooten truly are one of a kind

[@Rocker72]

True. Same goes with Scott Henderson. All these cats have a few things in common: • Started playing a lot at a young age. • Played with other people. • Learned the vocabulary by studying music, transcribing and jamming with others. • A curiosity and hunger that feeds itself the more you give it.

[@katedryer4488]

Been totally in love with Pat since 1978. How fun to experience him in this setting.

[@littlebeanda]

His music is the soundtrack of my adult life. Songs trigger memory, emotion, joy, sadness, the entire range of the human experience. So gifted. His music moves me in a way that no other artist ever has. Words fall so short of my gratitude.

[@opendebate]

He is not only articulate musically but also orally. No wonder he won 20 Grammys

[@davidfleuchaus]

Pat Metheny is articulate, the most devoted person I know of, humble, searching, bringing it (real stuff delivered clearly), organized, responsible, thoroughly and entirely committed, generous, aware yet honest about what is seen only in part. He is a dude. Probably always has been. And yet, what he has accomplished was in no way given. He worked for it with great attention, devotion and respect. Take a phrase, live it for a while, enjoy the fruits. Respect yourself and your field of choice and do what it takes to show up and then present it clearly, every time. Pat, I'm a fan and one inspired by your wisdom and example for the last 35+ years. Thank you for enriching my life and the lives and evenings and thoughts of every listener moved forward by your good notes whether found over decades, within a concert or within a phrase and tone that broke through.

[@LisaN61]

David Fleuchaus 🙌🏻 He’s a genius.

[@spb7883]

David Fleuchaus “He is a dude. Probably always has been.” What do you mean by that?

[@paulpower7018]

DUDE !!! definitely he's da man !

[@Cr8Tron]

@@spb7883 🤔

[@spb7883]

To clarify, my earlier question was not meant to be taken as sarcastic, ulterior, or defensive. I really am curious what you mean by that.

[@MarkSeibold]

Imagine if some of our world leaders could speak and communicate this well, as Pat Metheny does. Notice that he's obviously not using any notes, teleprompters, or q-cards. His known superb and genius improvisational level in music also transcends to his capability of speaking so articulately.

[@theID2]

actually if you look closely he DOES have teleprompters on his left and right sides. and he continuously looks to the exact same positions thruout his speech. you can see them best at the end when he steps away from the podium.

[@BNC593]

As a musician, I’m not sure where I’d be as a musician without ever hearing Pat Metheny. Pat is absolutely brilliant as a musician, a very humble person, and a true innovator of our times.

[@gingerspringshow]

No notes, and what an introductory speech. Articulate, well builded, smart... This guy is a true genius of our time, with or without a guitar...

[@menotu4870]

Herve, I agree with everything you wrote, but for the sake of accuracy, he's reading from a teleprompter...

[@gingerspringshow]

@@menotu4870 Oh ok. Makes perfect sense though. Thanks for the precision !!

[@svyt]

@@gingerspringshow Nice technique, though. It seems like they had two teleprompters set up so he could shift his eye contact back and forth. Looked pretty natural.

[@williamroark]

@@menotu4870 2, 3 teleprompter's ALL around the stage?? Seems to me he’s not all that fixated on “one screen”

[@VEGANSAM]

@@williamroark It's almost always 2...at 10 & 2.

[@andrewcharley1893]

Was fortunate to have spoken to Pat many many years ago in London. There was no ego involved just a humble dude that was more interested in me than himself. I remember saying ‘pat got so much to say to you but you’ve heard it all b4’ He replied’hey, talk !!!! You’re the next generation I need too hear from you!!!!!!’ A true artist and gentlemen. The pat Metheny group is a very important part if my life.

[@HillsSilent]

It's a total shame the audio of the music is removed, regardless this is a fascinating discussion.

[@xavierlangreau9705]

it is incredible to seee how smart is pat metheny,i think that his music reflects his brain,so smart and balanced. we have to realize the privilege and honor we have to live at the same time that people like Pat Metheny. i feel so happy to have access to his music (art)

[@smolderingtitan]

I saw him perform at Massey Hall in Toronto years ago. Most great musicians are unable to articulate these ideas to a general audience.

[@attiliofisher1094]

his music reflects on me only instinct and feeling, far away from "brain"...

[@he729gtd61]

i am a listener of Pat's music since 47 years. One of his compositions is titled "the truth will always be". To listen what he said was as beautiful and true like listening to his music. He is music.

[@kronos350]

Fantastic documentary, I believe Pat has a tremendous skill like J.S. Bach and the geniuses of Mozart. I think he is at a point where he is the music, he just play, he doesn't have to think like we all most do. His music has been accompanied me since I was a kid and is never tired me out.

[@paulpower7018]

Pat Metheny brought me here.

[@LeeBarry]

Very nice speech. It 's clear evidence that music and language are synergistic and consilient. Jazz, in particular, affords cognitive agility. Lots of people say they don't 'get' jazz. They would if the could realize that is is a simulation of the way all minds work at higher levels.

[@saxpride100]

References to work around audio issue: 23:00 Bright Size Life - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHibenhnac2cbq8 (studio version not available on YT) *Incidentally, the opening few seconds of the video was actually playing a snippet of Metheny's "Bright Size Life". 23:39 Song X, Pat Metheny and Ornette Coleman - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmeZiqeqZ8xqpNU 38:18 Orchestrion - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWLMmpuKppmrnK8 50:29 The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaCXZWaAa8iisMk 54:26 Antonia - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap6bfKqfrsiKeLM 59:01 And I Love Her - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4rGi2mpaN9koMk 1:02:24 Is This America? (Katrina 2005), Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJyygaifhqqKo7c 1:05:23 Are You Going With Me? (Live), Pat Metheny Group - kzbin.info/www/bejne/omXNepWCjqpmnbM

[@horatiuromantic]

top comment

[@nongkhiew]

Pat is such a great story teller. Whether he is playing or speaking. Amazing.

[@rifosi]

This is one of the great things about the Internet: to allow people share things that in other way would be just impossible. Watching this is almost like having a seat at that event, what is an amazing thing. It would be even better if I could have seen and listening what the audience saw and listened, and I'm talking here about the soundtracks, pictures and videos played during the event. Maybe this could be added in a review of this post, it's never too late. Thank you again for sharing this!

[@JoeKienzle]

Pat metheney changed my life 1982

[@tiffanydouglas2686]

Wow! 20 Grammy awards! This legendary musician is killing it!

[@paulbelfrage876]

Intelligent eloquent, engaging, warm, open, self effacing..& a phenomenal musician/composer/performer. So good to hear this brilliant address by P.M.

[@steveowen7475]

Lucid beyond words to articulate feeling intent tone and how that cumulative effect has on the individual.....he has been my god for...50 years...Pat..simply operates on a different strata and the joy this man has provided is for me Incalculable. ....I am blest to be around while this man still provides a soundtrack to my life at 70

[@mikebruns8839]

What a gift this was. I first saw Pat 40 years ago. I last saw him about 7 months ago. He is better than he ever was. The latest show was one of the best sets of music I’ve ever heard. What dedication he shows to his art.

[@ryanbrandt6589]

I became obsessed with the Pat Metheny Group a couple years ago. They became my go to music while I wrote my thesis in Neuroscience last year! When I put on their music my level of focus increases drastically allowing me to accomplish very daunting work. Pat, I owe you a big thank you! You inspire me to become the best guitar player and neuroscientist I can be.

[@SelfHealingGod]

Same here and you got a new friend today Ryan.

[@sethunderwood5525]

@@jojena_imm Yes! The album Light as A Feather by Chick Corea + Return to Forever got me through so many assignments!

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

I cannot focus with Pat !!! I madly start focusing on the music !

[@ryanbrandt6589]

@@NoTengoIlusiones It's becoming more difficult as I understand the language of jazz more and more. I can't always listen to bands such as Phish...I get sucked into the improv since I understand the language better.

[@heatherstub]

@@ryanbrandt6589 I see exactly what you mean. It's like listening to a really good conversation between all the band members, but it's all about the music. Even when Pat plays a solo, it brings new richness if it's a cover of a tune. If it's not, you feel so blessed just to hear what he's bringing you as a listener. I've been so blessed to have been listening to his music since 1978, and whatever he's involved in at the moment, (whether it the Trio, Group or a duet, and when he's doing a solo, he puts his whole heart and mind into it. It's all about a way of thinking. The Greeks call that a "fronima, (pronounced a fro-nee-mah.)

[@Ekim1956]

Pat and lyle May's. Two amazing improviser's that could take you away on a journey of the mind.

[@jeffkwells2003]

Agreed. No offence, but there should be no apostrophes in "Mays" and "improvisers".

[@ALXandroATS]

RIP Mays

[@teelurizzo8542]

Lyle would have been incredible here too, since his other interests were all related to Music: Architecture, Math and Chess

[@tamway1]

Thank you Pat for being here for us. You are manifesting sacred harmony on earth with your true north spirit. You are bringing light into the darkness with no signs of getting tired in your ever humble but inshightful ways. Your service is some of the biggest inspiration I know there is to the people of today. We are all invited to finally hear our calling and start contributing with our Units of Human Achievement.

[@tritone3284]

It's incredible that just 16k out 7 billion people in the planet just 16k people had heard this musical genius talk ? . Instead of hearing the lollipop music that it's around to day.

[@kevinmanns7170]

16K....Wow, that many? The other 7 billion obviously had better things to do....like living their lives !! Why don't you get a life...and do the same, instead of wasting your time on this geek fest?

[@yoguimasterof69]

this guy improvises his speech as great as guitar playing! :)

[@wmdoux2108]

Rodrigo: Pat is reading, not improvising, his speech. You can see a teleprompter to his right. I’m sure he has one on his left as well.

[@paulpower7018]

You tube has gone to crazy town... ( copyright protection with the artist on the video) when A.I. is worthless.

[@jxgardner]

I've loved Pat's music since 1980. .... it is so uniquely specific to me , the innovation aspect especially ... every album Unique, and so creative. So this neuroscience honor is so deserving !!!!

[@smarmar400]

"Someday neuroscience will bump into the soul factor". That, right there, will change science as we know it. Imagine being able to study the soul, the very thing that makes a person a person...it would be like discovering how to record one's dreams. Mind-blowing!

[@randalmata100]

Removed because of Copyright. Well that erases much of the discussion, real smart!

[@PotatoeChipz]

this is who paid youtube to block pat's song - ECM (Edition of Contemporary Music) - Those jerks

[@NormaWheeler-gq8xx]

I thought this was so wonderful.My late husband was a Drummer for Carlos Santana Band and. My niece wag a drummer for PRINCE THE . MY NIECE IS SHEILA E. DRUMMER. I AM A JAZZ SINGER,AND my favorite jazz Artist was Miles Davis Cannon Balll Aderally. Etc. MR MACHENY I LOVE YOUR MUSIC IT ALL TAKES ME INTO A DEEP SPIRITUAL PLA N E ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jesuslozanofuentes5123]

Genial Pat Metheny soy el 200!!!

[@JeffBostick222]

In his opening remarks, Pat may have accidentally stumbled upon the God Particle. The nexus of mind and soul is a truly mystical place.

[@andersonmedina1503]

"Professional improvisor"... wao ! what a term ! Thank you for teaching us Pat !

[@panavisionnot7180]

It has... My Mum who never took any interest or listened to any music , many years ago heard me play this in the car and this was the only time that she had ever asked me about any music " oh what is this music? ... I like it" It was one of only two tracks I played to her at graveside during her funeral years later.. The power of Pat Metheny..

[@miggroup5557]

PMG group has been in my VIP collection since 1988. The music is honey for the souls and has this effect of teleporting you into another dimension where everything is love and beautiful. This is smart music, playing lovingly with your neurons.

[@brucecaldwell6701]

I'll always be grateful that I discovered Pat's music when I did, which was when Off Ramp first came out, because it gave me hope at a time in my life when I most needed it & made me feel that live was worth living. I don't think I'm overstating the impact & importance it had on me emotionally & still does to this day. And I want to acknowledge all the great musicians that have been a part of all this incredible music.

[@liegesaboya8265]

I just love his music since I listened to Travels back in the 80's . A great inspired musician ; now I'm realizing.how he is so good when talking to an audience .

[@finarollerz]

Pat is incredibly serious in a good way, watch his interview with Rick Beato.

[@dukeengine1339]

I have loved Pat through these last 21 years (since I knew about him), and never really listened to a good interview such this one. It opens my mind about many music-related concepts. I appreciate all the content of this video. Thanks to all people for their contribution.

[@billcooper2798]

Any time with this man is always to short! What a great gift to the human race Pat Matheny thank you 🙏🤗

[@matthewmuziani1961]

Wow, Pat Metheny is such an articulate speaker. He talks about new age sounding concepts in a very grounded and scientific way that everyone can understand.

[@soulhealer20]

I like the chat about storytelling that Pat shared. I learned to do that back in 73, 74 when I used The Allman Brothers Band as a guide. It worked out great for me.

[@davidsayers2102]

Pat Metheny Group....a journey of changing landscapes with amazing transitions in between....EVERYTHING I love about music

[@jacetheace1993]

Living in the music, oh what a heaven. Been listening to Pat since 1976 when I was 13. My older brother played his first album one summer day He and his fellow musicians have produced the music soundtrack of my life. I go into this music to inspire me and help me imagine what could be as a musician. This interview explain why, like all of us, this music hit us so profoundly. God Bless Pat, Lyle and all his collaborators for bringing this music into the world to help us discover who we really are

[@vidtrax662]

Professor Metheny....an inspiration for generations to come...I’ve in my playlist of his albums and selected tracks that suit my neurons 😊

[@lorij3738]

Simply love Pat Metheny. He is so gracious and kind which is reflected in his music. Love his soul! He is exquisitely brilliant.

[@danwaterloo3549]

Wow! Fantastic interview, and presentation by all. Thank you for posting this. I found myself thinking 'laterally'... about how all the ideas presented applied to me, and what I do. I think Pat Metheny has articulated many things that I have touched on only peripherally. He is inspiring on his curiosity and exploration of 'the edges'...

[@nicholasrees1838]

What an impressive and interesting discussion. Three smart, reflective guys talking about what music is - the insights come thick and fast. Having Pat Metheny there really makes this directly relevant and practical. Kind of strange that they aren't even allowed to play Pat's own compositions due to copyright - even though he is sat right there - though The Beatles example is OK. What a topsy-turvy world we live in! For anyone interested in music is this is mandatory watching. The most interesting and intelligent video I have seen on youtube.

[@yurolson]

Music as a language - this is what Leonard Bernstein discusses and teaches on in his 6 part Harvard lectures. They can be found on youtube and were recorded back in 1973. Bernstein is genius. Love pat and his sensibility of course. This is a wonderfully insightful group share..

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

It's such a pleasure hearing a great musician talk, and Metheny is just brilliant. If only we could go back in time and somehow interview Beethoven, JS Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms etc etc. All we have are letters and comments others made about them.

[@patriciabannister2721]

Thank you !🤗

[@TheHulkSLC]

I am continually thankful for you Pat. So well communicated….in words (phrases if you will) they understand.

[@jcmguitar8609]

An absolutely mesmerizing presentation. Proof that traditional formal education is not necessarily a prerequisite for brilliance.

[@dynasticlight1073]

Excellent ,talk.. I ,met Pat yrs ago in N.Y. When He played w/ Jack De Johnette , Herbie Hancock, & Dave Holland. Incredible night . I complemented Him, etc. "He said Yes -"Its alot of Fun". How, He simplified an answer was curiously great . As ,they played just inexplicably. Spent , most of the night hangin w/ Jack .Like He said ,Drummers are Key...

[@predragcosic7736]

This is the best answer till today when I ask from Zadar Croatia to Philadelfija faculty of physics what happens in the human brain when it is a major (happy) or minor (sad) asked in 83. Tay answer that human knowledge is not at the level of understanding. Thanks Pat and band at best music of humankind!..

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

This video is A.D.D. Suppression. Amazing insight to how one of my favorite musicians thinks.

[@user-zk1wi6ve5g]

This blew me away.

[@bobbysands6923]

I would kill to able to speak about anything so eloquently.

[@Super20011988]

Pat created a huge universe of music. Thanks a lot doctor Metheny!!

[@srdjanjapanmusic5817]

Pat..Fantastic! Genius !

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Pat Metheny is a cool guy !

[@apierge]

This man operates at such a high level that he’s super-human. The level of articulation and profoundness of his concepts are the same of a brain surgeon or a quantum phisics professor. Is he reading from a script or he is talking in the moment?

[@puffysnowball2261]

My thought exactly. He knows what he wants to say but it seems like he’s really improvising. And I didn’t hear one ummm. Amazing player/talker/person

[@apierge]

@@puffysnowball2261 true, not a single “mmm”. I guess that’s because as he said he is a “professional improviser”, so he thinks 10 steps ahead naturally, therefore he is able to twitch his speech on the go before the words come out of his mouth.

[@davebartholome2924]

He was reading from a script (using a teleprompter) at the beginning, before he went to sit with the two guys on the stage.

[@SolarMumuns]

@@davebartholome2924 Okay - well, he seems to be pretty damn good at that too!

[@datsnotpolite9309]

Excellence spues from some of us like sweat

[@suricatafari]

What a masterclass. Many thanks for sharing it with the world.

[@DavidBiddle]

This is just incredible. I've been following Pat for 45 years. He is so special to me because I'm too am a Missouri boy. Also my bass player and a good friend in college is the son of someone who played with Pat in his early teens when they used to have to sneak him into bars in KC so he could play jazz the way its supposed to be played.

[@MrGone-bw6bk]

I was a college percussion major who made a switch to guitar after witnessing Pat Metheny Group perform on a televising broadcast, mid-70s, I think. I was greatly inspired by his tone and phrasing and by hearing “Phase Dance”. I immediately searched for a similar guitar, finding a Gibson L-7, 1963 model (now worth many times what I paid in 1978). I have seen him many times throughout the years, although not recently.

[@MrGone-bw6bk]

Forgot to mention that I became so inspired that I did what Pat said, I did almost nothing else but practice and play all day every day and was actually paying my bills performing on guitar at age 18. Previously, I had been a pit drummer for a touring Broadway musical production at age 16 and percussionist with a symphony orchestra at 19. Reality set in when wife and daughter entered the scene so I drummed 45 years in bar-bands, wedding-bands, jazz, C&W, all of it, whatever, and gigged on bass, too. All that to say, I recently cancelled all dates booked in order to finally focus exclusively on composing and recording. Thanks, Pat!

[@Frami12]

Perfect Touch!!

[@rhythmfield]

I’ve been a huge fan of Pat’s since American Garage and have “hung on to every word” he has had to say musically- he and his partners’ (Lyle, Nana Vasconcelos, all members of all his bands) have influenced me as a musician and uplifts me as a soul. In this GREAT video, I’m having no problem hanging onto every word literally, from him and his admirable colleagues here. This is just fantastic, this is pushing & exploring human potential the way humanity should be, rather than billions spent by conservatives attacking “liberals“, Republicans fighting hard to deny climate change… We should be studying and exploring and improving the world like these guys are. Thanks, Doctors!

[@erichnussbaum]

What a treasure! Thank all you!

[@siriusfeline]

The theme of this discussion, I feel, is actually a very difficult thing to discuss and ultimately bridge. On certain days, I would say that it can't be done or shouldn't be attempted. I think this group of scientists chose very, very well, however. If someone was going to elegantly, humbly, succinctly and profoundly approach this impossibly high bar, it would be Pat Metheny. Bravo.

[@joelkeane3160]

Concerts every night for 45 years. Improvisation. Pat is like a God. Perhaps I could subtract “like” from that statement?

[@aladinin]

Pat Metheny has universal intelligence.. a very talented graceful person. OMG what`s up with that copy-right rubbish when the composer is right there as part of the session. Who else is sick of the ruling system controlling us way too much.

[@DIEGOGONZALEZ-np9ed]

A true genius!! I can say that when I heard Still Life back about 30 years ago it changed me and my musical palette for the better!!

[@JL897139]

I just clicked because... wait is that Pat Metheny?

[@JayStapley]

Was looking forward to hearing more about the mental aspects of musicking. Much as I admire Pat Metheny this turned into more of an interview about his career than an exploration of neuroscience in a musical context.

[@ronmosely8355]

His explanation of avant guard sound....shows he is on another level

[@paulog516]

An absolutely brilliant man and artist. Dr Metheny is a true world treasure.

[@newtcoll11]

Pat has the learned how the mind works and knows how to teach it with his music.

[@camilotierrojr7106]

I think one element that was not discussed here, understandably, is Pat's extensive knowledge and experience in Music Chord Theory with regards to his playing style. You noticed that, in regards to Pat, that the experience of the listener is way different than of the Musician listening to the same song. Pat seem to convey more "Objectiveness" when he plays rather than portray any kind of emotional content as he choses which chord or note no matter what song he plays. Very interesting and disciplined responses from Pat regarding music.

[@thomashanson7600]

Wow Pat, I haven't seen you since Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah in 1978. My friends were still rock n rollers, but I had to stop playing keyboards because Led Zeppelin hit and I wouldn't catch up with those boys for a decade, but they would also grow, so I went to school. I was looking for someone to take my mind off R&R and when I came upon The Pat Metheny Group. I shared you with everyone I knew and they with their friends. I'll never forget the look on your face when we stood and applauded you first piece. Good to see you again my unknown friend. I'm still listening pal, thank you for your art, TDH

[@aybee63]

Music, if it permeates the soul, connects everything you experience at the moment you experience it. It connects the thoughts you have, the memories you generate, the feelings you have, to the experience you have. It's like a time-stamp that uses the music to imprint the reality you are experiencing directly to that production. Like an emotional record. Hence why you may feel deeply emotional listening to a particular track, melody, vocal line, structure etc. It's why a musician like Pat can probably easily recall every track he's ever played. Because the track is imprinted into his direct memory and direct experience. We all are, in every aspect, super-recording devices that actually have recall to everything we have ever heard, seen, tasted, viewed, experienced. The really amazing thing about this is that you may just experience it all again.....But that's another post, for another time!

[@diosdadocruz2594]

Pat definitely has his own sound!!

[@bjshim1925]

Pat is a national, or shall I say international, treasure.

[@mindsoulpower]

the kind of music you listen shows your personal and spiritual growth...

[@seanhollandcanada]

I doubt that Pat would have minded his music being included, but his label, ECM, is notorious for blocking use of "their" music on KZbin etc.. It seems quite foolish. Educators like Rick Beato, when they use examples as teaching aids, are actually helping the artists and the labels. Young people discover the music through such videos and likely pursue it further. It is sad.

[@alamblare9232]

It may be sad, yes, but we should remember that, thanks to streaming services, we are living in an era where musicians are rarely paid for what they do. I think is fair to keep Pat's music safe.

[@SolarMumuns]

@@alamblare9232 See what you're saying but is it really safe if nobody hears it? It will die. Musicians need to lobby hard to get paid properly from streaming services rather than have their music continually blocked.

[@alamblare9232]

@@SolarMumuns It won't die, I guarantee you. Is out there, you just have to buy the record. To get properly paid from streaming services is almost impossible today since platforms as Spotify pay around $0.008 per play. I understand that music is something immaterial, spiritual and for everyone to enjoy, but the product of musicians is just as valuable and real as the product of any other kind of worker. Musicians can protect their work just as jewelry is kept behind a cabinet. I repeat, I understand that music can be considered as a "human right", but water IS a human right and we all pay for it.

[@jeffjones1359]

@@SolarMumuns You are so right! This is the most rational comment I’ve heard about this topic. Streaming services are making money or they would not exist and the artists share is laughable!

[@kerbyfab]

ECM was also very late on allowing their music to be granted for use with streaming services too.

[@exero13]

Great music is nutrition for brain and soul...

[@margix1172]

Pat is a great Musician and also a great orator, he should be hired by some network to discuss on differen topics.

[@curunduraj]

Awesome.

[@Unikladhalo]

Great speech by Pat and some lucid remarks about the nature of music within the mind. I've been looking at the research in this area for some time, from Dan Levitin’s book on the brain processing music into a personally meaningful event for both the performer and the listener to stuff that I was exposed to in developmental psychology as a grad student. I agree that at its most base level, artists translate what they hear within into something that they can replicate for everyone around them. An interesting discussion that I've been having in my minds eye for years now👌, but it’s nice to hear Pat validate that thinking. It’s exciting to feel as if I’ve been “on the right track” for some time, and leads of course to more questions for myself to personally investigate. Thanks for a great presentation.

[@TheMeridian808]

I love Pat, have 7 of his albums