LYLE MAYS: The Composer (Part 1)

[@darrylsmith6158]

Have seen Pat and Lyle in concert over 30 times since first discovering PMG in 1979. Thier music has really marked all of the significant chapters of my life. My daughter's hs jazz choir transcribed Minuano at her urging which was the winning performance at the Reno Jazz Festival. She's now 24 years old. My wife even has a song list of Pat and Lyles music to played in celebration of life for whichever of us passes first. 2020 has been so hard. We missed Metheny playing here in Seattle, but we have seats for 2021! Lyle's music will live forever.

[@matt_pacheco_music]

dude, this is like the best thing i've found in 2020

[@vegastyphoon]

Lyle is a modern day Mozart. I was fortunate enough to meet him at the University of Miami back in 1979. He is a genius and will be missed...

[@gp92510]

U

[@williamroark]

I was able to ‘Shake his hand’ POST SHOW SHOW one night (I didn’t wash my hand FOREVER!!! 😉….. hoping ‘some of that MAGIC ‘rubbed off’ 😉)

[@1mzd]

I wasn't around when Mozart, Beethoven and Bach were out here doing their thing. I imagine it would have been very much just like this, with Lyle Mays. I love watching how he acknowledges and praises his band members and clapping for them while getting claps for himself. Such a cohesive group. Very encouraging and humbling. And Pat Metheny, omg! Just saw him do a solo tour in MD. I saw approximately 6 guitars on stage along with other instruments and he played them all. I know it must be challenging to lose a good friend and a co-worker (& so much more I am sure) in Lyle. Keep on keeping on, Mr Metheny. I am a fan for life. So glad I was introduced to the PMG when I was 22 back in 89 by my Marine Corp recruiter. I think it was "Daulton Lee" I first heard driving down the highway. Been rocking with them every sinc. Yes, Lyle was truly a genius composer/pianist and probably at all that he delved into. RIP, Sir! Your music, Pat's music and you're combined music together puts my soul at ease, at peace, makes me reflect, calms me, inspires me, brings me to tears, amazes me....I could go on.

[@laslatty1016]

I miss his playing so much.....

[@DoctorMaxMoebius]

Pretty good medium dive into Lyle. I,too was inspired by Lyle & PMG - actually met Pat in 1979 when I was 17 and Pat was 25. We were playing frisbee in the park he would be playing at later that eve, and he came out and threw the fris with us. Nice guy. Lyle wasn’t around at the moment. I went to IU, and one of the Music School greats, Jim Beard, and I became friends. Later, I would see Jim playing w/ Pat on the Secret Story tour. Jim is one of the few cats in Lyle’s league. We knew when Jim was 18 he was destined for musical history, as I’m sure they knew Lyle was. I was shocked - saddened, more like, when Lyle quit touring, but having been on the road a bit myself, I understood his fatigue. I didn’t really know what a renaissance man Lyle was, but clearly, he had an intellect superior to most. His musical prowess made him a maestro, and that was but a part of this amazing being. His passing seemed unfair to those of us he inspired. I’m glad you are continuing his legacy to any degree. One bit of constructive criticism, it would have been better to keep the names of the compositions when you were showing examples. Also, the red and blue weren’t always so apparent. I realize the limitations of your editing s/w (Final Cut should be able to handle most things, but colorizing the score might be best done first on a frame in Photoshop. If that’s your production path, see Captain Disillusion for ways to re-color a frame using a new pallet. Hope that helps. All in all, an excellent first attempt. Please, don’t be offended ! Just trying to help. I’m an exec producer, and get opinionated some…love your playing, too, Most of the time!

[@colleencreamer2472]

OMG ... this is fantastic. Lyle's first CD sent me into the stratosphere. He truly was underrated.

[@The_Lincoln_Penny]

I fully understand your opening statement …. “It’s really hard to put into words what Lyle Mays means to me ….”

[@alvaromascareno3521]

I had this video waiting on my Watch Later list for months. Today, still processing Chick Corea's passing, I finally watched it. It was brilliant. Thank you!

[@kevinellis8947]

You are certainly correct about Lyle being ONE of the most underrated musicians of our time. I think his being THE most underrated is questionable; but he is certainly one of the most underrated. And certainly one of the most underrated pianists. I've loved Lyle since I was a teenager, and he and Pat are less than 10 years older than me. I turned a drummer of mine onto the Pat Metheny Group back in the 80's. When Lyle died, this drummer went online posting posts as if he discovered Lyle Mays. I said what are you doing? If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even know who Lyle Mays was. Jazz musicians know Lyle Mays, and he was still one of the most underrated.

[@pedroeustache5511]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! WOW!! AMAZING!! THANK YOU!! BLESSINGS!!

[@reidwhitton6248]

Wonderful presentation! I watched both parts last year but returned for a revisit after listening to Rick Beato's interview with Pat.

[@jfs70ss]

Lyle was literally a 'Once in a Lifetime' Talent who left us with his Musical Genius and Wisdom. It would literally be a shame and sad for anyone who has lived to not have been able to experience his sheer magical playing ability and melodic compositions. He has made my life that much more fulfilled and am in sheer 'Awe' as to his 'Other Wordly' God gifted talent. Thank you Lyle and may God bless and keep you always. RIP

[@rhythmfield]

Eye and ear-opening analysis - I was very much into this group at the time, and I sort of perceived the music as emanating from a six-headed monster, or whatever. There’s actually an “influence“ on the compositional process from the individual players, even though the actual writing comes from the pens… Or computers of Pat, and his foil. Great analogy there by the way. As a working drummer and sideman myself under most circumstances, I am very often thinking about the influence of individual players. So the voice of Pedro Aznar, the sound of Paul’s ride cymbal, that’s also a compositional element in my perception… Wow man… Pass me that joint…

[@fredfungalspore]

The Word Savant has always come to mind His Musical Ability will in time make this gifted musician a Prodigy Synonymous to the likes of Frederic Chopin.... Johann S Bach ....Antonio Vivaldi...Wolfgang A Mozart..... .........Thankyou Lyle for making such beautiful music that brightened up my life .....................

[@smokyquartz8]

This really good! Thank you Ryan! 😇

[@wasabiginger6993]

Thank you so much for answering some questions I have been wondering! This is a wonderful documentary! 💕💕💕

[@rnunezc.4575]

Great video on Lyle. And Pat. Thank you.

[@wptyus]

I discovered PMG at the end of high school. I am about to retire. I am as enthusiastic as ever. Pure genius, thank you for sharing.

[@bgood2152]

What a great presentation! It was Lyle's playing on the song "Tell It All" that really attracted me to PMG. Their sound truly blew me away the very first time I saw them live and it was Lyle's performance that confirmed his greatness to me. I'm so thankful that you took the time to acknowledge him in this tribute. I miss him and his contributions to the amazing art form of music. Thank you Ryan!!!!!

[@t.a.e9143]

So glad about your video. As you, I hold Lyle in the highest regards as a master of historic proportions. I believe his compositions will be analyzed by future music scolars as are the works of our classical masters today. Same level of mastery, only present time ideals, sounds, orchestration. Time has yet to come though. So I kind of feel a bit happy, and confirmed in my view of Lyle by your video. So thanks !! BTW, if you don't know it, you must check Dr Guy Scholnik's channel. He too is on the same page. /T

[@jwp2460]

I'm so glad to see someone appreciates Lyle Mays for the same reasons that I did. I've always appreciated his compositions as much as his playing. He was a huge influence on me. Awesome video! Thanks so much for doing this.

[@colourfulmagic]

Music live forever... spendid musicians.. Great explanation, in this excellent video.❤

[@graceandgratitude9256]

Wow!!! I am a long time lover of PMG and this sheds so much light why. 🦋💗😊

[@ninovasev]

Lyle made my life full of music..unforgettable

[@renakmans3521]

Really wonderful! Lyle added an incredible voice to the Jazz canon. Pat was very lucky to have him in his shadow for so many years. A match made in heaven!

[@renakmans3521]

@JustAintThatWay If you can read between my words that’s what I’m saying. But you ask non-musicians who Lyle Mays is vs Pat Metheny and then you’ll get my point. It was called the Pat Metheny Group, not the Pat Metheny-Lyle Mays Group. Anyway, we’re on the same page musically, Lyle influenced the music as much as Pat but he was not in the spotlight like Pat. All the major interviews were done by Pat, he was the spokesperson. That says nothing about the music, only about the leader. That’s what I meant by shadow, and Pat’s career took off where Lyle’s didn’t. Pat was frankly very lucky to have Lyle as his equal band mate and yet receive more of the light.

[@leslieackerman4189]

Excellent analytical work! And enjoyable. Thanks.

[@donbobness]

Loved just loved your interpretation of what lyle does when he plays music. I was a pleasure to hear what you know about the piano composition. Etc from very linear mind set thank you. You have opened my mind to composition stricture and what real musicians like pat and lyle think. All I know is that the play beautiful music. The soundscape of my travels around the globe.lyle created such drama color and feelings that transcendent space time. Other world, yet so much beauty. Dignity and a sense of humor. While on a bullet train in china pat and lyle were there they fused what I saw out the window the sounds married the motion of light speed and objects not to mention the texture of my minds interpretation of what I was feeling. Many times this has happened what joy and bliss a very spirtiual space in my heart and mind that were moving by. The only way I can explain it was a very kundaline experience Thanks again Ryan The best be safe 🙏

[@gunnarsjogren6018]

Fantastic work. Am a drummer, Pianist and these mucicians have been mine main influences from age 16 - now 58, and will be... Thanks!!

[@ahmadghorbel674]

What a trésor in 2021 , thank you 😍👍

[@almaguapa-sailboatliveaboa440]

Thank you so much in describing Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny music. Am a big fan of both, but know just basic of music, I play guitar. But would LOVE! more YTs on this.

[@lisasaadiq3372]

Thoroughly enjoyed! Great work!

[@jonw927]

My top 2 pianist Art Tatum and Lyle Mays… When I first listen to Lyle Mays the way he played it was like he was telling a story with his melodies or even with the SFX…favorite tune: Third Wind🙌🏽

[@Riedel777]

Txs for your fantastic explanation and work! 🙏

[@lauraknonsalla8920]

Thank you so much for this video. Lyle played such a big role in the Pat Metheny Group and created those special moments in music. Thanks for showing and demonstrating. Waited so long for a video like this.

[@mattamper4981]

Great stuff!! Long overdue! Looking forward to more videos

[@randyevans9162]

Awesome, amazed by 🎹 playing on this video, thanks so so much

[@marlonmartinezmusic]

Ryan! Thanks for this my friend!

[@pierluigioliva]

Great job! Thanks so much for sharing all this!

[@damastet]

This is amazing, no one ever did such a detailed explanation like you just presented. Part II PLEASE!

[@RyanSlatkoMusic]

Thanks! Part 2 will be out next Thursday!

[@JesseH]

Plain and simply put. They blended together and they enjoyed what they did and it shows.

[@ci-qf4xq]

So, so good. Great work. Thank you very much.

[@charlesmoore8634]

Most excellent, thank you.

[@graceandgratitude9256]

Thank you!!🙏🏽💗

[@bobgriffith1810]

Once I discovered PMG in the late 70's I never let go,,

[@alexeisenberg2834]

I as well

[@ellenmbrennanphd]

Me too.

[@mrbillh]

Mid 1980s for me. Once hooked, investigated all the music Pat put out; PMG, solo and other collaborations. Being introduced to Lyle through Pat was a Godsend.

[@larryfertel1567]

Amen!!

[@jobaecker9752]

Impressive dive into the heart and soul of Lyle and Pat! I've been a fan of both for nearly 40 years...and your deconstruction just makes me more of a fan.

[@danieldavieschannel]

Thanks so much for the video and great playing too.🙂

[@athertonx5779]

Ryan, this is really insightful. A deep appreciation and thanks extended to you . How awesome you are for such a deep analysis of Lyle and Pat's work. Seen them both, up close, on stage, performing. It changed my life forever. RIP Lyle.. who is in the ranks of Mozart and Bach.

[@patrickselden5747]

Thanks, Ryan, for this fascinating and informative video. Peace... ☝️😎

[@kraka2oanIner]

I'll NEVER forget when Pat played with Hubert Laws, Jazz Workshop in Boston, 1975 (?) He did a brilliant solo on "Giant Steps"... I used to see Lyle Mays often with "Composers With Red Sneakers" ... a contemporary composer's group that got together off and on in Cambridge(70's and 80's). His compositions AND his playing w/other composers' compositions was always superb ! It's not hard to understand that the music world will miss him.

[@daborean]

Great Video Ryan. Lyle was overlooked by those that didn't listen. He was a true genius. To me it is clear that he and Pat complemented each other to create some of the best music of the 20th century. True synergy. Listening to Pat Metheny's newest work, Same River, I can hear that, while it has its moments of greatness, the songs lack the development that the work that two genius' together composed. You seemed to denigrate Pat a bit saying his melodies are simple, but complexity does not equate to musicality- think Zappa. Some of the greatest music has simple lines- So What, Infant Eyes, Gymnopédie No.1, I loves You Porgy. Without the melody, rhythm, and harmony you don't have music.

[@barkofink]

Lyle is the architect, the organiser that put everything together, and also the co-composer, while Pat is the melody writer, the _song writer_ in a way. I'd say the PMG _eco system_ is essentially brought by Lyle Mays. Pat on top of that is what make the whole like magical abstraction.

[@johnpantazopoulos2146]

I have never seen such true representation and transcription of Lyle’s passages. Thank you! Is Lyle’s piano solo transcription in Better Days Ahead available for purchase?

[@davemackenzie8343]

Huge Lyle Mays fan! Loved your analysis of his contributions to the Pat Metheny Group. Well done, thanks!❤

[@MikolaiStroinski]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@clamim]

Thank you!

[@shakedydogshake]

I’m a life long bass player, and I absolutely love Lyle! I’m just recently getting around to the fact, that he is not around.....

[@flightlessbird2281]

Nice work. Lyle is a god.

[@pauldeck4500]

Wow this video is an incredible contribution. I'm just blown away by the level of scholarship. You've got the makings of a doctoral dissertation here, and then some.

[@brianfrost7376]

The heart of modern jazz fusion…one of the most cultured, and technically considerate improvisers of our time…arguably the best piano composer/player since slate romantic/ impressionist periods. I do miss Lyle Mays, though I have, and do, since the late 70’s, listen to the group regularly..especially during the hot “jazz” weather of summer. Mas Alla Lyle!

[@zarkozivkovic7954]

woooooow !!!!!!!!

[@ralphmunn1685]

I've seen too many amazing pianists to even remember, and Lyle Mays was up there with the very best. Thanks a million for this informed look at his work, which only makes me appreciate him even more.

[@clicks59]

Thanks! Great video! I was so fortunate to see the PMG at a tiny venue in Sacramento. They nearing the end of their 1995 tour. Our stop was number 212 of 220. I never witnessed a concert that left me feeling like I was taken into another world. It was absolutely mesmerizing. The musicianship was nothing like I had ever seen before. Steve Rodby is an absolute no frills beast of a bass player with godly tone. Lyle was in a class all by himself. The works of The PMG are pure class and are still untouchable today. RIP Lyle. You are sorely missed.

[@Utubegoogleguy]

Wonderful tribute and beautifully showcases Lyle's musical approach.

[@rileymerino6340]

I cry during his San Lorenzo solo every fucking time.

[@gzablodski]

Very deep structural analysis of the music of Lyle and Pat. I'm specially gratefull for your examples of Lyle and Pat approach to the composition, phrasing and melody. Also, I've got to mention the part when you improvising with your right hand while keeping the most difficult chrords progression with your lest hand. Effortlessly!!! That was realy, realy nicely done, Ryan! Thank you for the video.

[@robertleigh352]

Lyle’s self titled album was one of my favorites through the 80s and even today I pull out the CD once in awhile to remember his excellent musicianship and spirit!

[@johneebee242]

I can’t tell you how much this means to me. Thank you. I love Pat and Lyle.

[@soycongero]

Excellent analysis and video, Ryan. I have a lot of regret that I never have (or will) heard Lyle live. I'm sad that his career ended the way it did. Though when I hear his recordings he invariably still surprises and pleases. 2020 is truly a year that will live in infamy. Looking forward to video #2!

[@rembeadgc]

Great analysis.

[@robertginsburg8113]

Thanks for putting this together. Most people don't realize how integral Lyle was to PMG. I always thought they should have continued as "Pat Metheny / Lyle Mays" as was the case with "As Falls Wichita So Falls Wichita Falls" but I guess Lyle was just more laid back and happy just to make music but for sure there would be no PMG without Lyle. It would have been something completely different.

[@ChrisBCartagena]

Great analysis!

[@mcraes2]

Great stuff! Loved this video.

[@Alexanderdoria433]

It is great for learning, even the solos

[@gupta76]

Man somehow i feel sad all over again... still cant believe Lyle's passed away.

[@SammyMorales61]

very good analysis. thanks

[@santibanks]

Nice video on Lyle. Some remarks though (and if you covered it in Pt2 then sorry, have to watch that one). Lyle is known for his complex counterpoint in his music. Slink and Distance are good examples of that. The other thing about Pat's writing is that there is also the abilities and limitations of the instrument. Writing songs on guitar is different from a piano. It is much easier to get complex harmony on a piano because we can use 10 notes and do specific voice types and alterations easy. On guitar you are limited to basically 4 fingers and 6 strings where you have to rely on either doing a barre, mute a string, or use an open string but all within basically a 4 fret confinement. You will find that some of his tunes are very easy to do on guitar because the physicality of playing the guitar lends itself easy to specific melodies. Bright size life is a very good example of such a tune. That said, Pat did do some pretty complex stuff but mostly outside of the PMG. Mostly in the avant garde/free jazz idiom (as with Bailey and Coleman). And a small correction: Pat doesn't solo on the Synclavier in Third wind. It's the Roland GR300 sound he uses there. Actually you can see him switch from Synclavier guitar (technically, that's a Roland GR808 modified to house the Synclavier guitar control panel) to the regular Roland GR300 in the middle break. Depending how fast he can pull that off, he comes in with this wailing sound. And maybe something you might have observed: Lyle usually solo's over the more complex chord schemes (even with Pat's material). Often with chords fairly fast succeeding (multiple changes per bar). It is one of the things he is good at and using a lot of chromatism is his forte there. But there is also a lot of romanticism in Lyle's soloing. If you see him perform free-form intro's to songs on piano (September 15th on Imaginary day, In her family on Speaking of now, various bridges he does between songs on the 1989-1993 tour, etc) you will find a lot of Debussy/Ravel/Bill Evans in that.

[@erikwissinghansen2958]

As a composer I really appreciate this very informative video on Lyle Mays. He was a great composer and musician.

[@BrunoCOHENstudio]

Well done man!

[@michaelcorenzwit6860]

Very interesting and informative post.

[@emilsabatini4038]

Ryan: I totally loved this video.

[@mattberger3657]

Hey this was great - thanks!

[@jamiemorgan4146]

All you e said is true ...One of the main reasons Pat writes as he does is, because he plays guitar. Pat’s approach is designed in the way the guitar is laid out . Lyle and Pat fit perfectly together , like dill and doe. They’re brilliant.... I’ve looked all of my long career for a Lyle. I’ve never found him. I have to do it all myself and I think that my music suffers because of it. I graduated from Berklee .

[@SergioValenzuela]

By Far , the most compelling case for our beloved Lyle, and his genius that i´ve seen . I´ve heard so many great musicians, but still mesmerized about just any 1 bar of Lyle on any tune, as a composer or improviser. Thank You so Much for making this, you are very talented and knowledgeable. I hope some day we´ll see a high quality documentary about the master.

[@craigsmith1365]

Thank you.

[@TheRomeerome]

Excellent Video❤❤

[@stevew5146]

KABOOM!! What a analytical tribute and respectful study. Such a joy to watch. Thanks for your work.

[@pathus5907]

Thank you so much for these 2 videos about Lyle and Pat's music together in PMG , not to forget the fantastic musicians who collaborated with them througout over 3 decades . Personally my preference goes to Still LIfe (Talking) . The level of these guys in their music is comparable to classical symphonic performance with an additional great sense of improvisation developing the themes and incredible bridges .Beautiful landscapes of sounds and rythms , pure poetry! . Thank you for trying to let us understand the basics of the composing process and its expansion , and using the partition for this is great . I can only emphasize that the drums and perfect bass in those works are essentials pilars in these works too . This beautiful music brings joy ,hope and elevation for those who love it ! Lyle is gone, sadly , but his work remains , and maybe someone will one day give tribute to him with a philarmonic ensemble, this genius music work would surely deserve it .

[@ELIOSANFELIU]

GENIUS¡¡

[@michaeljenkins8635]

Musical wizardry between the two! It works best between the both of them together! Lyle speaks in lower tones and Pat answered lyrically in almost, a singing tone! This is correctly explained here in the best way I ever heard it put!! A Great lesson is given here! Excellent job!

[@antoniog2854]

Incredible work!! Thank you!! so much ❤️ for Lyle Mays

[@30mouse]

Brilliantly done! I heard the PMG multiple times, beginning with their first tour, and even though I'm a guitarist I was always stunned by Lyle for both his orchestration and the fact that he's one of the best improvisors I've ever heard....his contribution to the group was huge, more than people may realize. You did an excellent job comparing the styles!

[@paulbelfrage876]

Intuitive & informed brilliance. Expansive compositional genius...so, he leaves us to go on to further expansiveness in mind/body/spirit elsewhere, maybe to do for those there, what he did for us here. So sadly missed. (R.I.P)

[@matt-spaiser]

This is a great explanation of Lyle's compositional style! Thank you for doing this! Lyle deserves more attention. Just a note, Pat's solo over Lyle's changes at the end of Third Wind is on the Roland GR300, not the Synclavier. In live shows, his first solo was on the Synclavier. I can't wait for the next part!

[@RyanSlatkoMusic]

Oh shoot! My bad, I get the two mixed up all the time.. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ziccuj]

First Rick Beato, Then Dr. Guy Shkolnik, and now you. It just can't get better than this. Finally these great musicians and composers are getting the attention they deserve also in KZbin. What a great analysis and great playing as well! I'm on to the part 2 now.. All the best from Finland!

[@adamrafferty]

Great video!

[@mariorodriguez9417]

I feel like I went to a master's degree in music. I always knew that Lyle was an amazing composer. However, I could not phrase it., probably because I never studied harmony I just use my ears ( long story). You gave me validation and Lyle's music and your videos are truly inspiring. Thank you Ryan, so much. Best, Mario

[@fgarcia62]

This is solid gold for Lyle's music followers. Thank you very much.

[@scottsummers8843]

Really well done! Thank you for pointing out how important this team was to each other. Spongebob and Squidword was the perfect comparison.

[@jimbrunsman1011]

Thanks for this video. Lyle was perhaps my favorite musician of all time and I really miss him. I was fortunate to see him play with Pat 7 times in Northern California and Lyle was amazing every night. I regard the Metheny/Mays songwriting team as the best ever including Lennon/McCarney. Can't get enough of videos like this!

[@slaningham]

Wonderful series. Thanks for taking us inside one of the most important musical minds and pairings of our lifetime, and any lifetime.