Lyle Mays - 05 - Stella By Starlight

Buenos Aires 1992 FM
Lyle Mays (piano), Eric Hochberg (bass) and Mark Walker (drums)
Full playlist here:
kzbin.info_play_list...

[@TinyMaths]

I had heard his name before, but I only very recently started to listen to this GOD of a player. Utterly blown away. Some people born here on Earth are actually not of this planet.

[@nandolauria5051]

I miss you everyday...What a honor it was to have shared the stage so many nights with you...

[@richardballard7055]

He may have been the most quiet musical monster of all time. I see these music award shows and I think to myself, if you think you're something, listen to Lyle Mays for a little while.

[@williamjueschke9960]

Richard Ballard so true.

[@DanielHeikalo]

Humble genius, often in the background, but amazing.

[@FedericoGPena]

You make a great point Richard....I can't think of anyone that was as heavy and as underrated as Lyle; maybe Allan Holdsworth, except that guitar heads and others understand the paradigm-changing contribution Allan made to the guitar, while others (myself included) also rank his (Allan’s) compositions and overall voice to have had the same impact. Many missed just how gifted and beautiful Lyle was...He lives on through the music and perhaps musicians will rediscover him in the not-so-distant future. I know Lyle spoke of this composition in the hands of Keith Jarret and him being mesmerized by it...I had the pleasure of meeting Lyle and hanging out with him and a friend (Gregoire Maret) who was part of the PMG at the time; we hung out all night at a diner...The hang started at around 12:30am (when we got him from the pool hall he'd been at since 11am that morning) and we left him at around 5am. I was able to share all that I expressed here [and then some] directly to him and he was very humbled by it all, he didn't take any of it for granted. I will never forget that night as it was one of the most meaningful nights of my entire life. Lyle has been an influence on me since the very first time I heard him at 14 or 15. I'm glad we are here (on this comments section), like-minded individuals who truly understand the depth and genius of this most beautiful musician and human being. Thank you for your words Richard.

[@jennifershanahan7343]

Federico G. Peña so nice to see someone take note of Allan’s genius too. Before there was Eddie Van Halen there was Allan! Still trying to process Lyle’s death over a week later. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@FedericoGPena]

Jennifer Shanahan Hey Jennifer...Thank you for reaching out. I too am trying to process Lyle’s passing as he adds his name to my “l should have” list. About a week or so before his passing l thought about Lyle and said to myself, “l should reach out to Lyle and make it a point to get together with him [the] next time l’m in LA - or make a special trip just to see him and a few other friends...”, and now that possibility has vanished. I’m happy to know the few others (or the many) that appreciated Lyle’s undeniable gifts and the chance for us to connect (like this), albeit fleetingly). Be well

[@MrCroonenberg]

Lyle passed away today….An incredible musician...playing with Pat...unforgettable experience...his incredible sensitivity with notes and timing...LYLE!!

[@39brito]

crying for his death

[@davidreskin9577]

Lyle was a giant. Truly, there was no one ever like him - not Bill Evans, not Chick Corea, no one. His synthesis of complex harmonies, amazing touch and comprehensive mastery of his instrument were unparalleled. And a very sweet guy!

[@pneumatic00]

Holy crap, I had not heard.

[@karlhanson6119]

Just heard he passed away. He was so great.

[@lechtrzeciak6084]

He had everything: speed, reach (looong fingers!), force when needed, incredible sense of rhythm (he was the best proof piano is a part of rhythmic section), profound understanding and feel of harmony, plus melodic imagination he exploited in his improvisations... PMG was always PMLMG to me and that's how all my casettes and then mp3s were marked ... Huge loss, huge ....

[@vittorio4866]

Probably only the future will reconsider the greatness of Lyle

[@jim53bas]

I could listen to Lyle play all night long. And I have.

[@cosmozoom3737]

Me atrevo a decir que es la mejor versión de este clásico jamás interpretada. Ejecutada con extrema sensibilidad, originalidad, virtuosismo y genialidad. De locos!

[@CommonSenseRevolution]

Everything this man plays, every passage of music rendered by him, is an EXPERIENCE like no other. He goes beyond talent to being a virtuoso, a MASTER of his craft. I have never heard the piano sound more beautiful than when it's being played by Lyle Mays. May his soul rest in peace because his craft has certainly provided peace to millions of souls who continue to listen to and cherish this man's music! Mr Mays you WILL be missed by us all!

[@blakebrothers]

Off the F'n hook! This demonstrates that he was one of the most underrated straight ahead jazz piano players. Clearly someone who appreciated Bill Evans but Lyle was a pioneer in his own right. As much as I love and will miss what he brought to the PMG, I will so miss his own music. Damn, what a loss....devastating!

[@gianlucaminguzzi1713]

yeah man, it devastate my life too. There's nothing that could be understandable in life, especially the passing of Lyle, maybe before, I have thought that he could be immortal, that He could live forever to give us his pearl. Addio Lyle, mi mancherai molto, mi mancherà il fatto di saperti vivo, mio grandissimo contemporaneo

[@hamiltonmays4256]

If we value what he brought to music, his death will motivate us to carry on the work of making music better than we found it. What an example he gave us all about what music can be. RIP.

[@francesschaefer]

Got that right 100%

[@davidepernice1787]

What a great musician he was! We've lost one of the best ever.

[@deonejohnson7351]

Lyle would help us work on standards by writing the scales we could use to improvise over different changes and really turned me on to the ii V I thing. We would go to the Union bar for a "few" and then go back and play till they would kick us out of the practice rooms. He was miles ahead of all of us but always nice and helpful. I miss him.

[@mdsharp5d349]

Godlike... your music moved and changed me during the 80s, 90s. i'm sorry i didn't get to meet you in person, while you were in LA. though, i've felt as if i've always known you through listening to your recordings both with and without PMG. I'm an architect and musician too, and i know we would have been good friends with lots to talk about. RIP Lyle and thank you for sharing your music with the world. you will be greatly missed.

[@ldifalco2010]

In one of his last interviews (several years ago now) when he was no longer performing, he made the claim he wasn't a jazz pianist. Lyle, I beg to differ. You were one of the best. True, you were more than just a jazz player but your jazz playing takes no back seat.

[@gerhardbitter1581]

Lyle Mays has left us with a uniquely beautiful interpretation of this old standard. The way he abstracts the subject is awesome. Unfortunately, it has always been undervalued throughout his life. Its melodies and harmonies remind me not only of Bill Evens but also of Frederik Chopin. I hope that - thanks to KZbin - he will survive for a long time.

[@francesschaefer]

Amen! I just discovered him a few years ago through a friend: growing up trained as a classical pianist: degrees, teaching, etc. BUT a lifelong jazz fan grew up with my Dad who came into music composition/theory/history through jazz, so started collecting albums my self in my teens and listened to everything in his large collection of LPs--so, I was so so sad when he passed, but so glad I found him through my friend.

[@WAKirsten]

Thanks for these particular references. I agree.

[@jazzjeffjazzjeff]

Missing you so bad today Lyle. Thank you for a life time of music!

[@flutealan]

Lyle is a self proclaimed non-jazz pianist. I agree. He's just one of the most complete musicians I can think of, just music and expression of musical creativity and talent through piano playing (which includes jazz, but is everything else as well, from Pop to jazz, classical music to country, electric fusion to rock and blues.) I hear everything in his playing. Just wonderful.

[@rBennich]

Yeah there's nothing more boring than jazz by musicians who only listens to jazz, just (pianists) reiterating the same standard staples of 4:ths in the left hand and shreds away constant 16:th note-patterns with the right hand.

[@YokohamaCalling]

R.I.P Lyle - you remain as bright as ever in my sky.

[@pmc2737]

Lyle Mays, I, and so many in the world at this time, are devastated. You were and are the best pianist in my heart, am honored to have seen you play. Magical. Since the 80s, you were the star, the beacon of PMG and of today. We need you now, in these troubled times, more than ever before. Your beautiful, thoughtful, intricate, always-takes-you-beyond music will be here for us. Will miss you forever. Go well, peace and love.

[@hivicar]

Go in peace, and thank you for all you've given us, brother Lyle.

[@neoplanetversuslive34]

Each dans I miss him. Every time I listen to him. Sometimes it 's difficult to realize the absence

[@user-wi3ln9lg8b]

Such a loss - May memory of Lyle be a blessing

[@hazybrain7]

Lyle died a few days ago and there was no one I could tell, huh, no one who would get it. His musical language forever changed me, particularly with Pat Metheny. So unique and beautiful, cheeky and non rushed.. Rest in Peace brother...

[@elviajove8289]

hazybrain7 thanks for sharing with us who loved and valued Lyle. We get it! 😉

[@winstonsmith6204]

So true, I tried to tell a few people when he passed, but they have no clue how much of a connection we shared.

[@randycarroll7755]

I get it. I went to NTSU a few years after he was there, and he was thought of as a legend.

[@l.ande.r.7408]

hazybrain7 I feel the same way, my son wasn't here I know he gets it so I texted him, my son is a musician.

[@nathangorham5446]

I just found out and find myself on the edge of tears whenever I hear 'Close to Home'. He could somehow cast amazing unique chords and harmonies in the air and create a new world you could escape to. And then to hear Pat and him play together, two virtuosos who were on the same page.. there isn't anything like it. We have lost an amazing composer and musical mind. I can't imagine what Pat is going through having lost such a brother in art he spent over 30 years with.

[@ChuloDavidcito]

Wow, this is one of the greatest piano solos I've ever heard. It's heartbreaking right now. Thank you for everything, Lyle.

[@St3ph4n3]

The best has gone. This world looks empty. WAW, what a solo. Awesome...

[@2cents128]

True genius. Whether straight ahead jazz or a sweeping cinematic motif, Lyle nailed it.

[@punypoppy9147]

Stellar version of Stella. Lyle is incredible...

[@stuartdryer1352]

Bill Evans is smiling.

[@elviajove8289]

Stuart Dryer, you probably know but in case you don't, Lyle composed "september 15" in honor of Bill Evans who passed away on September 15, 1980.

[@stuartdryer1352]

@@elviajove8289 Yes I know. It is beautiful. But now Lyle is gone too. It is heartbreaking.

[@hamiltonmays4256]

@@stuartdryer1352 The death of those we think are the standard-bearers is a call to us to carry on their work. Or is it?

[@stuartdryer1352]

@@hamiltonmays4256 For those who are so talented. For others like me I just mourn their passing.

[@mattknowles1047]

Lyle was incredible on this tune. Why doesnt he just play music like this. Some of the best jazz piano Ive ever heard. So creative, innovative, and inspiring. My goodness.

[@hamiltonmays4256]

Why shouldn't he play whatever he can imagine, whether you like it or not? Just wondering.

[@CrandMackerel]

"Hey, Picasso. Stick to the still lifes, would ya?"

[@mtabet02]

R.I.P. Lyle... 😪 your contribution to real music will not be forgotten by me!

[@SISTAMARYBETH]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I didn't know who he was. Had me in tears. The fact that I and many, did not hear his mastery. That in this life only a few rise up, only few that are part of world of mastery. Thank you.

[@marcoruggio6007]

Now... angel hands... what a genius!

[@Valtitude]

A jazz pianist who was ultimately listen-able.Lyle May's played lovely moods, incredible feelings, jazz improv that ranks him among the best of that genre.

[@rolandoepstein]

What a huge loss. Thanks for everything Lyle

[@johnvalentine3456]

Saw him with Woody Herman in 1975 and again in Montreal in 1988. Just great.

[@paulwilliams5013]

..yes.. and there's a KZbin clip of him playing 'Spain' with Woody in London.

[@dennismichaud7439]

When I heard of his passing I was affected with a deep funk, almost depression, for about a month or so . We were the same age, and he struck so deep a chord for me for so many decades with his own music and with the PMG. I wonder if the the world will ever come to realize what a giant he was, and it pains me no end to think it won't.

[@rieske2000]

Rest in Love, Lyle. I saw him so many times with Pat in The Netherlands and Germany. So many memories. Such a great player. I will miss him. Thanks for the music ....

[@bill3837]

Yeah you always had an amazing touch . Lyle .was one of the greats I went to NTSU cuz I liked his big band Arrangements in the lab 75

[@jamesratner7889]

One of the greatest performances I have ever heard. Harmonically creative and amazing, plus the groove. Cliche free. I thought I knew this tune until I heard this.

[@tucanaldeterapiapsicologic1133]

One of the most sensitive piano sound i've ever heard. Thanks for sharin!

[@mauroscimia]

A pretty much underrated pianist. No other comment.

[@jocyemichaelson7411]

Lyle was so heavenly. I only hope he knew how admired and loved he was.

[@johnnyfivefivefive]

Wow! Just amazing! RIP Lyles..

[@ramirogonzalezpuglia979]

I am glad to say that I could enjoy this performance Live at Opera theater in Buenos Aires... the day after, I started piano lessons... still playing, Lyle is my greatest influence and motivation on the piano

[@howardbeausang6029]

Genius Personified !!!!!

[@clairedelune2011]

Good for you!

[@c.b9899]

Good for You !!!

[@supondal]

You will always be with us, Dear LYLE! We love You forever !!!!!

[@HectorRivera-gx7sb]

We love you lyle..your piano rhythms will live with me forever..u were a true genius. RIP LYLE...

[@rdwise4513]

My life was somehow transformed after watching a movie in the mid 80's. Thank you Lyle (and Pat) for all which was opened to me. Peace

[@shiites]

RIP Lyle. You brought so much joy and wonder to my life with your playing and compositions. You and Pat are the reason I became a musician. There is so much sadness in my heart today from your passing. Thank you for what you have left behind and God bless you.

[@canuckdybdahl]

Touch time, and tone ...Lyle was a genius

[@ycgrey]

Bless the ingeniousity and sensibility of Lyle Mays. He’ll remain an endless inspiration to me. This version of Stella by Starlight is a masterwork in which I sense Bill Evans’s touch in the most touching and profound way. A giant musician has gone but his music lives forever. Thank you and farewell Lyle Mays.

[@juanmedero4465]

I live in Buenos Aires. I've been to Pat and Lyle's concerts more than once here ... May God save you in the musicians' heaven!

[@lapicker1010]

A stunningly beautiful rendition of a classic. Mays is one of the true musical geniuses of our time.

[@jennifer86010]

Lyle Mays was a great jazz pianist long before he played fusion. His piano sound and improvised statements in his version of Stella are inspirational. His harmonic substitutions add wonderful emotional color, and his rich expression really develops the compositional depth of this tune. Bravo Lyle ! You are indeed a great pianist, be it jazz, fusion, pop or classical. We should all be so lucky to be able to play as well as you.

[@liavshturm]

so true

[@liavshturm]

so true

[@floudzero]

jennifer86010 yes

[@frankjohnson5135]

Lucky enough to see him in concert. Thank you Lyle for all the beautiful music you have left behind.

[@monentineverbeek2454]

Thank you Lyle for your incredible music.

[@leonkowalenko1747]

Thank you. Rest in peace.

[@douglaschewho8921]

The jazz world has lost one of it's great artists....but jazz heaven has gained another one.

[@robertreedy414]

Ohhh Myyy! Ears are smilng, eyes closed.Miss u so much, from the first listen to the last farewell,Sir😓

[@Myaccountishacked]

Beautiful music🌞

[@kwixotic]

I like the sense of mystery in his rendition. The jazz world has now lost one of its most creative souls with his passing.

[@tedhernandez2394]

Back again! Can't get enough of Lyle's beautiful music. This time I'm lucky enough to be with a wonderful lady to share this treasure with. Thank you Lyle Mays!

[@seanmcmorris]

What a truly magnificent soul. Gorgeous. Thank you Lyle for all your music!

[@thepianosings]

Beautiful!

[@chaosmusician]

I am just discovering this amazing Lyle version upon revisiting this standard recently. R.I.P - Lyle Mays...a stellar musician, always.

[@Ravivharshanee]

Beyond cool...Mays hits this out of the park.

[@Wheelly1]

Wow...i'm into jazz...and never heard of him...this is just amazing...will discover more.

[@paulwilliams5013]

..There is a KZbin clip of him playing ('Spain') with Woody Herman (at Ronnie Scott's in London) pre PMGroup. It's from a BBC Omnibus programme.

[@andyanderson3776]

From the time I heard Pat Metheny’s Full Circle, Lyle was the rock of this crew. He glued this lineup and the new one with Antonio Sanchez. You’ll be missed Brother! Shout out to Russ Davis of 94Q Jazz Flavours for exposing Atlanta to such an Artist.

[@dinomarco6857]

An incredible musician and I can't believe that him don't be here bhetween us ! Great loss for the world of music ! R.i.p. 😔 !

[@alixchatelain2913]

Thanks Lyle for the peace you’ve shared with us with your beautiful music. R. I.P.

[@ADVENT_MarkPtak]

Absolutely beautiful. No other words needed.

[@JGlassy]

This rendition drips with feeling, playful exploration, keenly mature harmony and timing- it’s all here. So Lyle.

[@kirkmoorer4617]

I get to emotional listen to his spirit

[@MrBassflute]

Rest In Peace, maestro.

[@eedleate]

The humble genius. Had to cry a little.

[@michaelmesolellaesq]

You can identify Lyle by the first touches. What a loss. I search for anything Lyle all the time

[@jlakes100]

I love Lyle's harmonies...

[@andersaskman6782]

I just recently discovered Mays and I am impressed like hell. He is all together Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Keith Jarret : genious !!

[@perschinski]

Hard to top this cool piano solo!

[@lesryan2367]

A great interpretation of the Victor Young classic by an underrated virtuoso. Lyle is right up there with the best!

[@darkoanton5]

Yes and he doesn't grunt a groan either.

[@shastakeys]

@@darkoanton5 funny man

[@rdpatterson2682]

Harmony aside, listen to his timing. Amazing.

[@alexeonbel4304]

I saw a presentation he gave with a professor in Fullerton College about Harmony, and his conceptions and I was immediately intrigued about how he tried approaching chords in a more interval type manner. I've been trying to figure out what exactly he means. Wish he could've talked about it more. Problem is his music is still quite complex to an amatuer like me. So I'm glad I've found this song so I can pick it apart.

[@gabys2]

0:43-0:47 breathtaking, I had to rewind and listen to that again...several times

[@tiffanydouglas2686]

Lyle Mays is one of my favorite musicians. I love him!

[@ikubasa]

we will miss you, Lyle. rest in peace...

[@xtremenortherner]

RIP Lyle,you're one of the greats!

[@gabri3l367]

Wonderful !!!

[@mattknowles1047]

Yeah I love Lyle Mays. He so completely underrated. He is such a unique style of his own.I wish he would get himself out there more and play music.

[@JoshrryCam88]

Wow, beautifully executed.

[@yanbu000]

I went to NTSU a couple years after LM was there. I never knew how genius level creative he was. My god, he was Mozart Beethoven level.

[@francesschaefer]

agree!

[@johnnymac1109]

What was your major when you were there

[@speakbulgariantoday]

@@johnnymac1109 Trumpet Performance (BA & MME), then sold-out and did an MBA...

[@christophercoughlin2886]

Lyle, will miss you forever. There was no one like you will never be another

[@DreadlockRockMovie]

Stellar! This live performance reveals Lyle Mays true virtuosity. Exceptional playing from Eric Hochberg and Mark Walker as well.

[@lewismartiniello9441]

This playing exceeds all others I've heard.

[@mattknowles1047]

This was so incredible listening too. I still cant believe it. There is something so precious about this arrangement, style, and free form of the song. I was listening to Herbie Hancock's 12 minute version of Dolphin Dance, and it is similiar to Lyle's style here. Almost orchestral, yet open and free. This is awesome music.

[@MassimoBucciMusicista]

Immenso Lyle Mays

[@garymartin940]

Beautiful....that’s all I can say.....

[@GuitarTime]

R.I.P Lyle Mays.. to one of my biggest heros.

[@Dfusion631]

🌎R.i.E.P 🙏 Mr Lyle🎹Mays

[@sakharoff]

wow! I'm stunned! never knew that Lyle Mays also plays that!!?? I LOVE IT, sooo inspiring - I go straight to my grand...

[@JonP1961]

Right on. His self-titled album is a masterpiece.

[@ronsiegrist2034]

The world will miss you sir.........

[@lentavakomppi]

Beautifull music!