Lyle Mays Eulogy

This is a long overdue eulogy to Lyle Mays
I have used his piece with his friends from Caltech - the full version of which is in the link below; as well as just a small few of his many great pieces:
If I have used any music or images that anyone owns, please tell me and I will take them down. This is a tribute to Lyle, to share with admirers, and others who may not yet know his music. Of course my thanks go also to Pat Metheny for his part in many of their creations:
Lyle Mays and Friends at Caltech
• TEDxCaltech - Lyle May...
‘Ascent’
• Lyle Mays ASCENT
Let Me Count The Ways
• Let Me Count the Ways
Minuano
• Minuano (Six Eight)
Eberhard
• Eberhard
Mirror Of The Heart
• Mirror of the Heart

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

Lyle was my classmate at North Texas spring 1975. One of the most brilliant and talented musicians I have ever known. His passing is a great loss to all who’ve been touched so deeply by his music and his soul. Rest in peace my dear old friend.

[@marra4887]

I bet he was also a really nice guy and great stimulating company.

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

@@marra4887 Intense, loved playing Foosball at a little bar right near campus.

[@carlossoriagonzalez5996]

❤😊❤❤

[@gottadomor7438]

What a privilege able say, "I knew him when ..." Good for you Jer. and as your comment tells, his interests - & talents - much more than *just* music.

[@zlatkovelichkov9198]

He was a real genius,inspiring a lot of musicians. R.I.P.

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@PeterBrown-mz4nv]

It's a cliche, but there will never be another Lyle Mays.

[@vanessa4u4evr]

My heart broke when I heard the news about Lyle's passing. It still hurts when I think about it. ❤❤

[@marra4887]

And many others like yourself, Vanessa - but Lyle's music lives on.

[@vanessa4u4evr]

@@marra4887 Indeed it does, Marra.

[@andrewcharley1893]

Still cant get over Lyles passing😢

[@geocosmicvalentine]

Same.

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@charlesmoore8634]

yes, still miss him very much. and still listening to and trying to understand his contributions. wonderfully easy to be inspired by them. Mirror of the Heart = happy tears.

[@christophercoughlin9493]

Listening to his work with Pat always brings a tear to my eye, always so tasteful, perfectly complementing the surrounding musical ambience. Always adding to it, but never overstated. I could go on but I'd rather just listen to him, and words don't do him justice.

[@user-qk3sc8rq9r]

He was such a huge part of Pat Metheny band's sound. Differently a terrible loss for the jazz community.

[@marra4887]

Yes, a terrible loss, but he's up there somewhere. And whatever we believe, whatever we think - we think 'Thank God for Lyle Mays' - and his music lives on!

[@chrissupport]

Can't find the interview, but remember Pat saying ~"Lyle could fill in those places I couldn't get with the guitar". IMO NO ONE expressed emotion on a piano like Lyle, especially with the Steinway.

[@hfjjor3681]

During the Pat Metheny Group’s early years, I gobbled up every album they put out. It wasn’t until I heard a Lyle Mays solo album that I realized what I loved most about the group’s sound was Lyle Mays! He was the perfect yin to Pat Metheny‘s yang. ☯️

[@hfjjor3681]

During the Pat Metheny Group’s early years, I gobbled up every album they put out. It wasn’t until I heard a Lyle Mays solo album that I realized what I loved most about the group’s sound was Lyle Mays! He was the perfect yin to Pat Metheny‘s yang. ☯️

[@robertd.128]

Pure GENIUS! His masterful keyboard work with the Pat Metheny Group is legendary! His solo masterpiece "SLINK" is one of the greatest pieces of music of all time! RIP Lyle and thank you for countless hours of magical listening pleasure.

[@tedl7538]

Yes that whole eponymous album is rich, unique and timeless!

[@geocosmicvalentine]

Thank you for this eulogy to Lyle. I didn’t want to listen because I didn’t want to get sad again, but I’m glad I did. It’s filled with warmth and contains the intimacy of a real fan, admirer of his music and appreciator discovering his joys and motivations that made their way into his music.

[@marra4887]

geocosmicvalentine, Glad you appreciated my heartfelt homage to Lyle. Yes, it was sad news, but his music lives on and we can continue to luxuriate in his music - music which touches the soul, and lifts the spirit!

[@radio645]

Sweet and lovely, someone has taken the time to do this and pay tribute to one of the greatest musicians of our time, thank you so much. I've heard Lyle, and the PMG perform many times, they were best concerts I've ever attended.

[@marra4887]

Glad you appreciated it. And i was also lucky to hear them many times. Lyle was multi talented person; marvellous composer, arranger and player, and his first eponymous album is a masterpiece!

[@richardspahr9339]

His lovely message of music is like that of an angel. He is so missed but I can listen to Close to Home endlessly and I don’t know what to say but Thank You.

[@marra4887]

richard: Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !

[@ninovasev]

Lyle will never be forgotten...his impact on my musical life is uneraseable...

[@edwardgallagher4509]

I last saw Lyle with PMG in ‘02. I had tickets to The Way Up in ‘05. I was in a low spot in my life and as the date approached, I passed the tickets on to my kid brother. It was many years before I finally got the memo that I’d already missed my last chance to see PMG. To then learn of Lyle’s passing some years afterward was jarring beyond description. San Lorenzo, As Falls Wichita, Close to Home, September 15th… are timeless, and I never tire of listening to these testaments to this musical giant. Thanks, Lyle.

[@Schotzie62]

Pat’s equal and no finer jazz pianist in my lifetime. Hard not to think of him floating above us from the heavens when listening to September 15th.

[@marra4887]

Yes, a very emotive and intelligent player and man.

[@marra4887]

Yes, September 15th ,so beautiful. In my eulogy I alluded to Lyle's beautiful piece 'Let Me Count The Ways' which I imagine had some influence from the Elizabet hBarrett Browning poem ' How Do I Love Thee' (2nd line - 'Let me count the ways).

[@Chunkfterbi7183]

Renaissance man Hits the nail. And: the consummate teacher, generous friend, and ultimately open minded and loyal and curious about all life matters

[@marra4887]

Yes, he was an eclectic man with lots of interests.

[@emirmuraticel2732]

Lyle was beyond one of those once in a life time musicians, a master of fascinating harmonic tones that nobody was used to in the last 4 decades .since I discovered PMG ,my life has changed to a different dimension .RIP Lyle , you are missed a lot.

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@gottadomor7438]

My favorite musician of all time and his debut album a masterpiece. Bravo this admirable tribute.

[@marra4887]

Yes, gottadomor, a masterpiece! Most albums have some fillers, but every piece on this album is special!

[@geocosmicvalentine]

@@marra4887What I love most about his 1st album is something I learned recently. Pat Metheny kept pushing him to record an album and he wouldn’t do it until he was absolutely ready. When he finally did it, he absolutely knew it was good and he was proud of what he created. My knowing that even HE was impressed with every note on that recording makes me love it even more! It never gets old and is a monument of beauty and sophistication!

[@jolsn42]

What an absolute beautiful eulogy. ❤

[@marra4887]

Glad you appreciated it jolsn. It's a love poem to Lyle's art - which lives on.

[@colleenanntitus3626]

What a beautiful description of a beautiful musician. Lyle you were a gift to us. Miss you man 💖

[@marra4887]

Glad you appreciated it , Colleen. Lyle's music is with us forever! I see you are a big Sergio Mendes fan - like me. Try this young and refreshing band from Rio: Bala Desejo kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5KahIeQfNB9nacsi=fRdLMrk7xbbtvNKJ&t=1268 Julia Mestre kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3LQfWaGqb9mfKssi=m7F_tZ-75xIgwAov&t=633 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3LQfWaGqb9mfKssi=CKEwEhZ5QSZKqEIo&t=987

[@marra4887]

CUED UP for PARTICULAR SONGS

[@romulan1006]

Thank you Marra48. Such a beautiful video. Well written, well spoken. Too many of my favorites have passed: Ferguson, Jarreau, Shorter, Corea, Mays, and now Sanborn. My heart breaks every time we lose a master artisan. Thank God for the music they've left us.

[@marra4887]

Yes, same here - for me particularly Shorter and Corea and Lyle

[@rodolfu69]

Es muy cierto lo que se expresa al final del video: Lyle mejora la vida de quienes hemos tenido el privilegio de conocer, disfrutar y apreciar su música... Larga vida a Lyle.

[@Schotzie62]

Thank you for posting this beautiful eulogy.

[@marra4887]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@3rdandlong]

What can I say. I think it is possible he elevated the music with Pat to a whole other level. I think it was 2004-2005 I saw his last show with Pat at The Mondovi Center. I was and always will be an admirer of the Pat Metheny Group. He is gone but not forgotten. Thank you Lyle.

[@marra4887]

He certainly did elevate the music to a whole other level - his arrangements were special. try this Brazilian pianist's beautiful tribute kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@3rdandlong]

@@marra4887That was amazing. Wow. Thanks. Damn I'm getting teary because The Pat Metheny Group's music was beyond special. If there could ever be a tribute group, or Pat getting this dude to play Lyle, I would go see it in a nano-second. I think I'm going to watch Minuano live. The tune "Chris" is also another genius of Lyle's from the Falcon and Snowman soundtrack. See what you started?

[@user-jq1pf1cw2h]

The world is now missing one of its great creations. It is not better off without him. In fact we are much lesser now. Some people are critical for our planet. Lyle was one of those. What a drag.

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@DanielBarberMusic]

Thank you for this beautiful eulogy that is a poetic compliment to the harmonic lyricism of Lyle Mays’ musical heart and mind. His music was transcendent in so many ways, seeming somehow to create musical movement that hadn’t existed before. It expanded not through flash or “more” of anything, but through death and nuance and enrichment. As if he was unveiling beauty that has always been sitting right there before us, that we had somehow been unable to witness. Listening to Lyle’s music feels like growing soul.

[@marra4887]

And thank YOU, Daniel, for your own poetic and heartfelt feelings on Lyle. It is one of the plus factors of social networking that we are able to share our passions for something that is more than you say, 'flash', or marketing. I saw Lyle a number of times in London; and only spoke to him once when outside the Shepherds Bush Empire gig from the 'Imaginary Day' album; a few of us asked him when he was going to do another solo album: 'A few months, it's in gestation' he said. It was to be some 3 years before 'Improvisations for Expanded Piano' . The piece 'Let Me Count The Ways' , was surely influenced by the Elizabeth Barrett-Browning poem , 'How do I love thee', and is testament to what you call 'Listening to Lyle’s music feels like growing soul.' - thanks Daniel!

[@DanielBarberMusic]

@@marra4887 A pleasure to connect with you, thanks for your response. 👍

[@craigpurdie3528]

Such a beautiful sentiment for a beautiful person. I miss him.

[@marra4887]

Craig, Great to share our love of Lyle's music.

[@billbernhard3582]

Beguiling talent indeed ! And a masterful approach to the spread across the universe of human sonic/musical extensions.

[@chuckjones6897]

Awesome! - He was the BEST! A genius of our time...

[@milarepa3154]

Thank you so much! I remember him every day...

[@marra4887]

Glad you appreciate my tribute to Lyle's lovely music.

[@kbeebuzzy]

Thank you for your prose and portraits. Well done!

[@marra4887]

Glad you appreciated it kbeebuzzy - Lyle's music lives on!

[@stephansiebersigns9345]

Beautiful. His work is so consistent and cohesive that it will stand the test of time. And this is only granted to the great ones.

[@hfjjor3681]

Yes. A modern Chopin meets Debussy if you ask me.

[@charlesmoore8634]

Wow... a wonderful, fitting, and wholly engaging tribute that helps bring closure. Thank you. 🙏

[@marra4887]

Charles: Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !

[@charlesmoore8634]

@@marra4887 Indeed. BTW, he inspires much of my composing - and that of many others no doubt. I assume you've read the amazing material and stories on his website? Thank you again for creating this; it's very well done. Peace. 🕊

[@milphi13]

Bravo, Depuis TRAVELS 83 , la magie de cet Ange m'accompagnait et elle me manque RIP

[@acimbobby]

Genius of the keyboard who was equal to Pat and was so important to Pats fame in the industry. We could mention Fagen and Becker but I won't here. Well written too.

[@marra4887]

Yes, both great musicians. Pat had drive and musical ideas., but Lyle's compositional brain and arrangements were special

[@acimbobby]

Writer of brilliant music, very technical and advanced writing but still very listenable and with so much beauty. It always kept the listener on board. Take care Marra@@marra4887

[@rossanaquercetini5423]

Thank you Lyle❤

[@marra4887]

One of the best things of youtube is to see the music that commenters like themselves. I listened to 'D. Maurice - No Tomorrow' Thanks! It's like a human algorithm. It had me racking my brain for what it reminded me of - 'Alfa Mist - "Door (featuring Jordan Rakei) Try it! Una delle cose migliori di KZbin è vedere la musica che piace ai commentatori. Ho ascoltato 'D. Maurice - No domani' Grazie! È come un algoritmo umano. Mi ha fatto scervellarmi per quello che mi ricordava - 'Alfa Mist - "Door (featuring Jordan Rakei) Provalo!

[@Elixear]

Quel poème magnifique, admirablement écrit. C'est très beau, sincères félicitations. Je tombe dessus par hasard, alors que j'ai moi-même écrit et publié un poème pour Lyle Mays il y un mois environ. Je le partage avec vous, en retour et en guise de remerciement. "Amour au mois de Mays Quand reviendras-tu, Printemps de ma jeunesse, Mon cœur bercer et mon âme noyer de liesse ? Me rendras-tu un jour prochain les sens à vif, Comme jadis en dérive sur cet étrange esquif, Qui conduit à l'infini d'une pure espérance D'une joie ancrée là, dans la vie de mes os Pérenne, choyée et préservée du pathos ? Ce plaisir si intense, devant de bon Gamays C'est à toi que je le dois, doux ami Lyle Mays." (Tours, France, 8 janvier 2024, 1h38 du matin) Merci infiniment.

[@marra4887]

Elixear, Glad you appreciated my heartfelt homage to Lyle. I loved your poem! Is that a pun “au Mois de Mays”. And “Gamays” the Google translate was not clear of the meaning of Gamays - perhaps it is an invented word from you that Google doesn’t understand? Of course, Lyle was a fan of French music: Ravel and Debussy, just like Bill Evans was - and of course Lyle was a big fan of Bill.

[@Elixear]

@@marra4887 Pour "Au mois de Mays", il s'agit en effet d'un jeu de mots simple, le patronyme de Lyle et le mois de mai. Le Gamay est un très bon vin rouge français, je l'ai écrit au pluriel pour préserver la rime. Merci pour le plaisir partagé.

[@tedl7538]

That was a lovely tribute, thanks for the impassioned effort 🎹

[@marra4887]

Thanks, Ted - lovely to share our passion.

[@jimhargrave3]

I had the good fortune to be a music student at NTSU when he was there. What an amazing talent he was...

[@seantemme]

do you have any stories to share?

[@jimhargrave3]

I was working at the 7-11 store off campus when Lyle and Pat Coil came in to play pinball at 4am. They had been working in the DFW area somewhere and got off their gigs.I already knew Pat from Bruce Hall. I was practicing my violin and they played their game. It seemed very normal. I had no Idea at the time what amazing players they already were. This was summer of '74.@@seantemme

[@DanielBarberMusic]

I bet that was amazing. I first heard of Lyle from the “lizard album.” That was a fantastic production, all Mays tunes, except for the one Chick Corea “What Was”, that Mays arranged for the famous 1 o’clock jazz band. Every tune was interesting, innovative and enjoyable. And a couple of absolutely incredible piano solos. I’ve heard there was a lot of excitement around that project within the department. Must’ve been a blast to have been there!

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@julioortuzarmunoz13]

I miss Lyle because he was the most inspired musical creator and huge pianist

[@marra4887]

Yes, his arrangements were an integral part of PMG. His eponymous first album is quality throughout: with Slink, Message From The Heart and the spiritually uplifting Ascent

[@paulmorin1286]

very beautiful eulogy, very touching...love you and your sublime music lyle ,,,

[@marra4887]

Paul, Great to share our love of Lyle's music

[@steveharris4919]

I always get chill bumps and teary when I hear Slink. Absolutely beautiful. All the years with PMG, beautiful and transcending also.

[@ericvercelletto5347]

You said it all, you did beautifully. You just found the right words for the right shared feelings. Thank you!

[@marra4887]

Eric: Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !

[@Enigma758]

What a wonderful tribute to a musical genius. I saw him twice in person during the early 80s with the PMG. Hard to imagine he's gone.

[@marra4887]

Yes, he was great live, the way he used to do his double-thumb-roll-of-appreciation at the end of concerts - but his music is still with us !

[@bonvivant5251]

many thanks!

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@christopherbakriges6559]

brilliant musician and person...well done!

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@dwightarroyo1745]

I am so happy you posted this Marra. Lyle was to me what Music is to the World. He was my mentor, inspired me always with his playing and taught me how to look beyond the world's troubles to a better world all through his playing and presence. Never did agree with his long hair but I still and always will love Lyle Mays! Thank you Marra. Thank You Lyle!

[@marra4887]

Dwight, Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !

[@ryszardwatroba3673]

RIP I love ❤U music 🤚

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@kenseidman409]

Lovely tribute, perfect it be done in poetic style, reflecting Lyle’s poetic expression. It was more than the rhythm, the harmony, the prodigious technique - it was his conception, his imagination (as you noted right off the bat), his ability to carry the listener to a rarified soulful dimension. And how he lifted and complimented Pat’s musical soul…miraculous!! 🙏🎵👏🏼

[@marra4887]

Ken: Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !

[@hj-bg2qi]

Thanks indeed!

[@marra4887]

Glad you liked it.

[@fisicauniversitaria]

Lyle: te extraño mucho. RIP

[@dianecourtney2724]

Saved for special moments just like a profiterole well I cried here .

[@marra4887]

How lovely that you cried, Diane - his music has that depth of feeling for me too!

[@digiwaves]

Outstandingly beautiful! Lyle is missed very much.

[@WilliamGodin-vx3wd]

Bravo, well done!

[@marra4887]

William, Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !

[@divot4us866]

Didn’t know he had passed, saw them many times in Toronto, such a talent.

[@rolindadice]

I view Pat and Lyle the same way I view Lennon and McCartney….two sides to coin. What a gift Lyle was.

[@Christian-tw7me]

Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays was a congenial Synthesys..

[@darrenjharris9907]

Lyle was a great, best years of the P.MG.

[@marra4887]

Yes, I agree, Darren - PMG with Lyle. 'Lyle Mays' eponymous album is high quality throughout.

[@hfjjor3681]

During the Pat Metheny Group’s early years, I gobbled up every album they put out. It wasn’t until I heard a Lyle Mays solo album that I realized what I loved most about the group’s sound was Lyle Mays! He was the perfect yin to Pat Metheny‘s yang. ☯️

[@marra4887]

perfect yin to Pat metheny's yang - I like it

[@hfjjor3681]

Lovely tribute. Thank you.🙏 ❤

[@marra4887]

hfjjor: Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !

[@BigBlackBe4r]

Amen.

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@JaviCalvoUndagana]

🙏

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@marra4887]

Like Classical music, a composer's music lives on through various interpretations. And Lyle's memory is served well with this beautiful arrangement of his Alaskan Suite by this young Polish orchestra - just look at how much those young people are enjoying playing Lyle! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpuyf32wpamUaKc

[@justincoleman2740]

How beautiful sir.

[@marra4887]

Glad you appreciate it - and Lyle's beautiful music.

[@horaciogarciarosas4895]

Excelente músico Genial diría yo!!!

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@nightflyght5102]

Tu nous manques Lyle !

[@richardhines8622]

In the lineage of Bill Evens, and like Bill a one off.

[@jackthetford7558]

Kim Platko had only good things to say about Lyle and Pat.

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@vicabc32]

cual es el nombre del tema del video?

[@marra4887]

Hola vicabbc32: Elogio de Lyle Mays; Homenaje a Lyle Mays

[@vicabc32]

Hola, me refería a la canción que suena de fondo

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Lyle's playing for God's heavenly Angels now! Just waiting for someone to release a Song named after him! 2/10?

[@marra4887]

Try this pastiche tribute by a great Brazilian pianist kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4Haomhjntd_gqs

[@chrissupport]

THANK YOU for this. I was looping "Long Life" in the car/at home a few days before I learned Lyle passed. I REALLY appreciate Nomad for adding beautiful photos he took (with locations) in his "Visions of a past life.." video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ22k2CMjKppsJY

[@marra4887]

Yes, some wonderfully evocative landscapes to go with Lyle's gem.

[@firstlast4874]

Lovely prose

[@marra4887]

firstlast: Although we criticise the internet for many things-being able to share an emotion with like-minded people, especially the soulfulness of music, is one of the great pluses. Glad you appreciated my deep love for Lyle’s music - and wonderful to know there are many others, like you, who also share this passion !