Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays Phase Dance: Harmonic Analysis

[@HarrisTrevorJ]

I can NOW see how this comp has always pulled at my heart. This song has pulled at my heart and has brought tears since 78 when I got the album, along with APRIL JOY. Same pull, same heart here. To those who can " feel" almost painful.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

What can we say, it IS an incredible album.

[@LAOMUSICARTS]

Things you did not consider here: Pat is the Lydian guy ! He loves maj7(#11) ! Lyle is the king of Constant Structures, in this case, A/B & Am/Bb! The chords in this song use Chord Extensions: bm7(11) | Bbmaj7(#11) |G/A| Gmaj7#11)|| Bm7(11) is the Primary Relative Minor for Dmaj7 Bbmaj7(#11) is the 6th degree of the Parallel Minor key(Dm), acting as a SubDominante of the 5th(G/A or A7(9)sus4 that resolves deceptively on the 4th degree Gmaj7(#11)!

[@francksebire4362]

I leave the analysis aside. Guy is just feeling and living the gorgeous piece. Thank you for implying your admiration for Pat and Lyle.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you, Franck :)

[@francksebire4362]

a face tells more than more than anything. i got you!

[@AllanKoayTC]

you are, of course, so right. concept albums and long-play works are gone in this digital age of streaming. but i also saw a recent interview with bassist Dave Holland who says it's also an advantage that now jazz musicians can release a single track online, unlike the old days when a record contract stipulates that an artist has to record an entire album. btw, the sudden introduction of a major 7 chord always hits the senses beautifully. that moment in Phase Dance just suddenly releases you after gripping you hard for a while.

[@crescentsi]

Great points! The notion of a Classical work in movements, Jazz pieces in several parts or Prog Rock albums exploring disparate or connected ideas is becoming a thing of the past.

[@j.o5717]

Great lesson Guy! You are an awesome teacher!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you Cacho!

[@rafaelruiz1954]

Believe it or Not in my playlist I have Phase Dance followed by April Joy. Thank you for your hard work in understanding de deepness of the great music of Pat and Lyle.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Oh really - but what about the journey? you need to 'suffer' a little before you reach the resolution haha isn't this album wonderful?

[@rafaelruiz1954]

Agree. And although I bought the Pat Metheny songbook (Hal Leonard edition) I couldn't approach the complexity of this great music. In some songs the progression of the chords is incredibly fast (and apparently no related), I think now is the way geniuses work.

[@mikeo2420]

Another great lesson and you leave us begging for more with that great outro!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks, Mike, going back to the very beginning of this band, you already see the level of attention to details and so much heart! Thanks :)

[@jasonbonifacio2473]

What a work of art this is. And you’re awesome too.

[@Bonjevalien]

Thank you so much, Doctor for teasing out some of the mystery of Phase Dance! This 1978 classic deserves the attention of the most accomplished music masters. I collect fine art in an unusual way. I choose a painting, I choose a song, but am very selective. Phase Dance is my prized possession in all music. Who said in these comments that PD holds you captive, nay hostage, until finally we find total joy in the resolution. Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny work perfectly in PD to drag us, torture us, drama building, until patience is richly rewarded- better than any song IMO since we hear the resolution in Don Giovanni by herr Mozart. Mays’ triumphantly breaks the dam of anticipation grandly- so much so that after hearing that stunning conclusion, I can’t hear another note for an hour. Dramatic, I know, but what the heck.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

I know what you're saying, and fully understand the magnitude of the moment. I will never ever get tired of this album!

[@mikeo2420]

I’ve always just assumed that the Phase Dance motif in April Joy was just a thematic reprisal but your analysis of it as a resolution makes perfect sense to me now. 😁

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

These guys are good :)

[@jeffmatulich6857]

Me too......Though I think its both a reprisal and resolution. Always felt that way when I wore this vinyl out.......Otherwise Pat had it all figured out by the time he was 15......"ALL" of it figured out. Amazing cat. And with Lyle (rip) it was just some of the most phenomenal music ever.

[@Derekjcb]

Wow this was a brilliant analysis. Was looking for something like this for over 8 years

[@haysfordays]

Incredible insight with April Joy!! Never thought of that!! Amazing.

[@EmilioConesa]

I am a guitarist but you make me want to learn to play piano. That Nord sounds heavenly, I want one. Thank you for the insights!

[@hispanochino]

I want one too! It really sounds amazing!

[@osvaldosanguinet7758]

Excelente tus análisis, soy guitarrista pero estoy estudiando profundamente el piano y la composición. Gracias por tus clases.

[@TheClam66]

I'm a guitar player. This is really interesting. I have never come across anyone who has taken the trouble to explain the harmony in these tunes. And can do it so well. Brilliant. I must check out your own compositions.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks Edward! I’m glad you find the video interesting! As for my music, there’s Getting it Wrong and Right by Niogi (live) and Niogi Osaka. Thanks :)

[@robertbeaulieu9151]

Thank you so much for this. Great explanation of this mysterious tune I keep going back to.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@benjaminrussell7481]

Pretty brilliant, man. Even got that subtle Lyle synth backing the piano.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Benjamin, you're a detective, you hear everything. I just discovered how to program this pad recently. You're saying it represents Lyle's spirit to a certain degree. That's what we want! :)

[@eysikal]

@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer It sounds just like it.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

@@fernandoblanc Indeed "Icy" :) Lyle programmed these fragile, breathing sounds, that never get old. When other bands were using the hippest synths presets, lyle mixed acoustic piano with acoustic bass, and personal synth sounds that stay relevant forever. Same as Penny Lane :) - McCartney overdubbed like 5 types of pianos, with some going through guitar amps to get that unique 'piano' sound ...it pays off.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

@@fernandoblanc "...that's why Lyle for me as well as Pat are role model in terms of musicality and musicianship despite their virtuoso skills" - THAT'S the key to everything with Pat and Lyle! (and thanks for the kind words Fernando:))

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

@@fernandoblanc Absolutely. You too, have a great evening !

[@sanjeevmraman]

Thanks Dr. Guy. I love your videos, both for the effort that you put in to make them very slick and professional, and more importantly for the superb content. You are like the amazing professor that many of us have experienced in our own lives, who is not only technically skilled at their subject, but also clearly passionate about the topic at hand. Your videos go beyond merely theory and also make us understand why we connect emotionally with these pieces, be it Metheny/ Mays’ music, or other artistes’ work. Thank you maestro! I look forward to your new videos every week! Take care and stay safe and healthy. Cheers from the USA.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you! There is one new Mays/ Metheny in the making... It's pretty challenging to play - will be ready next week! Thanks again! :)

[@rpalmese]

Fantastic teacher. As a a guitar player longing to get out of the 3 chords , blues and rock routine, I find your insight into chords, structures etc absolutely fascinating. Thanks a million.

[@crescentsi]

Very enjoyable analysis Guy! For me, the jarring, guitar harmonics, shifting harmonies towards the end of the piece and the interaction between all the musicians are the highlights. The bass really supports Metheny's and Mays's solos beautifully. Very redolent of dance, the light, kinetic and sentimental music is both accessible and musically developed.

[@lenhumbird]

I found this video after looking for covers of Phase Dance. Boy I am sure glad I found your video! I will re-watch this and study on piano. Thank-you very much!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Hey Len Welcome to the channel! Are you a pianist?

[@bustan44]

And I agree with what you said about not listening to albums too. I recently listened to the whole album this is on while driving and I haven't done that in a while. It's such an extraordinary album, really a concept.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

I love this album. 5 stars.

[@DiegoFerri]

Great lesson again mr.Guy - I’ve been following your channel since I shortly met you at the synth flea market in Berlin three years ago when you and your friend Omri mesmerized me with your improvisations and now I’m watching every single video on your channel and I can’t get enough of counterpoint and pmg analysis :)

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

OMG!! I remember you, we tried your... I think it was a sampler? It sounded delicious! Amazing how we meet again here! So glad you find the videos interesting, Diego, thanks! :)

[@matt-spaiser]

I love listening to you play these tunes with a Rhodes sound. It makes me think about how much different we might view the PMG if Lyle had used a Rhodes in the 1970s like everyone else was doing at the time (except for Jarrett and Tyner). It really makes the music more timeless on a piano, not that there's anything wrong with having a '70s Rhodes sound.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks Matt! I think PMG stuck with the piano also because of how it sounded with Pat's guitar. The darker subdued sound of the Rhodes sounds too much like Pat's sound. Also, Lyle was much more influenced by Keith's piano than Chick or Herbie, although Keith did release a duo album with DeJohnette in 1971 where he used the Rhodes rather creatively.

[@luisgallardo1945]

Thanks for clarifying so many things. My favorite PMG ever along with It’s For You.

[@carolinafluffys]

Where has the channel been my whole life. I have learned more about Pat Metheny /Lyle Mays music than I ever did at Berklee college of music.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Welcome to the channel Michael :) I'm working on a video on Cross the Heartland - need to practice a quite a bit though... Lyle and his mind-boggling stuff rhythmic phrasing...

[@GerardoJimenezGuitarrista]

Thank you very much! I always enjoy such beautiful explanations and interpretations 🎼🎶

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks, Gerardo! It's a labor of love you know :)

[@CAGED1702]

A real eye-opener! Your analysis is spot on Dr. Sholnik! Kudos 👏

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you! Isn't it beautiful that the ending on D finally arrives just before the end of the album?

[@charlesmoore8634]

Thank you so much for this analysis Guy. Great insights and thoughtful observations. You are a very good teacher and we appreciate it (and you).

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you, Charles! I love the ending of this piece - so good :)

[@josephalvarnas2333]

As always, this is a brilliant analysis of an extraordinary piece of music. Perhaps the point that resonated most for me, however, is that idea that these individuals pieces/songs are really meant to be savored, felt, experienced as a suite of music throughout the entire album. The real resolution doesn't come until you have experienced the whole musical statement. The advent Apple Music and Spotify make so many works available far more easily than previously imaginable. What is lost is the tactile experience of the work and the idea of having the enter the world of the artists' entire work rather than the current experience which favors the quick, easy, and piecemeal.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks Joseph. That Album was a product, a work of art. Sadly, many new listeners are likely to never experience this album, this resolution before the end of the album (and doesn't Lone Jack sound a bit like an encore? :))

[@owenmcgee8496]

this is great. makes some sense to my barely-aware mind...and like the mention of 'april joy' reprise too (always thought that: resolved four songs later!).

[@Life_Is_Better_With_Music]

Best channel on yt. Thanks Dr.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks, Pat! :)

[@blahdeblah6207]

good stuff, Guy. Album Orient Rock was a thing in golden age of FM radio.

[@MerrickGuitar]

Great analysis and great playing!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks, Merrick! ☺️

[@bustan44]

You've got a great sound, and this is really interesting. Thanks!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@govosound]

great! I did not know your channel till now. I immediatly subscribe, I find your analysis very interesting

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks you 🙏

[@fg87fgd]

How about a thought on "Friends" from Corea. Same year. Similar pattern. BTW: Here is what I hear: I hear a D maj pattern with a B in the bass, and a D min pattern with a Bb in the bass. That's a how a lot of composing musicians think: I have a pattern, what's the bass? Oh, sounds cool. On the other hand as a pianist I use a lot of stacked triads, and one of may favourite V7 voicings is: B minor over F7. Tada: We leave out the F and see that Pat is doing a V->I progression, hidden behind the B-7 -> BbM7. So, what I am saying is: The things are somewhat gravitating towards Bb maj. Just an idea. Thanks for what you are doing...

[@methenychile]

just magic! thanks my friend. Keep going!!!!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks my friend :) (Up next: from Still Life (Talking))

[@jeffmatulich6857]

otherwise I used to have PD and AYGWM and Travels and a few other backing tracks --- very very good ones that I found here on KZbin. They are sadly gone now.......I might have to hit up Bobbys backing tracks.....BUT if you know where they are post a message and we can PM>. I used to make them myself.... but sold all of my kit (worked at digidesign) because of kids, family requirements and a disaster.. I remember spending a very long time on First Circle, Dalton Lee, AYGWM, end of the game, barcarole, have you heard and so many more.....all long gone. The hard drive I had them all backed up on vanished after a fire......

[@brbstudio7208]

Amazing explanation!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you so much!

[@scottmiller2591]

5:06 That's it - a very satisfying hunger. Thank you for this insightful analysis and explanation.

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks Scott! They were so young at the time and already knew so much about the dramatic sweep of an album. I feel like listening to it right now :)

[@joseantonioalonso9904]

Tremendo,gracias por tu trabajo!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you, Jose Antonio!

[@mauriziozambelli7328]

👍👍👍 Bravo 👏

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thanks Maurizio! :)

[@Uldebass]

Great

[@emmanuelledupuis2397]

I always considered BbMaj7 as the 4th degree of F ... I think it really sounds Lydian rather than D- natural ! even though , the result is the same !

[@MusicMike939]

I only just realized that April Joy is the same song. I don't know about the structure but it sounds the same.

[@mikaalwaters2172]

Doc, would you please make a video explaining the rhythm of “So May it Secretly Begin?” Someone more musically inclined than I am said that the time signature is 4/4, but I can’t follow the rhythm to save my life!! The feel is Very irregular. If that’s 4/4, please explain to us novices how so - Thank You for your Amazing Analyses!!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Mikaal, thank you! I have a video on this piece, check it out. And yes it’s in 4/4.

[@beautifulmusicbiz]

A beautiful piano reduction of this. Have you considered publishing sheet music of this?

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Hi! Thank you :) About publishing it, I don't write down these reductions usually, and If I did - It is Pat's music, I can't do it without his permission. I know there's a collection of piano arrangements of his music on his website. I haven't tried it though. Thanks again!

[@jhondrinkwater7506]

Bb is IV ,lidio mode ,I think .

[@neworleansbeats]

Thanks for the chords.....I am really not hearing that much that doesnt fit within the game if Bflat and B, personally. For a jazz piece it's 6 oriented and very pentatonic in the solos so all the harmonies are set up for.maximun freedom. As you say D major and D minor both fit nicely into Bflat maj7 and Bminor7. Really the same chords. Just alter the Bflat I think... Just a heads up you are missing the syndication of the piece and leaving out the upbeat notes.....its a common problem however, if you come from a classical background. Thanks again

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Andy Levin I’m a pro jazz player And a music theorist. I follow the Bill Evans Lyle Mays school of thought. Bm7 and Bb chords, it depends what notes you choose to highlight. If it’s E D and A, then both Bm. And Bb share these notes. But both Metheny and Mays played C# and C natural, as well as F # and F natural - they make sure that you hear the move from Major to minor, meaning from Bm7 and Bb.

[@RalfS777]

Hello Dr.Guy, just came across your channel and suscribed........are you playing a 'Nord' keyboard? if so, which one?

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Hi Ralf thanks for joining the channel! Yes, I'm playing the Nord Stage 2 HA88. Did you like the sound?

[@RalfS777]

@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer Hello, Yes!! I love the sound of your keyboard......I'm playing a Yamaha (cheap piano.....PSR493) and looking to improve my sound.....

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

@@RalfS777 There are many keyboards nowadays that sound great. Nord is great, and I also like Roland and Kurzweil. Even an entry-level 88 keyboard form these two will sound good.

[@arew234]

Brilliantly played Dr. Guy. Do you have music/chords for this? Phase Dance?

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you! :) I have the Pat Metheny songbook (not the 'real book') - it has a lot of the music written - a lot is in the form of melody and chords but not only - some pieces, like minuano, are written out almost completely.

[@arew234]

@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer Thank you very much. I shall take advantage of the opportunity to get this songbook!

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

@@arew234 and of course - their last album - the Way Up- there's a full score, including all of Lyle's piano parts. You can learn his types of voicings from there. They will later sound more familiar to you on the older albums.

[@arew234]

@@dr.guyshkolnik_composer OK Dr. Guy, first THANK YOU for your reply. The problem is that, while I supposedly have some musical ability, I'm not the smartest person, so when I search for the songbook (real/fake) I see several choices. Do you mean the ones by Hal Leonard or...?

[@ersinbaro]

you look like a goddess thank you

[@neworleansbeats]

Incredible job btw But you have to be playing with a rhytmn track in that headset.... Ok so game really is D minor D major.....built on the B and Bflat. Goal is maximum ability to improvise over the groove with the bass controlling the chords....the rest is window dressing the chords are not functional in the traditional sense...

[@dr.guyshkolnik_composer]

Thank you! I know what you're saying about hearing vast harmonic areas rather than chords. That's the pro level of improvisation. But specifically, these two players express the original harmony more than Mehldau would have done, for example. That was their thing: you hear Better Days Ahead - you enjoy the beautiful harmony of the tune each and every chorus of the solos. In creative ways - of course - but it's the original harmony. I think that's why their massive audience enjoyed the music so much. They also used to have tunes like Offramp where they would go wild. I believe I didn't have a click in this video :) I'm listening to the piano :)

[@neworleansbeats]

@@dr.guyshkolnik_composerThank you again for doing this.....