Salon Series: A Conversation with Pat Metheny

[@jpmcmullan8666]

Just started getting into Jazz of any sorts a couple weeks ago. I’m a natural light metal head, but I watch interviews from any musician that seems wise. Pat Metheny speaks of music in such an inspiring way, that I just had to check out his music.

[@thewoodys_surf_instrumental]

Was lucky to have seen Gary Burton in 1974 with Pat Metheny.. The crowd cheered after every one of Pat's solos. He seemed so far ahead of every guitar player of that era with such a personal signature sound already developed.

[@edlotube]

Thank you! For sharing so much!

[@dmlevitt]

offramp" is such an incredible record, so many wonderful albums.

[@robertgirardBobydbSounD]

That was my first time in 1988 heard tune OFFRAMP 4 tracks cassette, I was study at that time in Montréal Québec so thanks I do keep nice memories back then ... Merci !

[@emmanuelcoury5361]

Wonderful interview! So genuine, so thoughtful. Pat is Music.

[@technoforbeer]

What a nice guy he's been and is! His smiling face always reminds me of the warmth & sincereness of human being.

[@dwightpayne4264]

Amen to that.

[@ikkehierrro]

Yeah🎉. 'Hi, how are you, did You enjoy the concert?' Backstage NSJF 22 years ago, (seen the concert from a few feet, experience of my life.. as a PM fan) I met my, the, 'guitar god' Pat Metheny putting his ES175 in it's case on top of a flightcase. I could only smile and stumble.. ye.. yesyestyty great ty yes😊 Never gonna forget Pat's big, open and friendly smile, saying TY. A 'meet and great' by coincedence ill never forget.

[@budator7]

Pat the God - how I have been referring to him for 40 years. It is just mind-blowing how multi-talented he is. He is utilising a lot of his God given gifts to our enhancement. He is one of the few on the top of the world. It is so good to know, how many people have been affected by him over the years positively. His whole demeanor is Positiveness...

[@steveburchfield5576]

DO YOU THINK PAT CREATED THE MOON AND THE SUN?

[@jean-lucbersou758]

Don't exagerate .....METHENY is mainly a media product .....exageratly overestimated if you consider objectively MUSIC § GUITAR ! There are a lot of more interesting guitar players . ....

[@michaelredd4642]

His music in the 80s and 90s, was the soundtrack of my life.

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

Same here, I've been listening to Pat Metheny's music since 2008!

[@Stranglerxx77]

I remember hearing him in the eighties and being blown away by his Beautiful music

[@PotatoeChipz]

why, cause your transport choice was elevators? hehe

[@Frapzoid]

I like Pat's music too but it sounds weak to say his music was the soundtrack of your life. Your own music should be the soundtrack to your own life.

[@dnalpuca1236]

Frapzoid i’m not a musician, what can i say?

[@diowil1]

38:18 .... Where he refers to himself as flowing thru phases of "being hip" and "not being hip" .... I don't ever remember a time when Mr. Pat Metheny was "not hip". My musical superhero, now and forever more.

[@LucasPenido]

He’s my hero too, but alot of “old school” jazz heads and “purists”can’t stand him.

[@maryexstroughtonaire4244]

@@LucasPenido Whoa! I didn't know that!!!

[@LucasPenido]

@@maryexstroughtonaire4244 Most old jazz heads don’t like fusion!

[@chrismolinarimusic]

Hearing him talk gives me a similar feeling of when I hear him play. His vibe is honest, good, and down-to-Earth. He understands humanity.

[@jimbrunsman1011]

Really enjoyed this interview. I've been blessed to see Pat play live with four of his bands and he always plays his heart out. I believe the Metheny/Mays songwriting duo is one of the greatest of any genre.

[@chrisroarke]

The epitome of 'Prodigy'! This man has changed the course of so much in music, not just jazz. First album I heard was Still Life Talking, and it blew my mind. So thankful for his vast portfolio of sonic wonderfulness!

[@edpetroskey654]

A great interview with Pat Metheny. Probably because they have a good inner balance between the two. Not to mention there was quality questions asked . The interviewer then took a step back and let it flow.

[@markguitarlfk]

I grew up in Kansas City and in high school I went to an outdoor concert at the Plaza to see this teenage Pat Metheny...he walked out and 10 seconds into Bright Size Life, the world changed. What a gift.

[@mkitahara]

Everyone is here for Pat, but a huge hats off to the interviewer, Willard Jenkins. Encourages Pat to open up, feel comfortable and , most importantly, takes a helpful backseat to the star of the show. Interviewing is an art form unto itself.

[@learnguitarhere491]

You are my real super hero

[@NiceChristianMan]

Very well said.... Excellent point...

[@paulklem9249]

Looking great Pat. Love hearing you. I’ve had you in my hip column since 79. In 1981-2 I took a Greyhound from Oakland to Rochester. It was summertime and hot. I was 21 and invincible but this was a hell of a ride. Got home a put on Wichita Falls and was blown away by this landscape of music I just witnessed, just stirring and beautiful.

[@SwordAgainstChaos]

I don’t know what he’s talking about musically but I will listen to him for hours.

[@stuartdryer1352]

Good interviews with Pat Metheny are almost as precious to me as his music. Thanks for posting. His music has been one of the most important things in my life.

[@thesoultransferprotocol721]

The Falcon and the Snowman soundtrack is where I first heard Pat. I was hooked ever since. I have seen him live over 20 times. His music transcends convention. A true master of his craft.

[@BluesLicks101]

Well said.

[@billcooper2798]

This means music is timeless and changed the way I started seeing things in life. One of the best interviews with a truly amazing person! Thank You!

[@jeffdawson2786]

All Pat’s bands are magnificent.

[@aviduser1961]

I discovered Pat Metheny in 1978. He has created a magnificent and varied discography that I have deeply enjoyed over the decades.

[@pobrecitoshame]

Pat is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when an Outlier, as described in the Malcolm Gladwell book , combines an indefatigable passion for music with a relentless pursuit of perfecting their craft. His music and life example continues to inspire me. Bravo.

[@MrDuncmck]

best interview i've seen with pat..i could feel his sincerity and joy come through..such a delightful individual.he's been giving me profound ecstatic goose bumps since gary'y band in the 70's he will be remembered with the all time greats in all of musical history.

[@flightlessbird2281]

Interviewer is useless. Thankfully Pat was feeling chatty!

[@JellyKelly_7_7]

His music reminds me of my youth. I spent many moments with his music🎶

[@suradipa]

Cool .... Pat is one of my fav guitarist

[@tomstancampiano6481]

This is a great interview. Pat is so humble and down to earth.

[@Super20011988]

Love you Pat. Thanks for your music.

[@martinbamford8315]

In 30 years as a fan this is the most insightful and entertaining interview I've seen with Pat. Still no word though about the new record you said you recorded last December. Get it out!!!

[@funimax4236]

This is the best Pat Metheny Interview I have seen!!! You see another side to him.

[@tiluriso]

New album 'From this Place' is really great. Pat strikes a home run once again.

[@d853ts31]

"The truth will allways be" is a song, is an attitude of authenticity, is why i love his music since 50 years: so true in every aspect.

[@jimvandemoter6961]

He seem so down to earth, a rare thing for such a monster talent. I've been a fan ever since "American Garage."

[@jazzviewswithcjshearn8990]

This was a solid interview with Pat, he's always so professional and happy to discuss the music. I've been lucky enough to interview Pat 4 times over the past 15 years, twice recently for the New York Jazz Workshop. He really appreciates when the interviewers come at him with a deep knowledge of his work, and whenever I interview him I try to come at it from a passionate fan. What I'd like to see an interview ask him is serious questions about the production side of the records, which has always been great. Still no word on when the new album with the quartet will be released.

[@nino369]

he left an imprint in my playing that very few musicians ever did.....Thank you!

[@doncapone8156]

Fabulous interview. Really got a chance to know Pat Metheny the human being. Thank you very much.

[@RaeZoladawn777]

Pat is really a star child from another dimension ..a dedicated Musician and intelligent lovely man

[@riveravaldez]

Great, great interview. A true history lesson, in particular for all people interested in this kind of music and culture. Thanks a lot.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

This will sound absurd, but I've been listening to him since 1985, and aside from anything he might have said extemporaneously at the many concerts I've been to, this is the first time I've heard him speak at any length. And I love his lack of structure when it comes to planning out his life. While we sit here imagining that an artist plans out every step, he just went with it. "It" being the music.

[@heatherstub]

It's all about living in the now and knowing that's all you've got. It's organic. There's a work in progress, and he's honest, forward-looking, inspiring and competent, and like everyone of us, he had to start by learning how to crawl, walk and run with life. I admire him for it, because we've all had to learn. Music is the highest form of expression, and it's not easy by any means. He definitely understands this, and although I may never get to that point, I know what I love, and that is to sing. God bless Pat for the example he sets, because it's humbling.

[@dangreenwood]

Thank you for sharing this! Manchester, UK

[@burro123able]

I first heard pat metheny when I was in high school early on. I fell in love with his overall "sound". As I got more into jazz I collected his records one by one ... Bright size life being one of them. I found That his original sound, that hooked me , was simultaneously backed by great compositional expansion and infinite melodic depth and rhythmic exploration. Pat is a humble genius in a way. I saw him live and that was it. I want to do that I thought to myself. Later, when I got to Berklee in Boston I was studying with Boston guru, Mick Goodrick and he guided me to find my own voice which was influenced a little bit by pat metheny. This involved some editing and attention to silence. And listening to miles. Haha. So being young 19 or 20. I thought, cool, I sound like pat metheny/Jim hall. I'm great...But soon realized that the road sign mick had painted for me was pointing toward a more organic path. And I started looking inward and stopped ignoring my roots. Soon I stopped listening to pat all together and got more into transcribing horn players, like Michael brecker And piano players like Keith Jarrett . This helped open me up to the jazz language without mimicking or cloning my once hero, pat metheny. It was his original sound and energy ...freshness I was attracted to. Nothing wrong with that. And I used pat to "get a grip" on jazz. I found myself asking myself...How do I retain a "tip of the hat" to pat without jeopardizing my own originality. Then later on, my sub conscious being full I attended the California institute of the arts on a scholarship. I no longer reeked of pat metheny , but now was sounding I little but like mick Goodrick. It was Very subtle though.. I continued to develop my compositions and improvisations against those compositions. And began to play with everyone I could find. Students and faculty. Charlie Haden chose me to play in his liberation orchestra and I studied with Him on Tuesdays I recall. Charlie never noticed the pat problem or the mick problem. But he guided me to my voice. Now when I play live people come up and say "you remind me of Alan holds worth " who I rarely listen to actually Or "you sound like Gary Moore." Who I never listened to either. Haha. But it's sort of personal now and I don't care about what other people think. I'm just happy to play music. But I'll always remember that intial hook of pats sound. Such a voice he is. Such a strong identity. Same with mick Goodrick. Such a voice and strong identity. But mick, unlike pat, is a great educator too. He shares a lot and I'll always be grateful for our time spent together. In Northampton Massachusetts I attended a clinic for a week at smith college that mick Goodrick was teaching. It just so happened that pat metheny was playing at the Calvin theater with Gary burton. I walked Into the hotel Northampton only to find pat getting Into an elevator and mick Goodrick and Steve swallow, one of my favorite bass players and composers, we're sitting at the bar. I felt like I had arrived as i sipped my coke. Anyway. Thank you pat metheny for changing the chromatic wheel. Your truly inspiring. Even when you get old and grumpy I'll still love you. Not like a fan though , or a stalker even ...haha. Just a musician to a musician. You see I blossomed late, unlike pat. Who recorded bright size life before he had pubic hair. Haha. I didn't have the focus at Berklee that I have now. I had attention deficit disorder but was able to hide it. And that's ok. It gave me time and a work ethic and kept me humble. I relate more to john Coltrane these days. Guitarist wayne krantz, who I also studied with, is about as original as it gets on guitar helped me out too! "Think of it more like a slow climb or change ...not everyone is burning at jazz out the gate like pat." Or as my favorite guitarist and mentor Larry Koonse said " keep expanding your compositions." I'm thankful and grateful to all my mentors who took the time to help me find my voice. It's an amazing time to be a musician. Thank you.

[@heatherstub]

No pun intended, or perhaps it's fully intended, but that's "The Way Up".

[@chaneelwalker4108]

I live on the west coast now and missed the concert. Happy birthday Pat. We share the same birthday.

[@heatherstub]

Oh wow! Was it the same day this recording was published, and if not, could you please tell me on what day is his and your birthday?

[@JewelOfSoul]

I could have watched this interview going on for hours and hours.

[@PotatoeChipz]

Is it an interview? The interviewer is dead... probably a drummer

[@sixfingr]

Bright Size Life was my first real jazz album about 40 years ago. I still love it and I still love soloing (bass) over the title track. Rock n Roll with changes.

[@joelkeane3160]

Dude inspires me. Much love.

[@scottyhughes9179]

This is a great interview, thank you Pat and all the rest!! (I have followed your music since Bright Size Life and forward.... )

[@hobie1dog]

Thanks for sharing this with us, awesome lengthy interview.

[@kotzini]

Every mature and leveled musician has a alot to take from this interview!

[@erobinidcf]

Keep coming back to interviews like this to fit the PM jigsaw together- he's played with so many giants who obviously influenced him and now he is THE major influencer for young up and coming musicians as he mentions in his new band -at this point not contemplating that we could lose Lyle Mays in Feb 2020 RIP Lyle

[@spiritduoband799]

This is like the most inspiring video I’ve ever seen. Wow. Thanks SO much. Thanks to the interviewer too!

[@markkanicki2645]

Thank you.

[@travelingman9763]

Pat is honest and comical! Great interview!

[@LeeBarry]

Whatever one thinks of his music, he certainly is a joyous individual. Not many people reach this level of self-actualization. Also I like what he said about "progressive education". In my experience, music has led to a greater appreciation for lots of other things.

[@fndngnvrlnd]

Agree. A wonderful human being!!!

[@rednoise0]

I can only add that this is a most excellent interview. I've always loved Pat's music since I first heard him on "Bright Size Life" and several Gary Burton albums, though he's so prolific that I don't really try to keep up - I just dip in now and then and am amazed and delighted. His view of his place in music seems so integrated and non-ego-driven, it's inspirational.

[@quintas66]

He is in the top single digits of greatest musicians. Been a fan since high school.

[@therealbushboy6440]

And the record the new band made is “from this place” ... an awesome Lp and one of Pats best ever efforts

[@jamescorbett5729]

Pat Metheny is a very cool fellow. Humble, entertaining, intelligent. Love his playing too.

[@1955drv]

Thank you for sharing this amazing musician with a great gifted 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@dwightpayne4264]

Very calm and laid back guy.

[@mjstrom1952]

Pat won a scholarship to jazz camp from DownBeat in 1967. To Milliken University in Decatur Illinois. His name was published as a winner in DownBeat, probly the first time his name was in print nationally. I was lucky enough to be his room mate. Even at 15 years old, he was writing out transcriptions from Wes' records Still have my copy of DownBeat from that year.

[@tiluriso]

Pat Metheny is one of The Masters.

[@aralsea1]

without question.

[@sixfingr]

Great interviewer

[@vincentgiovannoni2258]

Wow! Nice to hear such an intelligent and wise person.

[@VeriteProductions1]

Glad to see Willard Jenkins keeping Jazz in the spotlight. Pat is a truly incredible musician who is so down to earth yet miles above his piers.

[@Xe4ro]

Amazing, humble and insightful. Thanks for uploading =)!

[@tomoconnor9621]

Amazing and inspiring interview with Pat. I hope that someday he writes a book...."Bright Size, a Guide for Life".

[@richardthurston2171]

Nice interview. Thanks.

[@scottdouglas935]

I've listened to "We Live Here" about 150 times.

[@paulpower7018]

At least lol

[@zfoxfire]

I remember buying that album the year it came out. There was a program segment on a news channel showing highlights of that year accompanied by that track. My mind was blown.

[@annettescroggins3905]

Slip away

[@ChromaBlue13]

Does Pat ever age? Dude looks the exact same after all these years! Great interview.

[@berosmusic]

Amazing

[@FFrrEEddRRiiKK1]

Great interview with a living jazz legend.

[@saralowe_arts]

This is the first time I’ve heard Pat speak, other than a few words when I saw him live in Hammersmith London around 2003. Antonio Sanchez was mindblowing just as the while of the concert. A fan for 20 years.

[@ajtblues]

Excellent interview. Pat´S ability to present his ideas and thinking is fantastic- clear, clever and easy to follow. I never knew that his thinking is so close to his music. This interview opens up many things related to Pat´s music- very many thanks!

[@ccwalker050]

Great Interview... Big time Pat Metheny fan for 30 years. To many great songs to mention but one that always stands out is from the CD "As Fall Wichita So falls Wichita Falls. The song..... September 15th.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

Indeed..and truly,the whole album took me places that I have honestly not experienced with anything else.I guess Watercolors was close..but "Wichita" was out of control..A landmark album. Pat and Lyle really had something there..

[@heatherstub]

@@Guitfiddlejase Didn't they?

[@franzfigueracello]

"for a week" .. This is gold

[@LucasPenido]

Simply the greatest guitar player that ever set foot on this planet! He is been sooooo ahead of the curve, as if he was living in 3021!

[@cobblewright]

Excellent interview. Great insights from Pat.

[@SuperQdaddy]

Saw pat in 77 at a small club in Brooklyn...didn't know him...what a surprise when music started...think they opened for Jan hammer or brand x...

[@glowaves]

Thank you so much for sharing this; so insightful and enlightening.

[@NeilRaouf]

ohhhh what have i found?! Pat is the man...he changed my life!

[@williamroark]

Neil Raouf I hear you.... ended up at Berklee SPECIFICALLY because of this man Now I own a MONEY PIT (STUDIO) trying to EMULATE what he inspired He’s been YODA since the first “Group” album..... (funny how he hasn’t aged it seems... “last OLD GUY” 🤦‍♂️)

[@leszekzelazinski5916]

Great artist!!! And one of those who is able to open the door to infinite possibilities in the ocean of the sound. I would say that I can see him like a missionary of the art of music. Thank you Pat Great interview!

[@Oscar-bv5fe]

Incredible. Felt like 5 minutes

[@davidevans3175]

As Falls Wichita So Falls Wichita Falls is one the best most genius records of all time. I put it on reel-to-reel and played it over and over and over.

[@Tin_Fed]

40:35 Thanks. I needed that.

[@tinfoilhatter]

how flippin' cool is this! dang,where's the time go,right?

[@geraldmellon740]

Great talk from Pat. The guy in the audience was right that he doesn’t seem like an American musician but more a world musician. Even his detractors have to applaud him for his commitment doing so many concerts for over 40 years and that must contribute to his sound and approach.

[@euskir]

A briiliant, wonderful interview. Una entrevista brillante, maravillosa.

[@jome3206]

Pat Metheny seems like a pretty cool guy.

[@juancpgo]

This was a very enjoyable interview.

[@ToddMason]

First time I've heard Pat swear. Excellent interview!

[@fndngnvrlnd]

This man is highly evolved!!!!

[@Joshualbm]

I loved that last question. It is probably the least asked or understood aspect of a performer's relationship with their audience. What the artist sees in us, the audience, from performance to to performance, year to year...etc, would be and interesting thing to chronicle.

[@billvill61]

My hero plays open chords! This is awesome.

[@aralsea1]

Saw this lineup Pat mentioned at BlueNote Nagoya, Japan. Sweet!

[@Hatmatrix]

Awesome talking.

[@hyda-jameshill1035]

Frickin love Pat Metheny

[@williamcorgile9823]

Wow ! Didn't know about this !

[@BarneysBullit]

love pat... nice to see he's still wearing a tumbleweed on his head.

[@paulocorrea2212]

That is a wise but still young soul speaking

[@fidofutte6670]

Pat seems like an great duude. Very serius about his complicated music . I think he should do researc on folke music

[@jome3206]

Good video.