TEDxCaltech - Lyle Mays and Friends

Lyle Mays and friends explore music based on physics equations, Feynman's speech patterns and more, using improvisation, algorithmic composition, live video mixing, and a custom designed linked laptop network.
Lyle Mays has been an integral part of the Pat Metheny Group since its inception in 1977, and has co-written much of the consistently engaging music for the multi-Grammy-winning group's albums. Lyle's sense of melody, crystal clear virtuosity and almost cinematic scope of orchestration has clearly distinguished the group's sound. Born into a musical family in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953, he was always encouraged to explore new forms of expression. As a teenager, Lyle attended jazz summer camps and studied with such talents as Rich Matteson and Marian McPartland. He then studied composition and arrangement at North Texas State University before touring with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd. While appearing at the 1975 Wichita Jazz Festival, Lyle met twenty-year-old guitarist Pat Metheny, and the two formed a musical alliance that has proven to be among the most artistically successful of the past three-plus decades.
Performers include: Jimmy Branly (drums), Rich Breen (audio engineer), Jon 9 (visualization), Andrew Pask (woodwinds), Bob Rice (guitar and digital sounds), and Tom Warrington (bass). Bios of these performers: tedxcaltech.com/speakers
About TEDx, x = independently organized event: In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
On January 14, 2011, Caltech hosted TEDxCaltech, an exciting one-day event to honor Richard Feynman, Nobel Laureate, Caltech physics professor, iconoclast, visionary, and all-around "curious character." Visit TEDxCaltech.com for more details.

[@NotYourTypicalNegro]

Lyle Mays is one of the greatest musicians of ALL TIME...

[@anotherbody2]

Totally agree with you. A natural born mozart of the day and a master sound scape architect!

[@hurlicane56]

Absolutely. He is a truly gifted musician and one of the most underrated in my opinion.

[@fredfungalspore]

Zachary Hurley I Agree 110% But only a few of us Know .......:) Better we keep it this way...................:)

[@craigblanchard1949]

Like Beethoven and Mozart

[@reah7213]

Nah ah, because, "beyonce had the greatest video OF ALL TIME!" Thats some kanye wisdom there for ya.. bud

[@beverlycherry3667]

Rest in Paradise , Lyle Mays, you will be missed by your many fans who so appreciated your immense talent ! ☺

[@mikeelek9713]

Lyle Mays was a musical genius who seemed to constantly explore the boundaries of music. Truly a gifted musician.

[@takeatriptomyhouse]

RIP to one of the greatest.

[@dbro7756]

He was the greatest, Lyle was the next prophet after Bill

[@friedrice9535]

His genius is missed. Thank God for these recordings.

[@michaelroukes1065]

My brother... I'll miss you. But your music and spirit lives on.

[@rodolfocraia2580]

Lyle davvero un folletto... magico.

[@gmcummings]

As much I LOVE Metheny's music, I believe his BEST WORK was done with Lyle. A true musical Dynamic Duo!

[@Americanjazzlady07]

That's true. Amen. I miss LYLE. When I found out he died, I sat in my car for two hours listening to his music while crying. I miss his playing with PAT METHENY and how well they performed together. GOD BLESS YOU GREG.

[@gmcummings]

@@Americanjazzlady07 God bless you too! I'm glad we have the many recordings they made together to continue to listen to...FOR JOY!

[@Americanjazzlady07]

@@gmcummings For Joy? On July 8th, two days before my birthday, a bad person took my little Joy cat in the parking lot of a gas station. They should have brought her back. May God Almighty deal with the sadistic person Who did it along with anyone who knows who took her.

[@gmcummings]

@@Americanjazzlady07 I am so sorry to hear that you lost your dear pet. I had no idea your cat was named Joy. I was merely describing the feeling I get when I listen to Pat's music. It brings me joy. Again, sorry for your loss.

[@Americanjazzlady07]

@@gmcummings Thank you. Sorry for getting upset. I'm overly sensitive because of what we're going through... I've been living in my car for 10 months with 3 cats, then 2 and now one. I've been wanting to drive out of here to go to SC, NC, GA,TN, or MONTANA. I MUST get Gods wisdom and direction.

[@alessandrorossini8704]

His first solo album, Lyle Mays, is one of the finest music works I ever listened to in my life.

[@georgecrowell1747]

Alessandro Rossini His 1st solo album was so tight unique.There is nothing better than LM except LM/PM. It is the music of my life

[@tobyglyn]

Absolutely!

[@haysfordays]

just been rediscovering it. what a joy

[@bach2future]

I agree. It's one of my go-to albums. Always am uplifted by it.

[@drsrw7121]

Lyle's self-titled album has been a part of my heart for years. It could take me anywhere, and ... I take it with me everywhere since it came out 34 years ago. If his music spoke anything about him, it was that he was a man for everyone's heart. Tears shed for this loss. Can't say any more. RIP

[@craigpurdie3528]

Watching this again reminded me of how deep Lyle's music touched me. Watching his joy as he stood up to praise the band at the end...well, I just sat here and lost it.

[@magdamulla2196]

I know exactly how You feel

[@jdorozco1275]

Yes! Exactly!

[@TheFlyingBrain.]

He left us much too soon.

[@KrellK23]

Such a pity that this great pianist passed away. The combination with Pat Metheny was so Synergistic.. Great and timeless music was born here.. RIP Lyle!

[@gianlucaminguzzi1713]

a deep grief in my heart, you're gone yesterday. A great part of my life goes with you, leaving only the memory of beautiful, exciting moments of colorful, musical beauty, so long my friend, my brother... I will miss you immensely Lyle

[@MrDaveaccord]

Rest in Peace to one of the greatest of his generation. The music world has lost a giant.

[@WrestlingErnestHemingway]

Best piano player & composer EVER! R.I.P. Lyle Mays.

[@websyndicate1]

I was a student at North Texas State at the same time Lyle was back in the 1970's. Lyle Mays was not under-appreciated back then. I recommend you obtain a copy of Lab '75 to prove that premise. He was the phenom who wrote/arranged the entire album that was the first college band to ever be nominated for a grammy award.

[@sitarnut]

Right on, Bro.... I was there in "62-64" with Lou Marini and Billy Harper, also have Lab 75... a favorite still.

[@libbysmom1000]

I have been looking for a copy of that for years now!

[@reallaciefae4672]

I used to have Lab '75. I have several thousand albums and it was one of my favorites. Unfortunately, it was stolen by one of the the numerous "friends" I played it for. Maybe I shouldn't have talked it up so much. Any chance you might upload it to KZbin?

[@mattildahubbardo]

Would love to hear it

[@michaelalderete9622]

I finally checked out Lab '75 a few days ago, the arrangements and performances are awesome.

[@larsolebjorck]

Wonderful ! Rest in Peace Lyle Mays...you've given us so much great music.

[@gateofdreams]

I firmly believe Lyle will be studied for generations to come with the same intensity and reverence as any other classical composer of stature. We can only be grateful that he 'happened' during our lifetime and his music was often the background soundtrack for our lives.

[@gottadomor7438]

Watched this a dozen times - minimum - over the years and its finale STILL bowls me over. Wow! I think that's what's known in the mewz biz as ... "nailing it!" Rest in peace maestro Mays & BRAVO to the band.

[@pmc2737]

Lyle Mays ... one of the most intelligent and empathetic musicians in the business. He makes listening to life so much better. Thank you TEDxTalks for video.

[@baward]

Sadly, Lyle is not active as a musician these days. He said "I didn't leave the music business, the music business left me."

[@morgainecor9870]

@@baward :’(

[@robertcallebert7722]

Lyle thanks for the many wonderful moments. Lyle Mays 1953-2020

[@imaginarytube]

It takes a brilliant person to recognise brilliant work. Consider yourselves brilliant! Rest In Peace brother Lyle. And thank you for all you gave.

[@SantaFePromotion]

for a few years he played the soundtrack of my life

[@marcscordato4385]

He was in the same league as Chic Corea and Herbie Hancock . He was know to add twists and turns to Pat’s compositions and those twists and turns really defined the Pat Metheny Group sound. Thanks for all the great music we will miss you .

[@sahildoshi4438]

YES. I'm just learning about this band but this is precisely why i like Pat's music with Lyle the most. It's the twist and turns so well put

[@MyMuzikVideos578]

Very few musicians can touch you in the way Lyle could He could reach inside you and really feel the emotion in his beautiful music. A brilliant and beautiful soul, he leaves a great void in the world, such a rare artist. RIP, Lyle. 💔😓

[@jusrex]

some of the most beautiful,joyous, cinematic,breathtaking music human ears could ever hear and feel !!!!!! True Master Musician And Genius ! No Greater Love !!! Your Music Lives On Forever and Ever ! RIP Brother Lyle !

[@creichling2638]

Love this. Not just Lyle's music making but also the synaesthetic elements that reflect how Feynman perceived math.

[@JulieMoranNE111]

God how we will miss Lyle Mays. His work with PMG and solo was so magical. My heart hurts for the loss of this magnificent musician.

[@egeus52]

This has been in my favourites for years and I just learned of Mays's death tonight. Such a tragic loss of musical genius. The precision of his touch and pacing is unparallelled. And I just hope his compositional creativity is an inspiration for future musicians in the way it has been for me (but to greater effect!)

[@blackpudding1000]

When I pass on I hope to hear some of this on the other side. God bless you Lyle and may you rest in musical peace.

[@SherifShaalan]

It was 1978 when as a young music student, I first heard Lyle Mays play piano and keyboards with the Pat Metheny Group in concert on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit. I was astonished! He immediately became my favorite pianist of all time, and has remained so to this day. His composing, arranging and piano/keyboard playing combined melodic sensitivity, harmonic richness, rhythmic diversity, and a remarkably fluid technique, all firmly rooted in both classical and jazz musical traditions . . . are entirely innovative. While I never met him, I read many of his interviews and watched hundreds of his videos and remain awestruck by the modesty and humility of someone with the genius to evoke such thought, emotion and tranquility through his own music . . . music so complete in its usage of nearly the entire spectrum of compositional and improvisational elements available to musicians. I loved and admired both Lyle's solo work and his best known collaborative work with the great jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny, beginning in 1974. Their final collaboration as the Pat Metheny Group was in 2005. Since then, I, along with millions of other fans all over the world have longed for a PMG reunion, but unfortunately with today's news, we have already enjoyed our final "Pat Metheny Group" recording, which makes me quite sad. But what a profoundly beautiful and soulful musical legacy he left.

[@conradinhawaii7856]

From the first time I heard Lyle perform with Pat and the group, and later met him, in L.A. in 1980, I knew that I would be listening to his beautiful music and following his career until either I left this world or even long after he did. That has now come to pass. Rest well, my friend.

[@quincy8914]

Lyle is absolutely amazing. One of my favorite keyboard players out there bar none.

[@pedrobel5257]

Wow....What a piece? A couple of observations here why only 18 minutes and 42 seconds?This should have lasted a day and some. I have followed Lyle and Pat for so many years and it is an honor to see him on his own with his pals. I have never seen him so happy and he smiled. That made my day. May you live long to give us more of this.

[@bruin4937]

OMG, I didn't even hear about Lyle's passing until today! RIP, Lyle. What an incredible talented artist. He and his incredible keyboard, composition, and arranging skills and his music will all be greatly missed in the world of jazz.

[@michaelsmith1382]

I feel great seeing Lyle May's peaceful expressions of joy and excitement and appreciation... nice to come back and re-visit, too bad he's gone so early...

[@arvingarrison1410]

His tasteful and rich piano recordings will stay forever. RIP Lyle.

[@andrewcharley1893]

Lyle mays= no ego, it’s just about the music. Rest in peace dear brother!!!!!!!

[@rubenm567]

Love to come back and see Lyle enjoying this session so much.

[@AudioAtmos]

RIP Lyle David Mays

[@MargueriteMontes]

What an extraordinary man Lyle was. We have lost one of the keenest musical minds of the 20th century. Thank you for sharing your gift of musicality.

[@bouyssehubert7989]

Lyle nous manquera. C'était un fabuleux musicien, un fabuleux compositeur. Il nous a fait rêver avec sa belle musique, ses belles musiques, à la fois lyriques et romantiques, toujours délicates et rafinés. Merci Lyle, on ne vous oubliera pas !!!

[@markowhite9422]

My heart is heavy, but I know that he is amongst the greatest musicians we've had the pleasure to either work with or known.

[@dbryantphotography]

This piece of brilliance just takes so many different directions. ... Oh my. I will listen to this many times.

[@edgreen8140]

Rest in peace Lyle; a brillant composer for his own quartet and the pat metheny band!

[@joeohhboy5384]

Lyle is from my hometown in Northern WI. We are all very proud of the prodigal son! What a gift to music!

[@alexmelillo1247]

can't remember a time I saw Lyle smiling this much hahaha. This guy needs to be studied like Mozart

[@spactick]

who?

[@susansykes9110]

EXACTLY!

[@jorymil]

Given time, he will be.

[@bwrpwr59]

So brilliant, so long, godspeed Lyle.

[@epserps5055]

Brain and heart, body and soul, music and science: indivisibles. Lyles is a genius.

[@michaelalderete9622]

Sounds like the description of a Renaissance Man to me.

[@jdorozco1275]

I had the pleasure and good fortune to work this Ted x event as part of the Cal Tech video production crew that was recording the event. Lyle Mays and friends were the intermission musical act. However, in my humble opinion, they should have made Lyle Mays and friends the headliner a left the other speakers for the intermission. I was floored when I discovered he was the musical act. WHAT!?! I get to see one of my favorite musical artists and get paid as well? It was amazing as you can see from this video. I got to meet Lyle after their performance as he and the band were hanging out behind the auditorium. I was at a loss for words but spoke with him for a short time about some of my favorite Pat Metheny Group albums and their motivation for the album 'We Live Here', which to me sounded like none of their other albums, but still touched, inspired and fed me as a musician. His melodies were like a musical ride. A journey of twists and turns that always left you curious about what was around the next bend and where he was taking you. An experience I will never forget!

[@perspellman]

Have a magic Journey to the great jam session in the sky, Lyle !

[@jean-pierredelorraine6161]

Lyle Mays, was the best. A very humble yet magnificent artist, a truely dedicated musician, always true to his art.

[@GuitarTime]

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

[@rnunezc.4575]

Long lives Lyle. He lives in our hearts.

[@stuartdryer4089]

Incredible. Lyle Mays always blows my mind. Makes life better.

[@asgabeler]

Amazing! Who knew a TED TALK could be so wonderfully different. Love what Lyle did with Pat Metheny and this direction also. Thank You for posting this!

[@alessandrorossini8704]

Lyle is all about poetry, in music. Always been that, since I listened to him first time almost 40 years ago.

[@CamiloVelandia]

RIP Lyle. Fantaastic composer and underrated pianist.

[@internet123ism2]

there has to be a documentary here. How these people got together, the sessions, etc. Brilliant stuff.

[@love.JESUS.2day]

wouldnt that be wonderful..I think in my heart and soul that it was God that brought it togeather, so us listeners, among others could get a glimpse of the heavenlies..He is blessed, and we to have been to experience a very clean and real talent brought from above..

[@teelurizzo8542]

This was really an incredible piece of music. whole band was great, drummer especially so, Lyle Mays will be sorely missed, he was a unique instrumentalist/composer, arranger. It was a joy to see him get totally into it, having real fun with this performance.

[@anthonyprado8183]

R.i.P., dear friend.. Thank you for gifting the planet with your amazing musical talents. You will be missed.

[@sysland]

I'm in tears now... Thank You!

[@mkilner]

Cant believe it!...i was lucky to see him play a couple of times in the UK with the classic line up, and what an incredible honour to hear, i will miss that...shine bright up there! 🌟👏🏻😔🎼

[@satanas5975]

Lyle Mays is so underrated.. his comping is ridiculous.. one of the best alive for sure.

[@Belfreyite]

Lyle's playing is pure understated class. A very modest but very, very good player.

[@DATABANKMUSIC]

Thank you Lyle for sharing your sound with the world. I cherish every piece you have ever touched.

[@musicosasas]

Each and every improvisational solo from his is a treasure, specially the ones of the various First Circle's versions.

[@billbernardi7819]

RIP Lyle Mays.

[@MrDaveaccord]

One of greatest piano players of his generation, you can see the joy on his face playing this music, and a fantastic group of players to compliment him.

[@alesall]

How can you get to the heart an soul of someone just through your music? I don´t know but you did it with me. R.I.P. Lyle, you will be missed!!!

[@PastTime777]

Thanks for keeping this video up. I just saw it for the first time and it was amazing. RIP Lyle Mays. He looked so happy playing this set. Before You Go is incredible.

[@docnelson2008]

A truly great musician, he will be missed by those of us who bought the Pat Metheny Group albums and also by those who were keen to hear him expressing himself on his own projects. It's sad that there are so few of his own albums because they are all well worth seeking. RIP Lyle

[@Ascending1more]

Just a true force of music nature. Will be missed even though the music he has created will be timeless. R.I.P

[@KhalDrogo76]

Lyle Mays is another American treasure, an unassuming genius flying below the public radar into areas and sounds all his own.

[@whodder06]

Miss Lyle SO much. What an ENORMOUS and UNDER RATED talent. Both Lyle and Pat were the best together and I feel their BEST sound was lineup of musicians on the Letter From Home album.

[@TheFlyingBrain.]

Great to see Lyle having so much fun doing what he loved most.

[@robertbent7232]

Sad to say,I had never heard of Lyle Masters until now,but I he is of the greatest piano man I’ve got to listen

[@carlbowles1808]

Lyle mays created the musical scoundscapes for for pat Matheny group. The man was awesome and unique in his own right with humility. RIP Lyle mays you are sorely missed.

[@calgarywino]

Such beautiful textures rhythms, and effects and so creative free and yet melodic in a very different sort of way.

[@ronsiegrist2034]

Sad to hear the news and I am happy to have seen, listened to and will miss .... Peace brother

[@siriusfeline]

Amazing. Masters, all of them. Love the drummer.

[@markcouncil4688]

Just when I thought I couldn't love Lyle any more than I already do.

[@andrewcharley1893]

Brother Lyle, time to rest up now . Just know that you are loved as you continue on your next journey. Gonna really miss you but thankyou for what you’ve left behind!!!!!!!

[@Gigler43]

Lyle Mays is a master of his craft!!! His art tells a story without words!! I own both of his two solo recordings. I once had the opportunity to meet Lyle and Pat Metheny together in San Diego. Lyle is EXTREMELY COOL! Pat Metheny IS EXTREMELY ARROGANT! I love Lyle's art!! AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@hansvandergouw2724]

I"ve placed Lyle with the greatest of all pianists. He was one I tried to emulate, but felt like a kindergartener to an Einstein. We know God exists because of the creativity He placed in Lyle, and truly all of us. Lyle just took it into the heavens. We will truly miss him.

[@rlems4772]

, this music make"s me realy happy!! thanks Lyle and the other great players.

[@toddsaedify]

pure peace, and calm for the next world, thanks

[@timothykelly9267]

I searched Lyle up to see what h'es been up to and wasn't disappointed. "As Falls Wichita" is one of my all time favorite tunes, evan after all these years. He is a tremendous talent and it's good to see he's still out there, pushing the boundaries and making unforgettable music. Best to him and his colleagues.

[@lucianorighetto2741]

Il viso di Lyle esprime tutta la grandiosità del musicista e della persona: abbiamo perso un genio ed una persona eccezionale. Non l'ho mai visto così felice, neanche ai tempi del P.M.G.

[@Ravivharshanee]

LYLE MAYS is a really blessed man. What a perfect career. A gifted mind...A sensitive soul...Nice way to go through life.

[@MrGregga1114]

Murió parte de la belleza de este mundo, por siempre Lyle Mays

[@zuppedepeche]

The Maestro Lyle Mays.... Simply Amazing.

[@PatrickJMusic]

What I wouldn't give to hear a new Lyle album

[@lechtrzeciak6084]

RIP Lyle. One of most underappreciated piano players. Personal note: someone, who - along with Pat Metheny and Chick Corea - pushed me over the edge to the realm of jazz.

[@nirozhko]

Lyle you will be missed RIP 😢

[@MrArthurlarryriver]

I (like all of us) have waited for years for Lyle's re-emergence. Thanks Lyle! Beautiful!!

[@6009Gera]

Monstro! Genial!!! Som do caralho!!! Descanse na paz mermão!!! Sua música e vc escreveram uma linda história musical, quem gosta agradece... nunca esquece!

[@lapicker1010]

Best version of "Before You Go" ever! Love it up tempo like that.

[@mainsblanches8793]

The flow of life!!...may is music resonate all across the univers!!...forever!!...

[@love.JESUS.2day]

and it will, it was clean, real and so blessed from above!!!!

[@DrBliss23]

An absolute pleasure to see Lyle Mayys play apart from Pat Metheney. Not that there's anything wrong with Pat's music; it's just good to see Mr Mays do something in his own right. Great stuff; on the cutting edge as usual.

[@LufeLima]

It seems that both Metheny and Mays are doing better off without the PMG. This is indeed great stuff and very far from the formulas that made me tired of the other group.

[@internet123ism2]

you may be right but I will never stop playing Still Life and Letter From Home.

[@heatherstub]

I'll never get tired of PMG and all they represent. Letter From Home and Question and Answer are, in my opinion, two of the best albums they've done lately. But, I will always keep coming back to their earlier music, because that's what started it all.

[@imaginarytube]

Question and Answer is not a PMG album :) It's a PM trio album Pat Metheny on guitar, Dave Holland on bass and Roy Haynes on drums.

[@DrumSolVanIsle]

Astonishing music of course; and the video production is uniquely intimate. The viewer can get close to the hearts and minds of the ensemble.

[@davidsampson8668]

Incredible gift of expression through music.

[@randygerdes]

RIP Lyle, you are the greatest. I've watched this video countless times, as it's not only some of the best camera work of Lyle's playing but is one of his last live performances. After tons of videos and 4 live concerts, I've never seen him have as much fun, be as animated and tear it up like he does here. Bravo.