by Brian D. Holland.

Pat Metheny Group recently released Imaginary Day Live on DVD. Essentially a rerelease from Eagle Rock Entertainment, it was filmed live at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California, on July 21-23, 1998. It’s a magnificent concert presentation, not only of the Pat Metheny six-string prowess, but of the skill of the entire band. They’re a jazz super group for sure. Being the Imaginary Day Tour, of course, most of the music is from that particular 1997 Metheny Group release, with a few other additions to make it a complete concert experience.

Pat walks out onstage to a warm introduction and acknowledges the crowd with his familiar, friendly smile. He then engages his 42-stringed ‘Pikasso guitar’ for a mind blowing rendition of “Into The Dream.” A world music extravaganza of many modes soon transpires, of many guitars as well, as the Metheny concert experience becomes a magnificent journey and tour-de-force spectacle. In “Follow Me,” Pat displays amazing proficiency with tone and harmonics. He wanders off in melodic tangents as well, employing much of his signature synthesized sound, one that’s extremely jazz horn influenced. His fluid dexterity is like no other, and it’s portrayed throughout the show on multiple instrument fretboards. Whether on his Pikasso, his signature Ibanez PM1000, his incredible Roland G-303, or his Linda Manzer acoustic, his remarkable agility amid incredible tonal disparity is all relevant to the Pat Metheny sound.

Though Metheny, of course, is a huge segment of the group, their style of fuzed jazz and world folk influence has much to do with everyone involved. His cohort in composition and stage presence, keyboardist Lyle Mays, whose melodic influence is consummate, is incredible in every aspect. The same can be said for drummer Paul Wertico and percussionist Jeff Haynes, and of course, bassist Steve Rodby, who directed and edited the film as well. Not to leave out Mark Ledford and Philip Hamilton, as their contribution to the band with background vocals and instrumentation fulfills the musical spectrum.

Though the film was recorded a decade ago, and has been previously issued, it’s well worth the attention. It was an amazing time for the Pat Metheny Group. The dolby digital 5.1 and DTS digital surround sound are absolutely incredible. An interesting interview persepective with Pat Metheny rounds off the DVD.

Pat Metheny Group – Imaginary Day Live

1. Into The Dream
2. Follow Me
3. A Story Within The Story
4. Imaginary Day
5. The Heat Of The Day
6. Across The Sky
7. The Roots Of Coincidence
8. Message To A Friend
9. September Fifteenth
10. Minuano (Six Eight)

Produced by Pat Metheny
Directed and Edited by Steve Rodby

Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment 2008

Links
Pat Metheny
Imaginary Day Live on Amazon.com