Typically floating PMG melodies, with all nine tracks being penned by Metheny himself or with long-time co-writer Lyle Mays. The intricate compositions also feature some subdued vocals from young trumpeter Cuong Vu and percussionist Richard Bona. Mays, as always, is steady at the keyboards and acoustic piano.
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Right Now Move Charlie Hunter Quintet 2002 [Ropeadope]
While the novelty of an eight-string guitar may be wearing off a bit, Hunter's explorative drive ensures that each successive record offers something new. As the band's banter tips us off, this set of thirteen original instrumentals is not so much about thinking as it is about being fun and funky. The results show they got that much right.
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Heartcore Kurt Rosenwinkel 2003 [Verve]
Rosenwinkel well and truly charts a fusionary course, with hip-hopper Q-Tip at the production reigns. As one might expect, the result is a sort of rocked-up jazz electronica - with Rosenwinkel playing not only guitar, but dubbing himself in on a few other instruments as well. Listeners might want to try 2000's Enemies of Energy first.
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Unspeakable Bill Frisell 2004 [Nonesuch]
For those who have in the past had trouble working out why Bill Frisell is considered a jazz guitarist, this record probably won't help much. Under Hal Willner's eclectic production, Frisell works his way a pastiche of sonic soul-funk grooves and spaced-out soundscapes. The only really safe way to categorise Frisell is to say he plays guitar.
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Class Trip John Abercrombie 2004 [ECM]
A brilliant album from guitarist John Abercrombie in the classic ECM mould. The lineup from 2002's superb Cat 'n' Mouse reassemble - featuring the Joey Baron/Marc Johnson rhythm section and violinist Mark Feldman. The interplay between Abercrombie and Feldman is dynamic, justifying all the critical plaudits coming this CD's way.
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The Way Up Pat Metheny Group 2005 [Nonesuch]
Guitarist Metheny and regular collaborator pianist/keyboardist Lyle Mays churn out a 68-minute epic that sounds like everything one has come to expect from PMG, while still smelling fresh as a daisy. The Steve Rodby/Antonio Sanchez rhythm section is in deft form, with Vietnamese trumpeter Cuong Vu adding some nice touches.
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That's What I Say John Scofield 2005 [Verve]
While some may groan at the prospect of yet another Ray Charles tribute album, fans of guitarist John Scofield will no doubt enjoy this latest effort. Regular Charles saxophonist David 'Fathead' Newman brings a touch of authenticity to the set, with a host of other groovers and funksters also helping out. Solid, but not outstanding.
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East/West Bill Frisell 2005 [Nonesuch] 2CDs
Those who struggle to categorise guitarist Frisell won't get any help here. Two live discs, each recorded with a different trio, one on the east coast and the other on the west. The east, recorded at the Village Vanguard, is the jazzier of the two… which isn't saying much. A solid set for Frisell fans, but purists should steer clear.
