All over the universe of his fans, folks are listening to this week's new release from the Pat Metheny Trio, "Day Trip." I'll get around to that, but I'm too busy just now grooving on your new release from the vault, circa '82. It's just delightful- this early period of group improv. and composition set such a high standard, intellectually rigorous yet richly emotional, too. This is where rock dynamics and instrumentation met jazz improvisation, on a widescreen palette. Such a special time- thanks for capturing it for all time!

Over the years, Pat's been hammered by critics for his old "fusion excesses." Lately, he's tended more towards the purist jazz side of things, with minimalist trios and quartets. There are plenty of other fine jazz soloists, but for me the full Group's albums have been the unique, enriching, surprising creations that no other musician could have brought forth.

I went over to Metheny's official site and posted a notice about this new/old release. It was censored, never to be posted. Too bad that forum is so buttoned-down, unlike the music that inspired it. Maybe they took my testimony that it could hurt sales of the new album!