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Rating: All the tracks on this rare CD were recorded live between 1981 and 1983 at the Palace of Festivals Theatre in Cannes (Congress Palace), in France. They combine the skill of jazz guitarist Pat Metheny with the rock-electric-blues of the Heat Brothers, a skilled quartet from Los Angeles, but not only that. There are 11 tracks in total, 6 of which feature Gary Burton, Pat's mentor and outstanding vibraphonist, with two different line-ups.
The CD opens with Pat performing an intensely acoustic seven-minute medley in which he incorporates some of his famous tracks from the live album Travels. The second track, "A Sassy Samba" features Pat's synth phrasing with the blues quartet, creating a colorful atmosphere that blends blues-jazz and South American music. Evening and elegant "Arherdoc", a composition by the Heat Bros, with a rock-blues overtone.
"Move to the Groove" is the fourth track, written by the Heat but beautifully interpreted by Pat. It begins with a sinuous and intense bass, gradually joined by the sax and electric guitar. A truly warm and creeping atmosphere for a good combination of mood. The fifth piece is Kern's indestructible classic "All The Things You Are", played millions of times by millions of musicians, and in this case reinterpreted in a jazz-blues version.
It's by Chick Corea, but performed by Burton, Ahmad Jamal on piano, Sabu Adeyola on bass, and Payton Croossley on drums, the sixth track "Tones for Joan's Bones". A brisk start and rapid key touches lead to a long drum solo, culminating in an intensely collective jazz phrasing. "Autumn Leaves" is soft and elegant. Burton's chimes mix with whispers of piano and bass. "My Foolish Heart" is a delicate classic by Washington. The ensemble performing it features Burton on vibraphone, Daniel Humair on guitar, Pierre Michelot on bass, and Rene Urtreger on drums. The version is almost like a sweet lullaby, led by the master Gary. A lively interpretation for the melancholic "No More Blues", the famous classic by Brazilian Jobim. Burton's soliloquy effectively conveys the dreamlike atmosphere of the piece. Finally orchestral, with a fine jazz mood, the piece by Barinin/Dernier "This Night Has A Thousand Eyes", almost nine minutes. It closes with Duke Ellington's "African Flower", rendered curiously modern by Burton and associates' interpretation.
A refined album with valuable appearances, a "collection" document published by Abraxas srl, in Florence, in 1999.
Tracklist
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