Item: Pat Metheny Group - First Circle
Rating: 5
Author: uxo

THE REVIEW

1984. First Circle is recorded. Pat, Lyle Mays on keyboards, Steve Rodby on bass, Pedro Aznar vocalist, and Paul Wertico on drums. This is the fourth PMG album, the one defined by Pat and the group as the best album ever, both in terms of sound and melodies. Pat claims that for years he was afraid to make others. Indeed, First Circle is an exceptional album, with a finally well-defined and solid identity.

First Circle is a very open, exuberant, positive, and joyful record, created with calm and serenity, without rushing the musicians, ensuring the right time to search for the perfect sound, so everything sounds good. The album opens with "Forward March": it's a ramshackle and deliberately exaggerated composition, with Lyle Mays on trumpet, a piece that will be used to open numerous concerts.
Carefree atmosphere in "Yolanda, you learn", from which a curious video is made to promote the PMG tour (easily found on YouTube). Enthralling performance by Pedro Aznar and acoustic contributions by Pat in the unforgettable "First Circle". Pat himself considers this piece one of his best performances. Even after hundreds of listens, the piece still gives chills.
Let's move on to the ballad "If I Could" dedicated to Wes Montgomery. Brushes and acoustic bass accompany this superb melody. "Tell It All" is a blues that highlights Aznar's voice. Note: this piece will define the PMG sound. It was born in a jam and developed over time.
Keyboard progression in the track "End of the Game", with Brazilian rhythm, very difficult to execute and thus very intriguing. Exquisitely South American sounds with Aznar's voice and lyrics in "Mas Alla", with Mays' piano in evidence. The album closes with "Praise", which Pat defines as a small tribute to the Beatles. Guess who plays the flute in this piece...

How to define this work? A bridge between garage jazz and free jazz, a pre-fusion, a calling card for "Still Life Talking". The fact is that all the musicians were extremely effective, and critics and the press have praised the work. It definitely deserves a place in your music library.

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Summary by Bot

First Circle, released in 1984 by Pat Metheny Group, is celebrated as their finest album, defined by its joyful and open sound. Featuring Lyle Mays, Pedro Aznar, and Paul Wertico, the record blends jazz fusion with South American rhythms. Tracks like 'First Circle' and 'Tell It All' highlight the group's mastery and lasting influence. Critics and fans alike praise this album as essential listening for jazz enthusiasts.

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