Metheny/Mehldau Quartet
Pat Metheny · 2007
145 min · 22 tracks · jazz
A seamless blend of intricate jazz improvisation and lyrical melodies that envelop the listener in a tranquil yet dynamic soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Night Away — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush harmonies and intricate interplay between guitar and piano, inviting listeners into the duo's world.
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Fear and Trembling — The track showcases a dramatic tension and release through its shifting dynamics, highlighted by Metheny's expressive playing and Mehldau's nuanced accompaniment.
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Don't Wait — This piece features a compelling melody that intertwines seamlessly with improvisational sections, illustrating the chemistry between Metheny and Mehldau beautifully.
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En la Tierra Que No Olvida — The integration of world music influences enriches this track, reflecting both artists' backgrounds while delivering an emotionally resonant experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and skilled performances, though its impact remains within the jazz genre.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where the guitar and piano engage in call-and-response patterns, creating a conversational dynamic.
- Several tracks incorporate subtle shifts in tempo and dynamics, allowing for moments of tension followed by resolution.
- The first half of the album maintains a more contemplative mood, while the second half introduces more energetic and complex arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration of rich melodies
- introspective moments for deep listening
- wave-like pacing with smooth transitions
- immersive two-halves listening experience
- thoughtful background for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone catchy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2007, Pat Metheny was already a revered figure in jazz, known for his innovative approach to guitar. The release of 'Metheny/Mehldau Quartet' marked a significant collaboration with pianist Brad Mehldau, showcasing a new direction in Metheny's career by exploring more intimate and conversational musical dialogues. This album followed a series of successful projects, further solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brad Mehldau· John Scofield· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 A Night Away 8:01
- 2 The Sound of Water 3:57
- 3 Fear and Trembling 6:59
- 4 Don't Wait 7:13
- 5 Towards the Light 8:13
- 6 Long Before 7:00
- 7 En la Tierra Que No Olvida 7:45
- 8 Santa Cruz Slacker 6:12
- 9 Secret Beach 9:10
- 10 Silent Movie 6:08
- 11 Marta's Theme (from "Passagio per il Paradiso") 2:31
Disc 3
- 1 A Night Away 7:59
- 2 The Sound Of Water 3:53
- 3 Fear And Trembling 6:56
- 4 Don't Wait 7:08
- 5 Towards The Light 8:10
- 6 Long Before 6:57
- 7 En La Tierra Que No Olvida 7:43
- 8 Santa Cruz Slacker 6:09
- 9 Secret Beach 9:07
- 10 Silent Movie 6:03
- 11 Marta's Theme (From "Passagio Per Il Parasdiso") 2:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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