By Bobby Talamine<\/p>\n
Even after what was considered a monumental rainstorm about 30 minutes before showtime at the one and only Ravinia Festival up in Highland Park: that still did not hinder the faithful and the Jazz devotees who came out to hear the one and only Pat Metheny and his wonderful backup band play his music.<\/p>\n
Pat Metheny never ceases to amaze. Still highly regarded as an improv virtuoso, he plays with boundless energy and a with a keen ear to providing the foundations of counter melody with formidable musicians who back him up.<\/p>\n
There are no slouches amongst the quartet.<\/p>\n
Antonio Sanchez on drums. He’s been Pat’s go to drummer for over 20 years. His skills are striking yet nuanced: you have to really pay attention to his fills and counter beats. He’s not a crash and burn drummer. he knows restraint, but has a flair to mix things up on the spot. I counted three snare drums to his immediate left, which he uses all at a moments notice.<\/p>\n
Gwilym Simcock on Piano and Keyboards. Ultra gifted on acoustic piano. A brilliant Jazz – melody improviser with intuitive and creative invention, who like Antonio Sanchez, can steer a melody into uncharted territory at a moments notice.<\/p>\n
Linda Oh on acoustic and electric bass. A girl on upright bass who has a unique sound and improv instincts that adeptly matches exchanges with Pat’s electric guitar playing.<\/p>\n
Now put this all together…and it’s cut loose time.<\/p>\n
For a guy who yearns for melody and sophisticated playing; I’m more than satisfied.<\/p>\n
Outside of some gentle instrumentals, with Pat on acoustic guitar, and his unique custom made 42 string Pikasso guitar (which he opened the show with) –<\/p>\n
This was a refreshing show – a tour de force of musicianship and sophisticated playing.<\/p>\n
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For more on Pat Matheny, click here<\/a><\/p>\n