Influential experimental jazz guitarist Pat Metheny turns 70
The acclaimed musician, who in 1985 collaborated with David Bowie in the hit song “This Is Not America”, has won 20 Grammy Awards, being the only person ever to win that desirable music award in 10 different categories
Influential experimental jazz guitarist Pat Metheny turns 70
Pat Metheny has been in the front of the experimental jazz movement since he released his first album, “Bright Size Life” in 1976. Acclaimed by many, throughout his career the guitarist has been incorporating elements of progressive and contemporary jazz, Latin jazz, and jazz fusion, and also Pop and Rock. With 20 Grammy Awards won, Metheny is the only person ever to win that desirable music award in 10 different categories. From 1982 to 1985, with the Pat Metheny Group, he released the acclaimed albums “Offramp”, “First Circle”, and also a live album “Travels” and the soundtrack “The Falcon and the Snowman” in 1985, where he released one of his most popular and perhaps the most mainstream track, “This Is Not America”, a collaboration with David Bowie that reached the top of the charts in 1985 and was a hit for both artists.
Pat Metheny was born on August 12, 1954, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City. Growing up in a musical family—his father was a trumpeter, and his mother a pianist—Metheny was immersed in music from a young age. He began playing the trumpet at the age of eight but switched to the guitar at 12, quickly demonstrating a prodigious talent. Metheny was heavily influenced by jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, and by the time he was in his teens, he was already performing with some of the top jazz musicians in Kansas City.
Metheny’s professional career began when he moved to Miami to study at the University of Miami, but his time there was short-lived. At 18, he became the youngest teacher ever at the university, a testament to his exceptional skills. Shortly after, he joined the faculty of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, again becoming one of the youngest instructors in the institution’s history. During this period, Metheny started collaborating with renowned vibraphonist Gary Burton, which led to his first exposure to a wider jazz audience.
In 1976, Metheny released his debut album, Bright Size Life, featuring bassist Jaco Pastorius and drummer Bob Moses. The album showcased Metheny’s distinctive guitar sound and his unique approach to jazz, blending elements of jazz, rock, and folk. Bright Size Life was critically acclaimed and is now considered a landmark album in jazz guitar.
In 1977, Metheny formed the Pat Metheny Group with keyboardist and composer Lyle Mays, with whom he would have a long and fruitful collaboration. The group’s self-titled debut album, released in 1978, introduced a new, accessible sound to jazz, characterized by melodic compositions, intricate rhythms, and a blend of acoustic and electronic elements. The group quickly gained a large following and won several Grammy Awards over the years, with albums such as American Garage (1979), Offramp (1982), and Still Life (Talking) (1987) solidifying their place in the jazz fusion genre.
Metheny’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and experiment with new sounds made him a leading figure in contemporary jazz. His work with the Pat Metheny Group pushed the boundaries of what jazz could be, incorporating elements of world music, classical, and even avant-garde.
In addition to his work with the Pat Metheny Group, Metheny pursued a prolific solo career and collaborated with a wide range of musicians across different genres. His solo albums, such as New Chautauqua (1979), One Quiet Night (2003), and Orchestrion (2010), explored various musical landscapes, from acoustic guitar explorations to innovative projects using advanced technology. Metheny has worked with jazz legends like Ornette Coleman and Herbie Hancock, as well as artists from other genres, including David Bowie in 1985 with the global hit “This Is Not America” and Joni Mitchell.
Metheny’s versatility as a musician is evident in his numerous collaborations. He has recorded with classical musicians, such as the composer Steve Reich, and delved into Brazilian music with albums like Secret Story (1992) and Imaginary Day (1997). His willingness to explore new musical territories has earned him immense respect in the music community.
Pat Metheny is married to Latifa Metheny, and the couple has three children. Metheny’s passion for music extends beyond performance; he is deeply involved in music education, frequently giving masterclasses and workshops around the world. Despite his global fame, Metheny has remained humble and focused on his artistic pursuits.
Over his career, Pat Metheny he has won 20 Grammy Awards in 12 different categories, and his work with the Pat Metheny Group set new standards in jazz fusion. Today he celebrates 70.
Listen to the famous David Bowie and Pat Metheny 1985 collaboration “This Is Not America”
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