Pat Metheny came home last night and played at the Folly Theater with his new Unity Band. It was both a departure and a study of jazz roots for the band, and made for an exciting evening. The set list was essentially the new album, which Pat and the band clearly enjoy playing. The first portion of the concert centered on songs that were reminiscent of 1950’s collegiate jazz, often sounding like pre-Time Out Dave Brubeck. Complex time signatures and near frenetic playing had the band sometimes walking the edge, but always beautifully coming back together to swing at the end.
Metheny has a special vibe with his new drummer, Antonio Sanchez, to whom he allowed free reign throughout the night. Sanchez set up his kit low, with eight cymbals all in a cashew shape around him at waist level. It allows the fans to watch him work his magic, which was as often played on the cymbals as the drums, with potent rim shots to accentuate a point.
The second part of the concert was Miles Davis-meets-Ringling Brothers. The song moods ranged from the every-note-essential softness of In a Silent Way to the bold experimentation of Bitch’s Brew. Pat’s guitar and Chis Potter’s saxophone melded well with the chunky rhythms of Ben William’s stand up bass. Metheny allowed each member of the band to stretch out, before introducing his “orchestrionics” in the back half of the concert. A second drum kit, accordion, vibes and – I’m not lying – jug band set were revealed, all played remotely through Metheny’s guitar and synthesized foot petals. For a moment one wondered if it didn’t border on the profane, but it was a delight to watch, and the music was downright fun.
The hometown crowd benefited from three encores, and the band made its final bow with a widely grinning Metheny waving to audience as he exited the stage. It was a fine night at the Folly Theater.
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