Pat Metheny showed early signs of genius as one of jazz music’s most original artists of his generation, particularly with the release of Bright Size Life, his debut album as a leader, in 1976. This historic session saw the then-21-year-old leading a trio with bassist Jaco Pastorius and drummer Bob Moses – great instrumentalists, who were also under the age of 30. This would become a landmark recording for ECM and helped craft what soon became known as a distinctive musical aesthetic forever associated with this historic label. The tracks on Bright Size Life range from atmospheric ambient-jazz to more hard-driving romps, such as “Missouri Uncompromised,” particularly defined by Metheny’s memorable melodic lines and occasional rising flurry of notes, evoking a sense of adventure and freedom. The title also introduced the geographical associations to the guitar hero’s home region that would become an integral part of his oeuvre.
Featured photo: Rolf Frison/ECM Records
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