The Unity Sessions

The Unity Sessions

by Pat MethenyPat Metheny

Overview

In 2012, guitarist Pat Metheny won a Grammy for his album Unity Band. That album featured his then newly formed group featuring saxophonist Chris Potter, bassist Ben Williams, and drummer Antonio Sanchez. A year later, the Unity Group returned with Kin <-->, which found Metheny expanding the ensemble to include multi-instrumentalist Giulio Carmassi. Arriving in 2016, The Unity Sessions showcases that expanded version of the Unity Group live in a gorgeously produced one-off performance at New York's Black Box Theatre on the heels of their 2014 tour. Hoping to capture the synergy and collective dynamic forged over the yearlong tour, Metheny had the Unity Group set up at the Black Box just as they would for a live show. He then had the concert recorded and filmed, resulting in a unique document that is both studio recording and live performance. Here, we get cuts off both Unity Band and Kin <-->, as well as songs culled from Metheny's lengthy career. These run the gamut from acoustic classical pieces ("Adagia") to moody, groove-oriented modal fusion cuts ("Roofdogs") to atmospheric world music-inflected numbers ("Come and See") and more. Elsewhere, the ensemble summons a palpable warmth on the ruminative ballad "This Belongs to You," combines John Coltrane-esque spirituality and African rhythms on "On Day One," and dives headlong into the expansive flamenco-steeped anthem "Rise Up." They even make room for a sprightly duo version of the jazz standard "Cherokee," featuring lively interplay between Metheny and Potter. Ultimately, while Metheny is the undisputed leader here, it's the thoughtful interplay of all the Unity Group's members that makes these sessions so involving.

Product Details

Release Date: 05/06/2016
Label: Nonesuch
UPC: 0075597946888
catalogNumber: 554569
Rank: 27947

Tracks

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Pat Metheny   Primary Artist,Acoustic Guitar,Electric Guitar,Synthesizer Guitar,Performing Ensemble,electronics
Chris Potter   Flute,Guitar,Bass Clarinet,Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone
Giulio Carmassi   Synthesizer,Piano,Flugelhorn,Vocals
Ben Williams   Electric Bass,Acoustic Bass
Antonio Sanchez   Drums,Cajon

Technical Credits

Pat Metheny   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Liner Notes,Executive Producer
Ray Noble   Composer
Ornette Coleman   Composer
Steve Rodby   Producer
David Oakes   Engineer
Carolyn Chrzan   Guitar Techician
Pete Karam   Engineer
Ted Kurland   Executive Producer
Giulio Carmassi   Whistle
Mark Janowitz   Production Design
Austin Stillwell   Monitors
Teo Stoll   Drum Technician
Matthew Fleischmann   Operation
Matthew Beighley   Director
Benjamin Silverstein   Lighting Director

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