SIDE-EYE |||+ by Pat Metheny

In 1977, together with keyboardist Lyle Mays, he founded the Pat Metheny Group, one of the most famous jazz groups ever!  They have created a unique sound, mixing jazz, folk, rock and world music in unforgettable albums.

Pat is also a true innovator.  Known for his guitar sound with a "chorus" effect, he was one of the first to use the Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer and even invented the Orchestrion, a huge mechanical orchestra controlled by his guitar.

And that's not all: Pat is the only artist to have won Grammy Awards in 10 different categories, for a total of 20 awards. A true jazz genius in short.

He has always had an unbridled passion for experimentation and collaborations with artists of all genres, from rock to pop, passing through avant-garde jazz.  Let's see some of his most famous collaborations.

In 1985, Metheny joined forces with David Bowie for the soundtrack of the film "The Falcon Game", giving life to "This Is Not America".  A real epic encounter between Metheny's jazz and Bowie's pop. Metheny composed the music, while Bowie added the lyrics, creating a worldwide hit that blends the ethereal atmosphere of Pat's guitar with Bowie's magnetic voice.

 

In 1990, he formed a "supergroup" with Herbie Hancock and Jack DeJohnette for the album "Parallel Realities". Together with Hancock on piano and DeJohnette on drums, Metheny explored modern and spacious jazz, with a legendary live concert that testifies to the incredible chemistry between these three giants.

In 1986, he collaborated with Ornette Coleman, the father of free jazz, on the album "Song X".  A bold and experimental union that has divided critics, but which demonstrates Metheny's ability to play outside the box and to confront such a radical musical language.

 

In 1980, he played in the stellar band that accompanied Joni Mitchell on her jazziest tour, "Shadows and Light."  Along with Jaco Pastorius and Michael Brecker, Metheny contributed fundamentally to the dreamlike sound of this live record, enriching Mitchell's compositions with his jazz harmonies.

Finally, in 1995, he forged a special bond with Italy by collaborating with Pino Daniele on several occasions, including the song "Un deserto di parole".  Combining Pino's Mediterranean blues with his jazz harmonies, Metheny has created a unique and fascinating musical combination.

His recent commitment focuses on the "Side-Eye" project, a fantastic initiative in which he mentors young musicians, breathing new life into his extensive catalog with their fresh and modern energy.  The Side-Eye project already has three main publications, each with a different line-up of musicians, which demonstrates its versatility and collaborative spirit.

 

The first release, 2021's "Side-Eye NYC (V1.IV)", was recorded live in New York with the incredible talents of James Francies on keyboards and Marcus Gilmore on drums.  It was an explosive debut that kicked off this exciting musical journey.

Then, between 2023 and 2024, came "Side-Eye V2.II", which documents the evolutions of the intermediate tour with variable lineups.  This release captures the dynamic energy and creative evolution of the project, showing the ability to adapt and grow.

Finally, the latest installment, "Side-Eye III+", was released on February 27, 2026, starring Chris Fishman and Joe Dyson.  This release represents the culmination of the project, combining the best of the whole journey.

He is joined by Chris Fishman, multi-instrumentalist and composer, who blends acoustic jazz and electronics, collaborating with Metheny and other artists, and Joe Dyson, drummer from New Orleans, who enriches the project with the rhythmic tradition of his city and a modern technique.

The title "Side-Eye III+" encompasses many meanings related to Pat Metheny's musical philosophy.
Let's start with "Side-Eye", a lateral, suspicious, curious look.  Metheny uses it to describe this project, which observes how new generations reinterpret his music and, at the same time, criticizes the current state of American society.
Then there is the "III" which indicates the third official chapter of the project.  
Finally, the "+" symbol represents expansion.  The sound is richer, more layered, thanks to the use of synthesizers and the Orchestrion.  And then the ensemble is also "expanded" with the addition of musicians such as Jermaine Paul and Leonard Patton.  

The album differs from the previous volumes of the Side-Eye project because it is composed entirely of new original material. While the first chapter revisited historical classics, this disc features eight unreleased tracks written specifically for the current trio or presented for the first time in this recording context.

My version is the GHD6628 edition (double 12" vinyl), released in March 2026 by Uniquity Music, the tracks range from modern fusion, orchestral atmospheres and contemporary jazz.

"In On It" is the track that opens the album, super rhythmic and energetic, almost rock. Metheny shows off fast lyrical improvisations on a super-smooth rhythm section.
"Don't Look Down" is a bit reminiscent of Question and Answer. When the pace picks up, Pat's guitar is reminiscent of Wes Montgomery's signature sounds.
"Make a New World" is a melodic composition with a sentimental touch. Here you can hear the more "singable" side of Pat, supported by layered textures.
"Urban and Western" is a piece of soul colors with blues cadences in the main theme with a vocal ensemble enriching the piece.
"SE-O" is an uptempo and streamlined song reminiscent of the sound of the famous Pat Metheny Group.  There are synth guitar solos and staccato themes typical of the 80s.
"Our Old Street" is a contemplative ballad reminiscent of the atmosphere of Secret Story. The emotionality is palpable thanks to the warm and electric notes of Metheny.
"Risk and Reward" is a track in which the trio experiments with dynamic structures, improvisation, pushed.
"So Far, So Good" is the track that closes the album and that balances nostalgia and modernity, with refined melodies on hints of Latin rhythms.

Beautiful album, a must for fans of the genre. Excellent!

My Version

Label: Uniquity Music – GHD6628, Green Hill – GHD6628, Uniquity Music – 792755662861, Green Hill – 792755662861
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: Worldwide
Release date: Feb 27, 2026

Tracklist

A1        In On It    7:56
A2        Don't Look Down    11:16
B1        Make A New World    10:05
B2        Urban And Western    7:24
C1        SE-O    6:51
C2        Our Old Street    5:23
D1        Risk And Reward    9:59
D2        So Far, So Good    5:46

LineUp

- Pat Metheny - guitars 
- Chris Fishman - keyboards 
- Joe Dyson - drums 
- Daryl Johns - bass 
- Brandee Younger - harp 
- Luis Conte - percussion 
- Leonard Patton - percussion, vocals

Listening link on the main streaming platforms at the following links:

1.             Spotify

2.             Apple Music / iTunes

3.             YouTube Music (Official playlist with all songs)

4.             YouTube (Playlist video/audio)

Note: All links to the musicians’ works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists"