Classical Composer Reacts to To The End of The World (Pat Metheny Group) | The Daily Doug (Ep. 302) 

There's nothing more beautiful than Lyle May's piano solos

RIP Lyle. One of the best piano solos he did with the group. Also love the Roland synth solo by Pat. I have listened to this piece hundreds of times and never tire of it.

Pat is one of the great American guitarists, a composer, an innovator, sometimes seemingly undervalued in the flow of time. This is a brilliant track.

These guys have ALWAYS been MASTERS at what they’ve done .. the PMG will always be UNIQUE

"September fifteenth" from the album "As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls". You won't regret listening to this masterpiece.

Doug - ya gotta do "First Circle". Melodically, Harmonically and Rhythmically - it will push all your buttons, while being so subtle you will end up just digging the ride.

This song never fails to get to me. Its a jam, its dramatic, colorful, textural, deeply emotional and captivating. One of my top faves. ❤️‍🔥

The thunderclap makes for a perfect climax for Pat's guitar synth solo here. I've read that it was a lucky accident. They were recording in New England when a storm moved in and this was captured on tape. Not at that precise moment in the score, I'd suspect, but edited in. As you delve into Pat's ECM work, you'll see much use of such "found sounds." Train noises are a recurring theme. Echoed human voices are major sonic elements of "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Pat and Lyle wrote this after witnessing a tornado near Metheny's Kansas home. Three intervals of crowd voices mark the progress of the storm. First, the calm tones of casual conversations, then screams of anguish, then, as positive resolution, a bunch of children laughing and shrieking, playing in a pool. Those little unexpected doses of real-world sounds, a la musique concrete, were one of the most appealing aspects of the Pat Metheny Group's music. It was almost unprecedented in jazz, but it echoed the sonic collages of The Beatles later period.

"As falls Witchita, so falls Witchita Falls" is another classic that should not be missed. Turn down the lights, crank up the volume and just soak in the brilliance of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. Love your show, Doug. Keep up the great work.

The thunder storm and rain that happens was recorded by accident. It was storming outside during the recording and was captured through an open door. They decided to keep it in the final recording and even had lighting effects that simulate the lightning during the live performance. RU-vid has one of the live performance of you search. Also, Pats podcast “Behind The Music” gives accounts by the band members on how all of the albums came to be. Many of the albums anyway.

Started listening to Pat and Company in 85'. To this day I cannot tire of any of his songs and ALWAYS find something new within them. IMO he's is among the greatest composers alive today. BTW, RIP Lyle, you were a great one and your music will live on.

This is by far my favorite Metheny tune....I used to travel regularly from Denver to Salt Lake, and I would put this CD in about the time I was entering the desert proper in Eastern Utah, about sunset, and this song, together with the desert on fire, would just transform me into a different, cosmic realm.....that little guitar riff at 16:08-09 (which you talked through...) is the most subtle little manifestation of Pat's genius in the entire piece......was cool seeing the score and your chord progression breakdown......

Great reaction to my favorite song EVER!!! I was a DJ at WUMR (formerly 91.7 FM, "The Jazz Lover") and from what I was told, I was one of the first DJ's to play "To The End of The World", live, on the air, in it's entirety. Having been a music major over 40 years ago, the progressions drove my ears insane!!! It was love at first listen. I wholeheartedly agree with your excitement regarding the song. The ONLY place we disagree is that the SOUND EFFECT sections lends itself to separating the first 10 minutes from the last 2 minutes. It was a demarcation that I thought was absolutely brilliant. I closed my radio show at midnight with the song every time I was on the air. I played it uninterrupted until the VAMP AND FADE. That's when I back announced and signed off. Thanks for your insights. Barry Ford

GOD DAMN!!!! This music is so great! Every note and every drum stroke is tasty! Thanks Doug!

First Circle will push your buttons! The Approaching Storm another good one. I can't believe I have been listening to The Pat Metheny Group since the late seventies and waiting for each new album with bated breath! He has put a lifetime of excellent music out there and It gives me great joy to listen to his music!

I see Pat Metheny Group and it’s an immediate thumbs up! PMG tunes always take me somewhere.

I'm a Pat fan from the '80s. I'm not a musician but I enjoy hearing these songs through your knowledge base. Btw, unique sounds are part of the sound of the band. Pat embraced the way the synthesizer put its stamp on 70s and 80s pop music and Jazz-Rock fusion. I know lots of guitar purists that hate how he alters his guitar sound but I love it. The Way Up is another gem. Check it out.

Lyle and Pat are the kings of ‘ethereal’. Common tone modulations are a mainstay of their works. Genius folks! “Phase Dance” would be well worth taking a look at too. Thank you, Sir! 😉👍

Pat Metheny is so expressive with that Roland guitar synth, which also creates quite a contrast with his beautifully fulsome and melodic hollow-body guitar sound.

Huge Metheny fan here for 40 years. Great job! Love seeing and hearing someone experience this incredible music for the first time. I hope "First Circle" is your next Metheny tune. It's mind blowing when you start breaking it apart.

The way i look at it as calm at the beginning, a calm world, Lyle's(RIP) solo slowly starts to build throughout, then Pat with his iconic Roland guitar synth sound, builds and screams then the "explosion"..... end of the world....then back to the calm of a "new" world? I saw this live and it was amazing!!!!!

A suggestion: "Are You Going With Me?" from the album Offramp by the Pat Metheny Group. I find it hauntingly beautiful. There is also a live version on the album Travels.

Thanks for this. That's one of my favorite Metheny tracks, just unbelievably good. If you really want to dive into something *huge*, try "The Way Up". It's a composition that takes an entire CD, It's almost 70 minutes long, in 4 sections and it is the last thing Metheny and Lyle Mays did together. The structure will really interest you, I think, because you have all of these "motifs" (I believe this is the right word?) that are repeated in various forms all the way through. Just a stunning piece of music. (Metheny said that it was influenced by Steve Reich.)

The Pat Metheny Group is in my top 10. “To The End of the World” is one my favorites. I listen to it all the time, even the live performance. I backpack a lot in Shenandoah National Park and many times I come across incredible views and expanses in the middle of nowhere where. No people. This is the tune I hear in my head. I did a 45 day east-west-east cross country road trip and whenever I see mountain, lakes, rivers, and valley views, this is my theme song. It gets lots of playtime in my car. Great Reaction video oF The PMG “To The End of the World”

Love PMG! It’s not just music to your ears but to your soul. So soothing I’ll never get tired of it. Thanks for sharing your review.

Wow this was my first time listening to Pat Metheny Group. Outstanding!

One of my favorite PMG tunes is "So May It Secretly Begin", studio version, highlighted by Lyly's solo. It melts me.

I like the 'weather effects' for one reason - after the crescendo of Pat's solo and the entire band, things need to reset to the original theme ... and I think a direct transition wouldn't have worked. This gives your head a chance to reset as well. As for the main melody recapitulation at the end, for me whereas the original run feels contemplative yet conversational with the bass, the end part feels introspective - like a review of a conversation with yourself.

Doug thank you so much for giving your musical interpretation of Till the End of the World. It’s one of my favorite songs. I enjoy it from a listener’s perspective but I’m not trained from a musical scholar’s perspective. It has given me an even greater appreciation for a song I love!!! Keep doing what you do!!🎼

Great video! The list of wonderful Metheny/Mays songs is huge. Here's one: " September 15th."

"Are You Going With Me", "The First Circle", "It's For You" are probably my top 3 favorites from PMG if you are looking for more recommendations. :)

Often overlooked is Steve Rodby's bass work thoughout the entire song especially the two major solo sections.

Thanks, Doug! That is my #1 favorite musical piece. It elicits tears of joy for me.

Great tune.The Groove of this song reminds me of "Captain Of Her Heart" by The Double. My favorite from Pat Metheny is "Last Train Home" so cool

Thank you Doug for explaining us the structure of 12 phrasal tempos in which is built this beautuful piece of music of Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays for the Pat Metheney Group. I have as my favourites " It's for you" with predominantky ruling soubds of the Lyle Mays okarina sound, and also I would like you yo react to " Facing Wesr" song which suggests ne a great number of horses riding on the Red Canyon or so. A very beautiful image for sure. I really enjoy several of Pat and Lyle compositions. Their music make me feel motivated to the action abd the good -mood. It is a very uplifting music. No doubt. Another in the list is: 5-5-7 which suggesrs me a businessman running to his office in a hurry. Or the idea of being in movement by walking with shoes in a hurry to go to work but in very optimistic way. No doubt Pat and Lyle' music is healing.

I listened to this over & over when it was released. Lyles solo & then Pat's synth guitar solo just soars.

So just cool Doug that you cover PMG incredible music compositions. Thank you! Am a big PMG fan for 30yrs. First Circle, Phase Dance, Roots of Coincidence, The Way Up, ...

From 2:24 starts the vibe, from 5:35 starts the heaven...

Doug you are a trip.Thank you so much for what you do. I love watching how you process the music. It helps ear players like myself better understand what they are doing. I would think you might listen afterward through a proper hifi speaker system and the lights down low. As much as I love my headphones, there is nothing like listening to the music as the notes literally hang in the air. No thinking. Just soak in the sonic sensations of this modern day Mozart. I share the others gratitude of your bringing this music to others and feel a genuine thrill at your obvious appreciation for how Pat and Lyle display their gift for blending melody harmony and rhythm. I know that it has transported me to a different realm for over forty years. I never fail to meet like minded devotees sharing their passion at the dozens of live shows I have had the enormous privilege of attending through out my life. I highly recommend Travels and The Road to you, two of the finest live recordings of any band. Are you Going with Me and Goodbye are indescribably beautiful and The Half Life of Absolution will send you into orbit. Pat will be at State College Pennsylvania on February 3. Although not the full on display from the groups live recordings the show was nonetheless quite enjoyable at The Rady Shell where I live in San Diego. There are also some great RU-vid videos of some live stuff with new ones appearing every month or so. Thanks again and keeping sharing your love for music.

Third Wind is also another great relaxing track

You have to do The Way Up. It might be too long for your show though. It’s one piece, about 60 minutes long comprised of an intro and three parts. It’s a masterpiece. I saw them perform it live & it was as breathtaking as the LP. Secret Story, Off Ramp, Letter from Home, Imaginary Day…..All of them…everything is outstanding.

Metheny and Mays. Genuses of the era in jazz, without question. Their entire catalog is inspiring. Pick any one and listen, and you will see.

Reminds me of that cold rainy night in 1995 when I first heard this on Jazz FM... a classic jazz track for all times.

Thank you for this Doug! So heartening to hear a fresh perspective on Metheny & Mays and feel your passion for the language they speak accompanied by an astute play by play of the composition itself. That was cool 😎 Would love to see you cover "If I could" "Mas Alla" and "September Fifteenth". Great job sir and be well 🙏🏻

now you're getting to the good stuff! love PMG - thanks for your analysis on this video!

"The Way Up" will blow your mind

Pat’s music makes me happy. Seeing a musician digging it in a musical way makes me happier. Thank you, Doug.

As a classical composer I'd love you to talk about this one: "Not to be forgotten (Our Final Hour)", last track of his album _Secret Story_. As it's also a classical orchestral and beatiful piece

One of my favorite songs of all time and it is fun to see Doug's reaction. I was blessed to see the PMG play this majestic tune live in Sacramento on the "We Live Here Tour" and it was a show stopper. The song moves me in many ways but there's a yearning and relentless intensity married to a subtle sense of melancholy. Tremendous songwriting and musicianship as always. I believe the songwriting team of Lyle Mays and Pat Metheny was the best American songwriting team ever. Their output from about 1977-2005 was consistently outstanding with several groundbreaking albums. Steve Rodby is not only an outstanding bass player, but a trusted producer as well. Paul Wertico remains my favorite drummer of all time...Which Metheny song to investigate next? Hmmmm...What about "Half Life of Absolution" from the live album, "The Road to You?" I also like Edison's suggestion of "First Circle."

Doug really shows his appreciation of this music and music knowledge. The sound effects section is the narrative to show that this song is the train running through the wind, rain and thunder.

Era un 11 de Agosto de 1995 , entre a mixip en guadalajara y cuando vi el cd … y titulo supuse algo grande, pase al auto lo empece a escuchar y Woooo , otro discazo de Pat y lyle y llegando a la pista # 4 …. Un asombro lo que mis oidos estaban escuchando…. Que ritmo , clase, nonono , esta pieza solo la pueden haser grandes genios …. Gracias Pat y Gracias Lyle…. Por siempre “ to the end of the world” 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

fantastic thing talkin bout music explaining harmonies!! and mr Doug doesnt know so much pmg! this is the best way to understand the language of artists,not only emotions, thanks soo much ciao from Italy

More Metheny please!!!

"As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls." Both the 1981 studio version and Travels, the band's first live album version of this composition are imo equal to each other. It also reflects the sublime expression or musical quality of The Pat Metheny Group you had eluded to in your video. 'To the End of the World', likewise captures our unique sense or corporeal reflection of "Time" and human existence It has become a recurring theme and considertion for The Pat Metheny Group over the decades.

Thank you for sharing PMG today with this track- I remember buying this tape to play in my car in 96 and was deeply moved by the R&B sound to the album, more so than any other previous one. The fluidity of the melodies on To The End Of The World are really dynamic with amazing solos by both Pat and Lyle showcasing their styles in improv that demonstrate how versatile they both are in conceptual Jazz with Blues, Bebop etc. There are so many key changes and modulations that keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat all through the PM whaling Guitar Synth solo. Also very interesting how the song winds down with to the drum and bass groove that takes us out. Another really amazing analysis video Doug! Never disappointed by PMG

Methany and Mays, doesn't get any better. Masters of the cool groove.

Pat Metheny's Catalog is extremely Large... He's one of the most intense touring musicians too. the group did like 250 concerts a year, fresh every time, every time. Pat himself would do extra side stuff... also always fresh. If you listen to the early stuff from the Seventies, you'll be very amazed how awesome that music still sounds, and those guys were in their early 20's back then...

'First Circle' is the one to listen to. It's a fascinating, complex and unique composition. 'Are You Going With Me' is a legendary PMG tune that is a must-listen, but compositionally it's not quite as interesting because it repeats in a Bolero-type manner. It's a great experience nonetheless, and Lyle came up with a great counterpoint for the melody that isn't in the lead sheet.

Hi Doug: I’m fairly new to your site. I’ve been listening to PMG ever since they joined the Jazz scene. The music you should be listening to is anything from Imaginary Day. My mother was also Classically trained and went with me to see PMG on this tour. The entire set evokes a day in the life from one morning to the next. It is what you say, sublime, especially when it passes from the night train passing into dawn.

I have loved this song for years and after hearing your analysis I have learned a lot and like it even more. Great job!

One of my very favorites!!! I heard there was an actual thunderstorm while they were recording - so they put it in.

The "weather effects" was an actual storm that was going on during the recording. The thunder clap was just left in the song

The Roots of Coincidence was really what brought my attention to the PMG. Sounds ahead of it’s time and might be worth a listen!

the whole album is amazing ! saw the concert during the tour for this album at Massey Hall in Toronto..Pat and the rest of the group did not disappoint !! thanks for doing this Doug 👍🏻✌️

Saw this one live at Red Rocks back in the 90s and WOW can't imagine a better way to experience this song on a summer night at such an amazing location.

Doug I would absolutely suggest you analyze First Circle. It is actually astounding in composition and performance. ♥

Knowing that the ECM tracks will get blocked. Have to stick to the Geffen stuff. My recommendation would be "See the World" from Pat's Secret Story album. The chord changes are crazy!

Absolutely fantastic reaction and analysis Doug! When I studied music in high school this album just came out. Beyond the Missouri Sky, Dream Theaters Awake, Yellowjackets Like a River and Steve Vai´s Passion and warfare was pretty much what I listened to for a couple of years. Amazing stuff. Awake is to this day my all time fav album.

Pat Metheny - The first circle. A Must.

The Major third jumps during the Pat solo is something he does very often. It has a very cool "opening up" ladder effect. I love the way you analyzed and explained it.

Can't wait until you encounter Holdsworth and his music

First Circle, The heat of the day, last train home, Slip Away are some amazing songs you should check out!

Thank you Mr. D. Helvering for this theory lesson. You explained it so well; I can stop the video and map out the chords and then understand Methany's magic. I just discovered your channel and will be coming back for more practical, applicable lessons!

Hi! In my humble opinion, the most interesting may be: 5-5-7 (Letter From Home) See the World (Secret Story) Third Wind (Still life (talking)) A Story Within the Story (Imaginary Day) When We Were Free (Quartet) Oceania (Quartet) Language of Time (Quartet) Follow Me (Imaginary Day) Wide and Far (From This Place) Are We There Yet (Letter From Home) Facing West (Secret Story) As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls () Mas Alla (Beyond) (First Circle) And thanks for all the work. I really liked the one with your friend DJ Rae who seems to like MINUANO as much as I do :-D

Loved this so much! So much fun to watch and hear your comments…I was smiling the whole time!

The "Sound Effects" = CLASSIC PMG!! that's why we love him and all the members!!

Woah! One of my favs! Thank you!!!!!

Great job, Doug! The sheet music was awesome. And as always, great analysis.😊

Pliz... “Are You Going With Me?” is a masterpiece. To me is a musical “intercourse”. Two bodies floating on musical notes till the...

I got to see them on this tour..promoting this album..it was awesome to hear this song.Especially when it came to its peak...astoundingly. Great Review.

The title is "To the end of the world" the sound effect is just that. The end - a break up. The last solo is a grand lament ending in the crash. "To the end of the world" moves me to tears every time I hear it

Episode d'Azur is a masterpiece (same album We live here)

I was into Metheny in extremely High School. Metheny and Mays was my late night chill tracks. This song is right up my alley.

Always love the expressiveness of this comp. So good.

Pat always starts to a travel program, then moves to an adventure or two, some more involved then the other, but then always returns you safe to the beginning♥️

My first Pat concert was 2014 Ann Arbor MI , with the Unity Band ben Williams Chris potter Antonio Sanchez. Best concert I’ve ever seen ❤

16:50 this song reminds me of living in a warm winter climate, feeling free, etc. unlike where I was born/raised on the East Coast.

Check out “First Circle” Pat Metheny Group. It has everything that makes for the perfect mix pushing all emotional buttons.

I've heard this hundreds of times... I even enjoy it on my longer running sessions... it's so open to interpretations, just beautiful streams of thoughts...

Legend has it that while they were recording, there was a blackout due to a storm and they wanted to include that type of effect in the final recording.

A lot of stuff comes into my head regarding this piece. A lot of movement, travel. moments of life slipping by. Lyle and Pat are my favorite composers. Wish Lyle was still with us. Been listening to them since they came out in 1977 or so. Try some of their early stuff if you're not familiar with it. Their white album, San Lorenzo, Jaco or some of their Brazilian influenced material with Pedro Aznar's voice. There is just so much stuff and it's all amazing. Thank you for showing the chart. It's fun to follow that.

Great solo by Mays, the harmonic embellishments and rhythmic alterations are particularly interesting! Metheny's guitar-synth solo is fantastic!

Can't read a single note myself, but what I hear is beautiful 😉. Lyle is a master on the piano. Love your video explaining how brilliant PMG is. Thanks!

Red Sky and Are you going with me? Two of my favorites.

This is a classic. I'm ashamed to say I have just begun listening to this man's music and I've been around for quite a few years. The percussion here is delightfully repetitive and amazingly consistent and crisp. Sumptuous bass line throughout. The guitar, piano and synth, in contrast to the percussion are just a bit "lazy" and, therefore, free flowing and alive. The melody will not be hurried. Excellent. I listen to this and First Circle quite often.

Third Wind is my song suggestion. You can't go wrong with Pat Metheny!

That song makes me cry. Best Album of PMG. Sublime

[taps foot impatiently, wondering when Doug will react/analyze some of Lyle's solo work... like Alaskan Suite, Slink, the Street Dreams suite, or for a rhythmic challenge, the live version of Chorinho] Really enjoy your analyses, Doctor Doug. :) Keep it comin', sir.

Something To Remind You is a very beautiful song on the same album (We LiveHere). The chord progression and the vocals are gorgeous.

Very hypnotic sound .transportational too