Patrick Bruce “Pat” Metheny (pronounced muh-THEE-nee); was born 12th August 1954.
He is widely acclaimed as being one of the most successful and critically acclaimed jazz musicians to come to prominence in the 70s and ’80’s. His style incorporates elements of progressive and contemporary jazz, post-bop, latin jazz and jazz fusion.
Image here shows him with one of his trusted Ibanez PM20 Signature guitars.
Metheny was born and raised in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, a suburb south-east of Kansas City. Following his graduation from Lee’s Summit High School, he briefly attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.
In 1975 he joined vibraphonist Gary Burton’s band, where he played alongside resident jazz guitarist Mick Goodrick. Metheny has of course collaborated with many musicians throughout the world since that day and honed his distinctive sound that has drawn upon a multitude of influences including Brazilian music the Beatles, Miles Davis and numerous classical and Jazz guitarists. Wes Montgomery is cited as being one Metheney’s greatest influences and the album “Smokin at The Half Note” as the greatest Jazz Guitar albums of all time.
Metheny continues to lead the Pat Metheny Group today but continues to explore alternative avenues being involved in duets, solo works and other side projects.
