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| “Transcendence: Music of Pat Metheny” The Premier Recording Featuring Bob Gluck, Christopher Dean Sullivan, And Karl Latham Pat Metheny has long been world famous for his distinctive sound and inventive guitar playing. Less well-known are his skills as a composer, covering a wide range from introspective ballads to free improvisations. The newly formed trio Transcendence pays tribute to Pat Metheny's music on their debut recording without utilizing a guitar. Comprised of three superb veteran musicians (pianist-keyboardist Bob Gluck, electric bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan, and drummer Karl Latham), the group captures the sound and spirit of five Metheny compositions along with a song apiece by Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett. Gluck is primarily on acoustic piano during the explorative post-bop music of "Question and Answer" (originally recorded by Metheny in 1989 in a trio with bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Roy Haynes), a harmonically rich version of "Afternoon" (from the 2001 album Speaking Of Now), and the beautifully picturesque "The Bat" (introduced on the guitarist's 80/81). Two other Metheny pieces, 1981's "Offramp" and "Roof Dogs" (from 2014), feature Gluck playing the Roli Seaboard, a keyboard instrument that has an intense sound reminiscent of Metheny's guitar synthesizer at its wildest. The stimulating support and musical commentary supplied by Sullivan (who also takes a few lyrical solos) and drummer Latham give the ensemble a unified sound and the group its own musical personality. The same is true on an abstract and acoustic version of Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance" and a thought-provoking exploration of Keith Jarrett's "Everything That Lives Laments"; the latter has some of Sullivan's most inventive bass playing of the memorable set. Bob Gluck certainly qualifies as an expert on Pat Metheny's music, having recently authored Pat Metheny: Stories Beyond Words (University of Chicago Press) which follows his books You'll Know When You Get There: Herbie Hancock and the Mwandishi Band, and The Miles Davis Lost Quintet and Other Revolutionary Ensembles. In his wide-ranging career the keyboardist has led a dozen albums of his own. Christopher Dean Sullivan has performed in many different styles of music and has uplifted the music of such notables as Sheila Jordan, Stanley Jordan, Archie Shepp, Grant Green, Joe Lovano and Yusef Lateef in addition to working as a member of the Cotton Club All Star Orchestra. Karl Latham also has vast musical experiences including leading his group Living Standards, working with the John Lee Quartet, the Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, and Johnny Winter, serving as Musical Director for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group The Shirelles, co-leading Big Fun(K) with Don Braden, and leading five albums. His most recent recording is Living Standards II, a project that has vibraphonist Wolfgang Lackerschmid as a special guest. He is included in the Drummerworld's prestigious Top Drummers list. Together as Transcendence, Gluck, Sullivan and Latham form a memorable team, reinventing past classics of Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett in their own voices. Artist: TRANSCENDENCE Title: MUSIC OF PAT METHENY Band Website: https://electricsongs.com/transcendencemusic/ Release Date: July 1, 2025 Label: FMR Catalog Number: CD 718-0125 UPC Code: 642415162852 MUSICIANS: Bob Gluck (keyboards), Christopher Dean Sullivan (electric bass), Karl Latham (drums) TRACK LISTING 1. Question & Answer (Pat Metheny) 6:05 2. Afternoon (Pat Metheny) 5:15 3. The Bat (Pat Metheny) 6:29 4. Offramp (Pat Metheny) 7:35 5. Roof Dogs (Pat Metheny) 5:38 6. Dolphin Dance (Herbie Hancock) 5:42 7. Everything that Lives Laments (Keith Jarrett) 6:33 Total CD Time 43:07 Recording Engineer: Karl Latham Mixed/mastered by Paul Wickliffe at Skyline Productions, South Orange, NJ Live Appearance Sunday, May 18, 2025, 1:30-2:30pm Mount Kisco Public Library 100 E. Main Street Mount Kisco, NY 10549-2304 Sponsored by The Mount Kisco Arts Council Featuring Bob Gluck (keyboards) Christopher Dean Sullivan (bass) Karl Latham (drums) Bob will offer commentary from his book, Pat Metheny, Stories beyond Words. write your comments about the article :: © 2025 Jazz News :: home page |