First Circle

• Artist: Pat Metheny Group
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1984 02 15-1984 02 19
• Total Time: 49:54
• Type: Instrumental
• Genre: Jazz

Review

In First Circle, the Pat Metheny Group settled into a lineup that lasted for quite a while -- with Metheny, keyboardist Lyle Mays, bassist Steve Rodby, and new drummer Paul Wertico forming the core quartet. The ever-restless Metheny also mixes up the music, not quite leaving the Brazilian glide behind but coming up with some fascinating permutations always affixed with his personal stamp. "Forward March," the album opener, is a bizarre parody full of detuned instruments and half-cocked trumpet from Mays; one wonders if this was directed at a few silly skirmishes of the day (Grenada? the Falklands?). "The First Circle" has Brazilian elements, but now in the service of a grander architectural context, while nothing could be simpler and yet more sophisticated than the delicate ballad "If I Could." "End of the Game" might be the best track on the record, equipped with a beautiful pop-flavored set of tunes and harmonies, with a rock beat fused to the floating ambience of South America as personified by the new Argentine percussionist/vocalist Pedro Aznar. "Praise," the closer, is an out-and-out rock tune, an affirmative flip side of "Forward March" and the last of a series of delightful surprises. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Forward March	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(2:49)
Yolanda, You Learn	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(4:49)
The First Circle	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(9:16)
If I Could	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(7:01)
Tell It All	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(7:59)
End of the Game	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(8:02)
Mas Alla (Beyond)	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(5:40)
Praise	Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays	Pat Metheny	(4:18)

Credits

Pat Metheny (Synthesizer), Pat Metheny (Guitar (Acoustic)), Pat Metheny (Guitar), Pat Metheny (Composer), Pat Metheny (Guitar (Electric)), Pat Metheny (Guitar (Steel)), Pat Metheny (Sitar), Pat Metheny (Guitar (12 String)), Pat Metheny (Producer), Pat Metheny (Synclavier), Pat Metheny (Slide Guitar), Pat Metheny (Guitar (Classical)), Pat Metheny (Sitar (Electric)), Pat Metheny (Main Performer), Pat Metheny (Performer), Pat Metheny (Soloist), Pat Metheny (Guitar Synth), Pat Metheny (Synclavier Guitar), Pat Metheny (Guitar (12 String Acoustic)), Vance Anderson (Producer), Vance Anderson (Production Assistant), Vance Anderson (Assistant Producer), Pedro Aznar (Guitar (Acoustic)), Pedro Aznar (Guitar), Pedro Aznar (Percussion), Pedro Aznar (Glockenspiel), Pedro Aznar (Vocals), Pedro Aznar (Voices), Pedro Aznar (Whistle (Human)), Pedro Aznar (Guitar (12 String)), Pedro Aznar (Whistle (Instrument)), Pedro Aznar (Bells), Pedro Aznar (Lyricist), Pedro Aznar (Guitar (Classical)), Pedro Aznar (Guitar (Nylon String)), Pedro Aznar (Guitar (12 String Acoustic)), Rob Eaton (Assistant Engineer), Jan Erik Kongshaug (Engineer), Lyle Mays (Organ), Lyle Mays (Synthesizer), Lyle Mays (Piano), Lyle Mays (Trumpet), Lyle Mays (Composer), Lyle Mays (Keyboards), Lyle Mays (Bells), Lyle Mays (Synclavier), Lyle Mays (Oberheim), Lyle Mays (Agogo Bell), Steve Rodby (Bass), Steve Rodby (Bass (Electric)), Steve Rodby (Drums (Bass)), Steve Rodby (Guitar (Bass)), Paul Wertico (Cymbals), Paul Wertico (Drums), Paul Wertico (Drums (Snare)), David Oakes (Producer), David Oakes (Production Assistant), David Oakes (Assistant Producer), Pat Metheny Group (Performer), Paul Natkin (Photography), Niki Gatos (Producer), Niki Gatos (Production Assistant), Niki Gatos (Assistant Producer), Tom Sheehan (Producer), Tom Sheehan (Production Assistant), Tom Sheehan (Assistant Producer), Barbara Wojirsch (Cover Design), Juan Castagnola (Photography), William Clift (Photography), Jerry Radas (Producer), Jerry Radas (Production Assistant), Jerry Radas (Assistant Producer)