Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions

Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions is an inspiring cinematic journey into the harmonious world of legendary American jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny. Directed by Pierre Lamoureux and released in 2016, this film offers a unique blend of captivating music, insightful behind-the-scenes content, and intimate group interplay, revealing a close-knit universe within its confines of music, passion, and genius.

In the visual translation of the Unity Band, which first appeared in 2012, Pat Metheny takes an unconventional route, utilizing multi-instrumentalist Chris Potter on saxophone and bass clarinet, double bassist Ben Williams, and drummer Antonio Sanchez. The enchanting blend of these diverse yet converging talents creates a harmonious atmosphere that’s both soothing and invigorating to the senses.

The movie kicks off in a quaint black-box theatre in midtown Manhattan, where the musicians gathered over the course of two days for a series of performances meticulously captured by cameras. As the sessions unfold, the camera acts as one more participant, circling the action, capturing tightly focused close-ups and wider landscapes, giving a spectator a privilege to savor the seamless chemistry of incredible artists, as if they were part of the sessions themselves.

In Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions, Metheny and his team perform tracks taken from their two studio albums, Unity Band and Unity Group. True to the spirit of unity, the tracks drift into extended forms reflective of how they've evolved on tour. They tackle the gloriously swinging 'Roofdogs’' and the contemplative ‘Kin’, among other tunes, revealing the full spectrum of the band’s capabilities.

Individually, each of the ensemble's members is impressive, but it is their collective sound that is truly captivating. As a group, they navigate intricate rhythmic structures, creating intensely moving, ambient soundscapes, and fiery, upbeat jams. Metheny himself is an appealing narrator, speaking candidly and providing illuminating background information about the songs and the band's creative process.

One of the standout elements of the movie is its sound design, with precision given to echoing Metheny’s harmonic richness and the idiosyncratic tone of his inimitable 42-string Pikasso guitar. This guitar, a distinctive component to the visual as well as the audio texture of the movie, is a testament to Metheny's constant push of boundaries both as a musician and an innovator.

The unique hybrid spirit of jazz is beautifully foregrounded. The old, new, expressive, impulsive, structured, free-spirited elements of the genre have all been gracefully embraced, presenting a vivid illustration of what jazz feels like in the 21st century. Moreover, the raw aspect of the performances, punctuated with the musicians' laughter, whispers, and shouts, pulls the viewer into the shared joy of creating and experiencing music.

But, beyond all, the passion of the musicians shines out unmistakeably. Metheny’s ethereal solos, Potter’s majestic saxophone lines, Williams’s earthy double bass textures, and Sanchez’s multifaceted percussion abilities create a vibrant panorama of contemporary jazz at its best. These are storied musicians who speak a shared language, feeding off each other, probing the depths, and reaching the peaks of their collaborative creativity.

Visually appealing, emotionally stimulating, and musically enriching, Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions is not just a concert film; it's a witness to a shared pilgrimage motivated by a love for music. The movie successfully manages to capture the spirit and joy of live music, transcending the boundaries of a mere recording format.

This movie promises a transformative experience for all music aficionados, especially those invested in the grandeur of jazz. Whether you're an ardent Pat Metheny fan, or new to his rich catalogue, or simply a curious admirer of music's inherent magic - this is your ticket to an unforgettable journey. The Unity Sessions demonstrate why Metheny remains at the forefront of jazz, beckoning viewers into a world where creativity reigns, unity thrives, and music always, always, matters.