This was the first album I heard from Metheny back when it was first released in '79. It's still a favorite many years later. I'm not sure if it's the lighter side of fusion or just a nice electric jazz album, but it's a great piece of writing performed by spectacular musicians. It's kind of short, but it's complete unto itself. Metheny has a musical vision that can be uplifting and melancholy all at once. It is a gift to be shared and enjoyed. And of course, anything he does with Lyle Mays is always something special. Repleat with '70s jazz melodic tones and textures, the band is exploring its sound with an easy-going drive that coasts with a slightly rocking edge. The title tune is the shortest and most rockin'. The 12-and-a-half-minute "The Epic" is a jazzy spectacular way to end a tasty album. Metheny is a guy whose music you gotta love.......and this album is a wonderful example of the reasons why.
This is a great album and I have owned it on LP and cassette. I wanted a CD because that is the medium of choice at home, work, and auto. I don't know what the deal is, but just about all the bass is mixed out. Not only is the bass guitar almost completely muted, but even the lower drums to some extent. I KNOW this is not how this album was originally mixed. I have heard this on 4 different systems. Did I get a bad CD or are they all like this? --scott