Editorial Review

Joni Mitchell's 1970s and '80s forays into jazzier territory may have distressed her folkie faithful, but they also resulted in some uncompromising, challenging, and, yes, entertaining music. Witness this 73-minute document from her '79 tour, which finds her backed by her greatest band ever, including guitarist Pat Metheny and the extraordinary bassist Jaco Pastorius, as well as Metheny cohort Lyle Mays (keyboards), Michael Brecker (sax), and Don Alias (drums). Mitchell's Read more

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Reviews (50)

One of the best "back-up bands" ever, plus Joni!
I saw this concert LIVE, and I was blown away!My first "home" viewing was on a Laserdisc, which held more material (the DVD releases are edited, some better than others, this is the most complete) but this is the one to get: it has Jaco's solo, and Pat's solo...sure, her video clips are a little hokey (remember, it's the late 70's here) but what a concert!Pat Metheny was just cutting his teeth, and you can see him being "chastised" at the end of "Edith and the Kingpin" by Joni, just watch their interaction.Lyle Mays quotes "Phase Dance" on "In France they kiss..." near the end, listen for Joni sing "...pictures and songs from the Hit Parade..", and then he quotes the main theme of "Phase Dance"...the Laserdisc shows Lyle and Pat laughing it up but the DVD cuts that off.Jaco almost IS the show, he is STILL the best bassist ever, and what he does on his old Fender(s), fretless and fretted, is amazing.He and Don Alias really get it on.Joni looks MARVELOUS, and sings even better.There are a couple of throw-away tunes, but even "Raised On Robbery" gets a barrel-rollin' Lyle on the 88's.Bop saxophonist Michael Brecker gets his chance to really BLOW here, especially with Jaco on "Dry Cleaner From Des Moines".This is GREAT STUFF, for the Joni fan, for JAZZ fans, and for JACO and Pat Metheny fans!Excepting Miles' "greatest rhythm sections of all time", this is one of the best line-ups ever to grace a stage.And did I say Joni looks marvelous?A MUST-HAVE disc!

Joni Is Incomparable
In my estimation, anything by Joni is wonderful and worth having in your collection. This DVD is from her more jazz-influenced era than the folk era, and it is exquisite.

2 words: Jaco Pastorius
I never really dug Joni Mitchell, talented vocalist and songwriter that she..."may be."I mean, I kind of got over trying to be "hip" or "cool" right around the time I got busted (don't ask).But I did see her/hear her shrieking behind Neil Young in "The Last Waltz," and...well. But evidentally, this "negativism" is all my trip:I mean, just LOOK who the Lady's surrounded herself with, Metheny, Mayes, Brecker, Alias....but, truth is, I only wanted a DVD with Jaco on it.Sorry. And, from what I've read, he features quite prominently on this, so...well, I ordered it, it hasn't arrived yet, so maybe I'll comment further when I experience the DVD.Well, folks, it arrived today.I'm very happy with it, ESPECIALLY Jaco's solo part! But back to the "Star," really, I could have done without the bizarre chording and the annoying videos (this ain't MTV, dammit!). And, curious me, I wuz just wondering if, maybe, Joni spent some quality time on the dark side of the moon with Yoko Ono... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music Video - Pop/Rock    2. Rock    3. Singer/Songwriter   

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Reviews (21)

The Top
I guess when you hear PMG, you will know if you like them or not.For myself, I cannot think of a better group.The tape includes performances of a series of songs punctuating by a couple of interviews.Sometimes the stuff going on in the background seems a bit noisy and "artsy" but the music is incredible.It certainly adds a lot watching them perform.Pat Metheny often looks like he is on the verge of either sobbing or bursting out laughing.He clearly enjoys what he does.My Japanese copy of Secret Story has worn out and this is currently all I have left.Hopefully will get a good PMG DVD soon.

this is a music video performance like a oscar winning movie
Although a fan of Pat since he began (found him on WRVR in NYC)and love his original groups albums the best, this performance is incredible. It is so sensual, so personal and so powerful. It evokes emotions from quiet introspection to powerful energy releases. These performances done around friends and crew are truly what live performances should be, rested, comfortable, honest and enjoyable for both the players and the listeners. Almost any music appreciator will be touched postively by this video. Pat and company MAKE THIS A DVD!, we're all worried about wearing out the tapes! I have two and counting...

WOW - Essential Viewing/Listening
Just get it. Beautiful, progressing compositions. Fabulous solos. This music goes places. Nice visuals, too. I even prefer this somewhat to the PMG DVDs (all 5 stars though). Just get it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Music Video - Jazz    4. Pop    5. Post-Bop   

Editorial Review

Guitarist, composer, and bandleader Pat Metheny has done it all in thecourse of his career, and on his own terms. He's recorded in solo, duo, and trioformats and with groups of various sizes; he's composed film soundtracks, ledbands with the likes of Ornette Coleman, made a variety of guest appearances,and toured all over the world. Yet it's with his own Pat Metheny Group, anoutfit that he and keyboardist Lyle Mays began some 25 years ago, that he hasmade much of his arguably best and certainly most popular music. So it is, then,that any Metheny Group concert recording is a welcome addition to his catalog.Read more

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Reviews (18)

Captures the "Live Metheny Experience" very well
For fans of the familiar Blue and White stripped shirt performer, you will not be disappointed! I have had the pleasure to see PMG live only about 6 times and each time I wished I could see a little closer. This DVD brings you very close to the musicians. The sound is quite good as well.
The Sweet Spot Between Experimentation And Accessibility
This is an excellent DVD, and the perfect companion to a nice glass of wine on a relaxing evening.
Impecable!
Pat Metheny es un tipo muy grande...su musica es el reflejo de la excelencia. En concierto la produccion es perfecta...no puedo expresar con palabras coherentes y no melosas, que tan bonito es este dvd....pero le recomiendo que lo compre sin dudarlo mucho!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Music Video    3. Music Video - Jazz    4. Performance    5. Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (29)

The Quintessential Jazz Concert DVD
The concert starts out with Jack de Johnette coming out on stage and beginning the concert with a drum solo. Jack de Johnette is quite the legend in terms of jazz drumming, and he has been a top name in that area for at least the past twenty years. Along with Billy Cobham and Dave Weckyl, Jack de Johnette is one of the top jazz drummers of today. He can really groove! His solo that begins the concert is flamboyant yet reserved, patterned within what appears to be chaos, and it swings quite well.
Oh My! How Disturbing This Is and Worth Every Penny!!!
All I have to say is those of you who are Pat Metheny fans buy this DVD not just for him, but the first song "Shadow Dnace" by Dave Holland. He absolutely comes out of his "shell," and projects an insane, uncompromising, freak-out....oh and the other musicians are okay...just kidding.
Not to everyone's taste, but good, all the same
If you're a fan of either the Pat Metheny Group or Jack DeJohnette in Keith Jarrett's Standards trio, you won't necessarily like the music this superstar quartet plays. It's much closer in style to Metheny's 'Question & Answer' CD, which was recorded in the year preceding this concert. Add in Hancock's unique keyboards style and it's a very acquired taste.
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Subjects:  1. Avant-Garde Jazz    2. Fusion    3. Jazz    4. Music Video - Jazz    5. Pop    6. Post-Bop   

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Reviews (24)

A Pat Metheny Must-Have
I had never viewed a live performance recorded on to DVD before and when I ordered this DVD I had no idea how fantastic it would actually be. I was looking forward to being able to see the performers since that always makes a huge difference in the depth of the music, but hearing it in 5.1 surround was incredible! I was so surprised at the difference it makes. It really lets you enjoy the music on a new level. If you're a fan of the album this is definitely a must-have item.

Not so bad...
I really wish I had bought this earlier. I was put offby the bad reviews of the visuals, and as a pro cameraman, that was enough to dissuade me ...but I had to see it for myself, as Imaginary Day is one of my 2 fave PMG albums. I'm sure Steve Rodby learned a lot from this. Now, the camerawork is perfectly adequate- despite being fairly unprofessional. There are many late adjustments, obvious zooms, and some soft shots... as though two guys were running around trying to keep ten cameras following the action. The editing- mostly the transitional effects- are also quite indulgent & amateurish... but I felt that even if this DVD offered a less polished view of the PMG,It makes up for it with the feeling that this was the band's own home movie of a day or so at work, with all the immediacy that that implies, and also gives rackspotters a bigger eyeful than usual. Interestingly, they hired Tak Watanabe to direct their next DVD (Speaking of Now), a man I got to work with in 1988...In contrast to Imaginary Day, the Speaking of Now DVD is almost flawless...That said, I'm glad they let Steve Rodby man the controls. I think this is a more intimate viewing experience, despite the flaws, and I feel we all got an interesting and different look at the band for it- after all, the director is a member of the band.... I also thought the sound, esp. the DTS surround, was fabulous. Recommended.

Great Music - Awful Video
Too bad the the images, film direction and photography were not on par with the music. The sound quality is outstanding, but the video is downright BAD! Many scenes were shot looking at the backs of the subject being shot. Other times I thought my TV was broke when there were many seconds of total black and no image. Worst of all was the amaturish usage of every concievable video gimmack in the book. It was hard to look at this music video for more than 15 minutes as the shots bounced around so often and never gave me a chance to settle in and enjoy the concert. Did I mention that the composition and camera angles were not well thought out either. If you are looking for a really good DVD get the WE LIVE HERE, LIVE IN JAPAN. I wish I could get my money back for this non professional attempt to record a concert. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Music Video - Jazz    3. Pop