FROM THIS PLACE

Nonesuch Records

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The care that goes into any Metheny creation warrants deep submersion. New album From This Place is no different. With a core of Antonio Sanchez on drums, Linda May Han Oh on bass and Gwilym Simcock on piano, its harmonic palette and deft arranging makes it so much more than just a ‘guitar album’. That said, Metheny’s Ibanez hollowbody tone is at the heart of the music and his playing remains a masterclass as he slips and slides around with a jazz-blues zest that evokes Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall. This could be classed as social art music, but that would suggest you need a weighty musical education to enjoy it; not so, this is for everyone. America Undefined is a staggering piece that keeps growing, while the title track is beautiful, band and orchestra supporting Meshell Ndegeocello’s vocals. If you’re a glutton for Metheny ballads, the closer Love May Take A While will take you for a seductive sonic ride. Utterly gorgeous!