Pat Metheny Trio

Pat Metheny, guitar; Antonio Sanchez, drums; Christian McBride, bass.

These guys put on a great show last night at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA. I’ve seen Metheny about a dozen times over the last 25 years, mostly touring with the full Pat Metheny Group (PMG) and occasionally in a duo format. This was my first taste of his music performed in trio and one of the flat out best concerts I’ve seen him put on. The three-man format combined elements of the high-wire energy typical to PMG shows with the more up-close vibe of a smaller band in a relatively intimate venue. They played pieces culled primarily from the Trio's new album, Day Trip,interspersed with a good deal of emotionally charged improvisation.

This clip is from a recent European performance, broadcast on Switzerland's Italian language TV station TSI-2. Last night might be the first time I’d ever seen Pat not wear the signature faded black jeans and striped t-shirt combo which he’s sporting in this video. And though bassist Christian McBride was dressed a tad more formally at last night’s gig, it’s cool to see the Philly native showing some home team love on stage in Europe.