Pat Metheny Group, Lyle Mays / NM, USA 01.22.1985 & more

This release features 72 minutes of live recordings from the US tour accompanying the release of “First Circle,” Metheny’s final album on ECM in 1984. The recordings are from Albuquerque on January 22nd and Santa Fe on July 22nd, 1985, both from audience masters that were of good quality for their time, and have been digitally remastered in 2026. Initially, the 1984 recording only included the latter half of the show, and the 1985 recording only the first half. These two recordings have been seamlessly edited together using crossfades and fade-ins and outs to create a single concert-like experience. Further balance adjustments and mastering have been applied to achieve a listening-quality sound. This period, just before Metheny’s departure from ECM and his entry into the Geffen label era, showcases his new challenges. The participation of South American multi-instrumentalist Pedro Aznar adds breadth and depth to the sound, resulting in a magnificent live performance that seems to open the door to the future of Metheny’s world. Furthermore, they later performed in Japan with almost the same members, making this a memorable and special item for fans. 1. FORWARD MARCH 2. PHASE DANCE 3. NAKED MOON 4. TELL IT ALL 5. DAULTON LEE 6. JAMES 7. FIRST CIRCLE at Paolo Soleri Amphitheater, Santa Fe, NM, USA, July 22th 1985 : Audience Recording / 44 min 8. END OF THE GAME 9. JACO 10. SAN LORENZO 11. AMERICAN GARAGE at Kiva Auditorium, Albuquerque, NM, USA, January 28th 1984 : Audience Recording / 28 min Pat Metheny – guitar, guitar synthesizer / Lyle Mays – piano, synthesizers, electric organ, autoharp / Steve Rodby – electric bass, double bass, synthesizer / Paul Wertico – drums, percussion / Pedro Aznar – vocals, various backing instruments