Rumors still circulate about Metheny's particularly strong musical presence when he, as Artist in Residence during Moldejazz 2001, performed nothing less than 8 concerts! Since then Moldejazz, due to touring-related reasons, have been unsuccessful in their endeavours to bring him back to the festival. Which makes it all the more exciting that Metheny now includes Molde as one of the stops of his spring-time tour with his new band; Chris Potter on saxophone, Ben Williams on bass, Antonio Sanches on drums, and Guilio Carmassi on keys/percussion.
It's said about Pat Metheny, an arist who has won multiple GRAMMY-awards, that the one predictable thing about him is that all he is concerned with is of the utmost quality. This was last demonstrated when he played with his one-man mechanical orchestra on the album and tour «Orchestrion», and when he received yet another GRAMMY for his baritone guitar-playing on «What's it All About». A highly enthusiastic Metheny says that with his new band he can, for the first time ever, perform songs from his entire career; from «Bright Size Life» through «Songs X» to «Secret Story». He's also considering to incorporate parts of the «Orchestrion»-concept. Metheny praises the other members of Unity Group; Chriss Potter as one of the most versatile wood-blowers in contemporary jazz, Ben Williams as someone equally skilled on both electric and acoustic bass, Antonio Sanches as one of the worlds best drummers, and last, but not lease, the latest addition to the band, Guilio Carmassi. He's described as a unique multi-instrumentalist whom, in addition to wood and brass, masters both guitars and drums and, on top of it all, sings. And, in the middle of all this, is one of the most acclaimed guitarists regardless of genre, Pat Metheny!
The concert in Bjørnsonhuset on May 8th is guaranteed to be a grand occasion!
