John Scofield and Pat Metheny - I Can See Your House From Here

Reid · August-5th-2003, 04:34 AM

On blue note with Steve Swallow and Bill Stewart.

I really like Metheny's tunes on this. Actually, I'm not prepared to talk about this album in its entirety, but I wanted to start this album because of the second track, "The Red One." I really like this tune, and the playing that is on it. I like when Metheny comes in with the guitar synth. This tune has the same sort of vibe as Marc Johnson's "Samurai Hee-Haw." I think if you like the Bass Desires group, you'd like this album.

Jazzooo · August-5th-2003, 02:14 PM

Hi, Reid--long time!

I've always liked this album, though i start to drift a little about halfway through. I love the first tune as well--that kind of irregularly shaped bluesy form.

BlueMiles · August-5th-2003, 10:01 PM

You know, Marc Johnson seems to be the man behind a lot of these great pairings of guitarists. "The Sound of Summer Running" seemed to be an update of the Bass Desires concept, though here both Frisell and Metheny come off as exceptioanlly mellow. The early albums with Scofield and Frisell featured a lot of energy and some freak-out sounds.

Even "I Can See Your House" (without Johnson) is pretty mellow--at least mellower than what I expected. I agree that "The Red One" is a highlight--it kicks!

Johnson also shows up on John Abercrombie's latest album--"Cat 'n Mouse"--a most unusual and rewarding CD.

Mike Schwartz · August-6th-2003, 05:42 PM

I've never liked this album, and haven't listened to it in years, with a specific reason why...

I RAN out to get this recording when it came out.

A friend of mine during my last NY stint, who owns [owned?] a restaurant & performance space outside of Brewster NY callled "The Town Crier" had this band on a off nite do a 'dress rehearsal' in front of an audience.

I was blown away.
The first time I can recall seeing Metheny, learned that very evening how incredible a musician & guitarist he is, having liked the PMG stuff prior in selected doses. He CUT Sco so-o-o-o bad that nite it was stunning to witness. Sco's ass was bleeding by the end of the evening...bottom line the band was on fire, ready for the recording the next day.

There's hardly any resemblence of the rehearsal to the recording, so much so that at the first listen years ago, was shocked how all the 'juice' was missing.

Reid · August-7th-2003, 01:13 AM

Jazzooo,

I know you like the Sco/Fris album a lot more, but I like the tunes on this one more. I think I like the playing more, too.

David,

What can I say? I live on O'ahu.

Jazzmoose · August-12th-2003, 07:36 PM

This disc falls into that great category I refer to as "It's okay, but...". In this case, it's okay, but I'd rather hear just about anything else Metheny has done. Guess I'm just not a Scofield fan.

Reid · August-13th-2003, 03:58 AM

Mrs. Elk,

Actually, I had a lukewarm reaction the first time I heard this. But then, as I listened recently, I really liked some of the writing on this (even Scofield's writing, and I don't normally care for his compositions). I think my favorite Scofield tune is the fourth one, "Everybody's Party."

I love the Country and Western flavored tunes.

Reid · August-13th-2003, 04:24 AM

Listening to "Say the Brother's Name" (track 7). This is a beautiful song, man. It's like he's going back to his *Bright Size Life* days. Actually, there's some similar qualities you hear on *Speaking of Now* album. "Message To My Friend" is also another pretty song.

You guys have heard it a zillion times from me, but Metheny's writing is really fabulous. At least to me. There are a lot of good composers, but there are usually only a few that really resonate deeply with you. Metheny's definitely one of them for me.

August-14th-2003, 02:25 PM

I don't think this is a bad album at all. I personally feel that ANY album with Bill Stewart on it can't go wrong.

My personal favorite track would be Everybody's Party.

Chris D · August-15th-2003, 05:20 PM

This album gets a definite "eh."

There's nothing particularly compelling about it. It's pleasant, it's not too taxing, it seems to go on too long, then it's over.

Haven't played it in at least a couple of years.

Jazzmoose · August-15th-2003, 09:25 PM

Reid, I'll have to pull it out and give it another chance. I must admit, this is one of those discs that I didn't give that much of a chance before filing it away. Shoot, if I'd done that with Out to Lunch, it wouldn't be one of my favorites now...

Reid · August-15th-2003, 09:45 PM

Moose,

I think it's worth trying again. Like I said, I had a lukewarm reaction at first. This album just has some cuts that really fit the mood I'm in. I like hearing Pat bring out those C&W influences into jazz, too. The rhythm section also sounds solid. If those things, sound appealing to you, I think you should give it another shot.

gnhrtg · September-6th-2003, 10:08 AM

I also seem to have not gotten into this album even though I do like all the guys making up the band. My vague recollection is that I dug the rhythm section more than Metheny or Scofield.

BTW - Although Scofield, I think, can hold his ground pretty well when he's playing with giants of different instruments (Brecker, Hancock), it's no surprise that he sound a bit pale (technically) when he's paired with a monster on the guitar like Metheny. I do enjoy a number of Sco's albums and I think his musicianship is great, it's just that he's not built for the cutting contest (as many other great musicians are not, like M...s, L....r, sheesh).

joel · September-9th-2003, 02:39 AM

I think this is my first Metheny album, bought at the time when I didn't get straight ahead jazz (i thought it was purely SA) and didnt like Schofield's style. Now I like this "fusionistically post bop" album, though not all the tracks really "grabs you".
In fact I'm listening to it right now and it feels like "its new" and thats because its one of those least played good albums.

Reid dude,

"The Red One" is one great track and the next best thing is "Say The Brother's Name".