The Korea Herald

지나쌤

Acclaimed jazz guitarist Pat Metheny to perform this fall

By Korea Herald

Published : Aug. 13, 2014 - 21:23

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Internationally acclaimed U.S. jazz guitarist Pat Metheny will make his way to Seoul this fall to stage a concert with his new project group Pat Metheny Unity Group.

Led by Metheny and featuring Chris Potter on the saxophone, Antonio Sanchez on drums, Ben Williams on bass and Giulio Carmassi on piano/keyboard, the quintet will perform in Korea in October as part of its worldwide concert tour.

Known for his versatile style that incorporates elements of contemporary, post-bop, Latin and fusion jazz, jazz guitarist Pat Metheny has won 20 Grammy Awards with over 42 album releases that have sold tens of millions of copies over the years.
Pat Metheny Unity Group (Private Curve) Pat Metheny Unity Group (Private Curve)

Born in 1954, Metheny is considered one of the most renowned and innovative jazz musicians from the last 40 years.

The American jazz musician is credited with pioneering new sounds on the guitar by mixing traditional guitar tunes with new electronic synthesizers. He experimented with new technology before electronic dance music became widely popular.

He is also known for developing several custom guitars including the “soprano acoustic guitar,” “42-string Pikasso guitar” and “Ibanez’s PM100 guitar,” among others.

As an acclaimed guitarist, Metheny has worked with diverse influential artists including vibraphonist Gary Burton, jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, composer Steve Reich, guitarist Jim Hall and singer David Bowie in the past.

In November 2013, Metheny joined U.S. music magazine DownBeat’s prestigious Hall of Fame, among only four jazz guitarists inducted alongside Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery.

Pat Metheny Unity Group is a relatively recent group established after the Pat Metheny Unity Band, the guitarist’s quartet formed as a follow-up to its 2012 Grammy-winning album titled “Unity Band.” The quintet was formed by adding versatile Italian musician Carmassi, bringing fresh piano, horn and brass sounds to the original four-member ensemble.

The regrouped quintet will perform at the Grand Theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on Oct. 5. Tickets can be purchased through Interpark and prices range from 66,000 won to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 563-0595.

By Sohn Ji-young (jiyoung.sohn@heraldcorp.com)