Shift

Caveat: The chances are slim to none that I would own this recording if Pat Metheny was not a part of it. Having said that, Wow! This is great stuff! As a long standing disciple of Pat and his music, his sideman efforts are a) pretty rare, b) kind of a mixed bag. By my recollection, this is the first example that I can think of where he is a full time member of the group's recording (he plays on every track), yet he did NOT contribute any of the compositions. I think this says an awful lot about what he thinks about Logan Richardson as a composer. I bought this with low expectations. I'm not sure how they did it, but this group is fully developed. No where near a blowing session, this record is a new approach to playing and listening. As you would expect, tempos, rhythms, and grooves vary greatly, but I sense a thread running through the whole album. It leans on quite a bit of tension, but not unnecessarily so. Unison lines between Pat and Logan are employed sparingly; not over played. Pat uses his customary synth patch, but twists in a setting I've never heard (just a touch of dirt and delay on it). His overall tone is slightly distorted (think "Half Life of Absolution"), which really rises to the challenge of the compostions at hand. Also, a huge treat to hear Pat with a Rhodes! I can't say enough about this one. It is great to get introduced to game changing players. I really hope Pat continues in this elder statesman role!

haven't been generate much enthusiasm even after multiple listens

Best jazz album I've bought in a long time...

This CD is excellent. The compositions are very good, Nasheet Waits is the greatest drummer I have ever heard. Pat Metheny takes on a distorted tone which fits the mood of the music. I have never heard of Logan Richardson but his playing is awesome. This is better than Pat's Unity Band, it is really cutting edge music. I would give this CD the highest rating possible. Although as usual with amazon CD case came broken in the mail and CD skips in my car sometimes.

Excellent newcomer with added bonus of Pat Metheny on guitars !!!...overall great jazz, glad I got it.

Amasing, sad & deep music. Only regret that blue note did not issues yet album in vinyl

Shift is a very enjoyable introduction to Logan Richardson's talents.

3 ***