Selected Recordings: Rarum IX
This compendium chronicles guitarist Pat Metheny's legendary ECM recordings from 1975 to 1984, a body of work that spans jazz, fusion, and world music. On these nine tracks, you can trace Metheny's development as a fresh-faced kid under the influence ofJim Hall, to the world-renowned master of the acoustic, electric, and synthesized guitar who has played alongside saxophonistMichael Brecker, bassistCharlie Haden, and drummerBilly Higgins. Late bass godJaco Pastoriusmakes his major label debut on the bouncy "Bright Size Life," and it is in this period where Metheny hooks up with his long-time musical partner, keyboardistLyle Mays. Their  collaboration produced hits such as the electro-impressionistic "Phase Dance," and the ethereally textured "Are You Going With Me?," which are both still crowd-pleasers in Metheny's impressive songbook.--Eugene Holley, Jr.