Guitarist puts a new spin on old instrument

As a jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny is a pioneer in his field.

His trademark sound and unique synthesizing technique changed the genre of jazz in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and his newest music promises to be revolutionary as well, said UNC jazz professor Stephen Anderson.

The 17-time Grammy decorated Metheny will be performing “The Orchestrion Tour” to a sold-out crowd at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Memorial Hall.

 “He’s probably the most important jazz guitarist of the last 25 years,” Anderson said.

With his technique, facility and innovation, Metheny has created ground-breaking albums in the past 30 years, he said.

Metheny has won an unprecedented seven consecutive Grammies for seven consecutive albums.

In his new project, Metheny uses technology and mechanics to create his revolutionary “orchestrionic” performance.

Similar to the player piano, orchestrions are mechanical orchestras that play without a human performer. They preceded the start of sound recording and originated in the 19th century during the time of the player piano.

Emil Kang, executive director for the arts at UNC, said that Metheny built off this original musical device.

“He’s very much interested in this historic story of the orchestrion, and now he’s taken it to a new level,” Kang said.

From piano to percussions, Metheny uses a wide range of mechanically connected instruments to create a unique musical experience.

Using pedals, switches and other devices, Metheny controls the multitude of instruments while simultaneously playing his guitar.

“He uses a very standard instrument, such as the guitar and uses it to do very un-standard things,” said Harry Kaplowitz, marketing manager for the Carolina Performing Arts.

Kaplowitz said that Metheny has created something truly unique and revolutionary.

“It’s something so totally new that you have no expectations,” Kaplowitz said.

Kang said that with this new take on the orchestrion tradition, Metheny is developing himself as an artist.

“It’s one person’s central artistic vision,” he said of the program. “This is just another step in the artist’s artistic and creative development.”

Kang said he believes this performance will be completely distinct from Metheny’s earlier works.

“It’s an opportunity for fans to see Pat as they’ve never seen him before.”



Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.