REVIEW: Metheny's 'BRIGHT SIZE LIFE'
The legendary jazz guitarist and I share the same birthday. đ
Pat Methenyâs Bright Size Life, initially released in 1976 on ECM Records, remains a landmark album for the guitaristâs career and the development of contemporary jazz guitar and jazz fusion. This 2024 reissue, part of ECM's Audiophile Luminessence Series, brings a renewed clarity to its intricate soundscapes, allowing listeners to appreciate the nuances that made this album so revolutionary 48 years ago.

At just 21 years old, Metheny displayed an exceptional sense of melody and tone. His fluid, almost effortless playing on tracks like the title piece, Bright Size Life, hints at the future virtuosity that would define his career. What makes this album particularly special, though, is the trio format, featuring legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius and Bob Moses on drums. Pastorius, already a boundary-pushing player, provides a warm yet innovative counterpoint to Methenyâs guitar, while Mosesâ drumming offers a light but rhythmic grounding.
The beauty of the 2024 vinyl reissue lies in its enhanced sonic depth. The audiophile mastering highlights the space in the recording, which is characteristic of ECMâs minimalist, crystal-clear production style, which producer and ECM founder Manfred Eicher directed. Tracks like âUnity Villageâ and âOmaha Celebrationâ feel even more immersive, with Methenyâs phrasing and Pastoriusâ harmonic patterns shining through. The album ends with Broadway Blues, written by Ornette Coleman in 1968 and performed initially on his album âNew York is Now!â Â
Bright Size Life never gained the same commercial acclaim as other Metheny releases, but this reissue reinforces its historical importance. Itâs a snapshot of a young artist supported by one of modern jazzâs most innovative bassists. The album is essential listening for anyone serious about jazz guitar or fusion, and the new mastering elevates it to the contemporary classic it was destined to become. I canât recommend it enough. - JB