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Doc X's Essential 11, Vol. 4:  Pat Metheny
By an Amazon.com customer
WatercolorsWatercolors by Pat Metheny
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $10.49
First great Metheny album (yeah, BRIGHT SIZE LIFE is a classic...but I just dig WATERCOLORS more)
American GarageAmerican Garage by Pat Metheny Group
Buy used from: $7.72
Just about perfect..."The Epic" is one of Metheny's all-time best compositions
80/8180/81 by Pat Metheny
Buy new: $32.99 / Used from: $23.99
Stunning quintet steeped in hard bop improvisation..."Open" is a standout track
OfframpOfframp by Pat Metheny Group
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $10.99
My favorite PMG album, with such an amazing amount of range...dark moody ballads ("Au Lait"),  frantic speed jazz ("Offramp") and instant classics ("Are You Going With Me")
Song XSong X by Pat Metheny
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $6.94
Arguably the most electrifying modern jazz album of the '80s...no, really!
Letter from HomeLetter from Home by Pat Metheny Group
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $9.89
Another diverse PMG release...very happy that a remastered version is now available
Question and AnswerQuestion and Answer by Pat Metheny with Dave Holland and Roy Haynes
Buy used from: $1.84
My favorite of Metheny's trio albums..."Solar" and "Change Of Heart" are my favorite tracks
Secret StorySecret Story by Pat Metheny
Buy used from: $1.93
A stunning song cycle, covering familiar themes (travel, horizons) and new territory (passion, loss)
The Road to You: Recorded Live in EuropeThe Road to You: Recorded Live in Europe by Pat Metheny Group
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $7.99
Metheny's live work is always exciting, though inconsistent as albums go...this is essential because it's remastered and has my favorite Metheny live song ("Half Life Of Absolution")
Imaginary DayImaginary Day by Pat Metheny
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $1.79
Last great PMG album...another song cycle structure, used beautifully...it flows extremely well
Trio LiveTrio Live by Pat Metheny Trio
Buy new: $26.98 / Used from: $4.99
Unrelated comment:  THE WAY UP is an amazing work, but falls short of essential, due to an occasional lack of flow...re TRIO LIVE...entertaining, meandering fun...favorite song is "Faith Healer"