While CDs dominated by 1987, Geffen Records did issue Still Life (Talking) on vinyl. But try finding a clean, non-US first pressing today. The German and Japanese pressings (Geffen Records – 28DP 794, and Geffen Records – GHS 24145 respectively) are considered the holy grails. Why?
The true “rarity” isn’t on the album at all. During the Still Life (Talking) tour (documented on the video release More Travels), the band performed two pieces never released on the studio album: a stunning extended intro to “Last Train Home” and a standalone piece fans call “The Marcello Suite.” These exist only as muddy third-generation VHS rips or audience recordings. A soundboard-quality version has never surfaced—making those bootlegs the rarest Metheny artifacts of the era.
Still Life (Talking) isn’t rare because it’s obscure. It’s rare because it captures a perfect moment—just before the Group shifted toward the orchestral grandeur of Letter from Home—and the record industry simultaneously shifted away from physical artifacts people cared to preserve.
In an age of surplus, the scarcity of certain pressings and recordings of Still Life reminds us that music is not just data. It’s a physical and temporal ghost. And sometimes, the harder it is to find, the more we truly listen.
For the collector: Start with the 2015 Geffen/UMC European vinyl reissue—it’s the most accessible. But if you ever spot the Japanese CD with the obi strip and the extra live track “Slip Away” (a misprint—it’s not actually on it), grab it. And if someone offers you the Buenos Aires tape… call me first.
Released on July 7, 1987, Still Life (Talking) is the fifth studio album by the Pat Metheny Group
and serves as a landmark in contemporary jazz fusion. The album marked the group's debut on Geffen Records
, following a long tenure with ECM, and introduced a lush, Brazilian-influenced sound that redefined the genre's accessibility. It went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance and was certified gold by the RIAA. Musical Composition and Innovation
The album is a collaborative achievement between Pat Metheny and keyboardist , who co-wrote, arranged, and produced the project. Brazilian Influence
: Metheny integrated South American rhythms and wordless vocal textures, featuring percussionist Armando Marçal and vocalists David Blamires Mark Ledford Technological Integration : The album showcases Metheny’s deep dive into the Synclavier for sequencing and sampling, alongside the Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer. Mays utilized the to create his signature "flutophone" synth sound. Structural Evolution
: Tracks like "Minuano (Six Eight)" and "Third Wind" evolved from initial sketches into complex, multi-sectional suites that blend folk, pop, and jazz elements. Key Tracks and Legacy
The album's tracklist has become foundational to the Pat Metheny Group's identity:
Released in 1987, Still Life (Talking) stands as a pivotal masterwork in the Pat Metheny Group discography. This album marked the beginning of the band's relationship with Geffen Records and solidified what fans often call the "Brazilian Trilogy," an era defined by lush, tropical harmonies and wordless vocal textures. The Evolution of Sound
After nearly a decade with the ECM label, the move to Geffen allowed Pat Metheny and long-time collaborator Lyle Mays to explore a more polished, visionary production style. The album is celebrated for its accessibility, blending complex jazz fusion with folk and pop sensibilities that appealed to both purists and casual listeners. Track Highlights
The album features several tracks that became essential staples of the group’s live performances:
"Minuano (Six Eight)": An expansive nine-minute epic that opens with dreamy synths and Brazilian-influenced wordless vocals, building into a rhythmic journey.
"Last Train Home": Perhaps the group's most recognizable song, it uses a rhythmic "train" beat provided by drummer Paul Wertico to evoke a reflective journey across a desert landscape.
"Third Wind": A high-energy track featuring a "quicksilver" guitar solo that nods to Metheny’s bebop roots while maintaining a smoldering Brazilian groove. Core Personnel
The chemistry on this record is driven by a stellar lineup of musicians:
Pat Metheny: Acoustic and electric guitars, guitar synthesizer. Lyle Mays: Piano and keyboards. Steve Rodby: Acoustic and electric bass. Paul Wertico: Drums.
Armando Marçal, David Blamires, and Mark Ledford: Vocals and percussion. Legacy and Recognition
Still Life (Talking) was a commercial and critical triumph, winning the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance and eventually receiving RIAA gold certification. You can find further details and track listings on platforms like Discogs and AllMusic.
Pat Metheny Still Life Album Review - New York Jazz Workshop
Released in 1987, Still Life (Talking) is a cornerstone of the Pat Metheny Group's
discography and the first installment of what is often called the "Brazilian Trilogy"
. The album marked a significant transition for Metheny, moving from his long-standing home at ECM to Geffen Records
, where he gained unprecedented creative control through his own Metheny Group Productions imprint. Musical Direction and Themes
The record is celebrated for its lush, "cinematic" soundscapes that blend jazz fusion with Brazilian harmonies, folk, and pop. Brazilian Influence : Building on the sounds of First Circle
, the album deeply integrates South American rhythms, notably through the debut of percussionist Armando Marçal. Wordless Vocals
: The recruitment of vocalists David Blamires and Mark Ledford introduced a soul-inflected, pop-oriented approach to the Group's signature wordless melodies. Sonic Innovations : Metheny utilized the Synclavier
for sequencing and sketching compositions, while Lyle Mays introduced the "flutophone" synth sound via the Roland JX-10. Key Tracks
The album consists of seven tracks, many of which became staples of their live repertoire:
Pat Metheny Still Life Album Review - New York Jazz Workshop Pat Metheny Group Still Life Talking Rar
Released on July 7, 1987, Still Life (Talking) is a seminal album by the Pat Metheny Group that solidified their transition into a lush, Brazilian-influenced sound. It is the first album the group released on Geffen Records following a decade-long relationship with ECM. Overview and Musical Style
Considered the centerpiece of the group’s "Brazilian Trilogy"—which also includes First Circle (1984) and Letter from Home (1989)—the album blends complex jazz fusion with folk, pop, and South American harmonies. The production is noted for its polished, atmospheric sound, often using wordless vocals to create a "choir-like" texture. Key Tracks
Released in 1987, Still Life (Talking) is widely considered one of the Pat Metheny Group's
most definitive works. It marked the group's debut on Geffen Records and won the Grammy for Best Jazz Fusion Performance Musical Style and Themes
The album is the second installment of what fans call the "Brazilian Trilogy," blending jazz fusion with world music, folk, and pop elements. Brazilian Influence:
The record heavily features Brazilian-influenced harmonies and wordless, chant-like vocals that act as additional instrumentation. Technological Sophistication: It highlights Pat Metheny’s extensive use of the Synclavier
and guitar synthesizers, alongside Lyle Mays’ signature keyboard textures. New York Jazz Workshop Key Tracks
Pat Metheny Group - Still Life (Talking) reviews - Prog Archives
The year is 1987, and the air in a small coastal town is thick with the scent of salt and cedar. In a dimly lit attic, a young musician named Elias stumbles upon a dusty crate of vinyl. Tucked between jazz standards and fusion records is a pristine copy of Pat Metheny Group’s Still Life (Talking).
As the needle drops, the room transforms. The opening percussion of "Minuano (Six Eight)" isn't just music; it’s a portal. Elias closes his eyes and is instantly transported from his rainy town to the sun-drenched plains of a distant Brazil he’s only seen in dreams.
The record feels alive—a conversation between Metheny’s soaring guitar and Lyle Mays’ ethereal synths. Elias spends the night lost in the rhythmic complexity of "Last Train Home," the snare beat mimicking a locomotive crossing a vast, twilight landscape. For him, the album isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a "talking" still life—a frozen moment of pure emotion that speaks of wanderlust and homecoming all at once.
By sunrise, Elias picks up his own guitar. The album has finished, but the conversation is just beginning.
Still Life (Talking) is the fifth studio album by the Pat Metheny Group, released on July 7, 1987. It marked a major transition for the group, being their first release on Geffen Records after nearly a decade with ECM. The album is widely celebrated as a pillar of contemporary jazz and jazz fusion, winning the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance and achieving RIAA gold certification in 1992. Musical Style and the "Brazilian Trilogy"
The album is the middle chapter of what fans call the "Brazilian Trilogy," sandwiched between First Circle (1984) and Letter from Home (1989).
Fusion Elements: It blends jazz with Brazilian rhythms, folk, and pop elements.
Vocal Texture: A signature of this era was the use of "wordless vocals," where singers David Blamires and Mark Ledford used their voices as melodic instruments rather than for lyrics.
Instrumentation: Metheny utilized various unique instruments, including the Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer, Coral Sitar, and Nashville-tuned baritone guitar. Tracklist and Key Pieces
The album consists of seven tracks, most co-written by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays: Minuano (Six Eight)
Still Life (Talking) is the fifth studio album by the Pat Metheny Group , released on July 7, 1987 . It marked the group's debut on Geffen Records
and is widely considered a cornerstone of jazz fusion, notably as the first installment in their "Brazilian Trilogy". Core Album Data Release Date: July 7, 1987. Recording: March–April 1987 at Power Station, NYC. Personnel: Pat Metheny: Acoustic & electric guitars, guitar synth. Lyle Mays: Piano, keyboards. Steve Rodby: Acoustic & electric bass. Paul Wertico: Armando Marçal: Percussion, backing vocals. David Blamires & Mark Ledford: Tracklist & Style
The album blends jazz fusion with modern Brazilian harmonies and rhythms, often featuring wordless vocal melodies. New York Jazz Workshop
Pat Metheny Group - Still Life (Talking) reviews - Prog Archives
Jazz Rock/Fusion * Studio Album, released in 1987. * Songs / Tracks Listing. Minuano (Six Eight) (9:27) So May It Secretly Begin ( Progarchives.com
Pat Metheny - 1987 "Still Life (Talking)" - Jazz Rock Fusion Guitar
The Pat Metheny Group's "Still Life (Talking)": A Timeless Jazz Masterpiece
The Pat Metheny Group's album "Still Life (Talking)" is a highly acclaimed jazz record that has stood the test of time. Released in 1987, this album marked a significant milestone in the group's discography, showcasing their unique blend of jazz, rock, and folk influences. In this article, we'll explore the making of "Still Life (Talking)", its significance in the Pat Metheny Group's career, and why it remains a beloved classic among jazz enthusiasts.
Background and Recording
The Pat Metheny Group, formed in 1977, was known for their eclectic and innovative approach to jazz. The group consisted of Pat Metheny (guitar, vocals), Mark Egan (bass), Dan Gottlieb (drums), and Lyle Mays (keyboards, synthesizers). In 1986, the group began working on their fifth studio album, "Still Life (Talking)", which would be recorded at various studios in New York City.
The recording process was quite extensive, with the group members contributing a wide range of musical ideas and influences. According to Pat Metheny, the album was shaped by the band's experiences on the road, as well as their individual musical interests and explorations. The result was an album that seamlessly blended different styles, from intricate instrumental passages to melodic vocal tracks.
Musical Themes and Highlights
"Still Life (Talking)" features nine tracks, each showcasing the group's exceptional musicianship and compositional skills. The album's title track, "Still Life (Talking)", sets the tone for the record, with a gentle, lilting melody and poetic lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and introspection.
Other standout tracks include "Are You Going with Me?", a catchy, upbeat song with a sing-along chorus and intricate instrumental sections; "Bright Size Life", a beautiful, melancholic ballad featuring Lyle Mays' emotive piano playing; and "The Longest Summer", a haunting, atmospheric piece that showcases the group's ability to create complex, layered soundscapes. While CDs dominated by 1987, Geffen Records did
Innovative Production and Sound
One of the key factors contributing to "Still Life (Talking)"'s enduring appeal is its innovative production and sound. The album was produced by Pat Metheny and engineered by renowned producer and engineer, Michael C. Botti. The recording team's goal was to capture the group's live sound, while also pushing the boundaries of studio technology.
The album features a rich, detailed sound, with each instrument and vocal part meticulously balanced and mixed. The use of digital recording technology and various studio instruments, such as synthesizers and drum machines, added a new layer of depth and texture to the group's sound.
Critical Acclaim and Legacy
Upon its release, "Still Life (Talking)" received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the group's bold experimentation and artistic vision. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, and it has since been recognized as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time.
The album's influence can be heard in many subsequent jazz and instrumental records, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans. "Still Life (Talking)" has also been praised for its timeless quality, with many regarding it as a classic that will endure for decades to come.
Rar and Availability
For those interested in obtaining a copy of "Still Life (Talking)", the album is widely available on various formats, including CD, vinyl, and digital platforms. However, for those searching for a rare or hard-to-find version, be aware that the album has been released in several different editions and configurations over the years.
The "Rar" in the keyword "Pat Metheny Group Still Life Talking Rar" likely refers to a rare or compressed file version of the album, often shared through online file-sharing networks. However, we advise against seeking out unauthorized or pirated copies, and instead recommend exploring official channels, such as online music stores or the band's official website.
Conclusion
The Pat Metheny Group's "Still Life (Talking)" is a masterpiece of jazz and instrumental music, showcasing the group's innovative approach, exceptional musicianship, and timeless appeal. With its rich sound, poetic lyrics, and eclectic blend of influences, this album continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the Pat Metheny Group or simply looking to explore the world of jazz, "Still Life (Talking)" is an essential listen that will reward repeated listens and continued exploration. So, if you haven't already, take a moment to experience this incredible album and discover why it remains a beloved classic in the world of jazz.
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Released on July 7, 1987, Still Life (Talking) is the fifth studio album by the Pat Metheny Group and their first release on Geffen Records. It is a cornerstone of the group's "Brazilian Trilogy," characterized by a blend of jazz fusion, folk, pop, and Brazilian-influenced harmonies. Key Album Facts
Accolades: Won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance and was certified gold by the RIAA in 1992.
Production: Digitally recorded, mixed, and mastered at Power Station, NYC.
Personnel: Features the core duo of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, supported by Steve Rodby (bass), Paul Wertico (drums), and guest vocalists like Mark Ledford and David Blamires. Track Listing
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Still Life (Talking) is the fifth studio album by the Pat Metheny Group, released in 1987. It serves as a cornerstone of the ensemble's "Brazilian Trilogy". The Brazilian Evolution
The album marked a major shift for guitarist Pat Metheny, as it was his group's first release on Geffen Records after a nine-year tenure with ECM. This move signaled an expansion of the "Brazilian sound" first explored in their previous work, First Circle. The record famously blends complex jazz-fusion harmonies with folk and pop sensibilities. Tracklist & Composition
The album's seven tracks were primarily composed by Metheny and keyboardist Lyle Mays.
Minuano (Six Eight): An epic nine-minute opener featuring intricate rhythmic shifts.
So May It Secretly Begin: A staple of the group's live sets, often reborn as a trio improvisation.
Last Train Home: Perhaps the most famous track, it uses a rhythmic chugging to evoke a locomotive journey.
(It’s Just) Talk: A rhythmic romp showcasing the group's contemporary jazz style.
Third Wind: Noted for its high-energy guitar solos and complex percussion. Distance: A short, atmospheric piece composed by Lyle Mays.
In Her Family: A stunning, melodic finale that has inspired numerous cover interpretations. Personnel
The recording features the quintessential mid-to-late 80s lineup of the Pat Metheny Group:
Pat Metheny: Acoustic and electric guitars, guitar synthesizer. Lyle Mays: Piano and keyboards. Steve Rodby: Acoustic and electric bass. Paul Wertico: Drums. Armando Marçal: Percussion and backing vocals. Mark Ledford & David Blamires: Wordless vocals.
The Pat Metheny Group's "Still Life (Talking)": A Masterful Exploration of Jazz and Beyond For the collector: Start with the 2015 Geffen/UMC
Released in 1987, "Still Life (Talking)" is the eighth studio album by the Pat Metheny Group, and it marks a significant turning point in the band's evolution. This album showcases the group's unique blend of jazz, rock, and world music influences, resulting in a richly textured and deeply satisfying listening experience.
Musical Exploration and Experimentation
From the opening notes of the album's first track, "Are You Going with Me?", it's clear that the Pat Metheny Group is on a mission to push the boundaries of jazz and explore new sonic landscapes. The song features a hypnotic guitar riff, courtesy of Metheny, which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The track also showcases the impressive technical skills of the band's members, including Metheny's virtuosic guitar playing, Lyle Mays's intricate keyboard work, and the tight, rhythmic interplay between bassist Mark Egan and drummer Dan Gottlieb.
Throughout the album, the Pat Metheny Group demonstrates a willingness to experiment and take risks, incorporating a wide range of musical influences and styles into their sound. For example, the track "Three Folk Songs" features a haunting, modal melody that recalls traditional folk music, while "The Longest Summer" is a sprawling, atmospheric piece that incorporates elements of ambient music and soundscapes.
Lyrical Themes and Storytelling
One of the standout features of "Still Life (Talking)" is the album's strong focus on lyrics and storytelling. Metheny's songs are often narrative-driven, with vivid characters and settings that evoke a sense of place and atmosphere. The title track, "Still Life (Talking)", is a prime example, featuring a poignant and introspective lyric that explores themes of love, loss, and memory.
Other tracks, such as "Bright Size Life" and "The Longest Summer", also feature lyrics that are both personal and universal, touching on themes of relationships, identity, and the search for meaning. Metheny's lyrics are often described as enigmatic and open-ended, inviting listeners to fill in the gaps and interpret the songs in their own way.
Legacy and Impact
"Still Life (Talking)" was widely praised upon its release, with many critics noting the album's innovative blend of jazz, rock, and world music influences. The album has also had a lasting impact on the jazz and music communities, influencing a wide range of musicians and inspiring new generations of listeners.
In 2011, the album was re-released as part of a deluxe edition package, featuring remastered audio and a live recording from the band's 1987 tour. This re-release helped to introduce the album to a new audience, and cemented its status as a classic of contemporary jazz.
Conclusion
"Still Life (Talking)" is a masterful album that showcases the Pat Metheny Group's unique blend of jazz, rock, and world music influences. With its strong focus on lyrics and storytelling, innovative musical exploration, and technical virtuosity, the album remains a must-listen for fans of jazz and beyond. As a testament to the band's creative vision and skill, "Still Life (Talking)" continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day.
Album Overview
"Still Life (Talking)" is the seventh studio album by the Pat Metheny Group, released on February 24, 1987. The album features eight tracks, including the 16-minute epic piece "Are You Going with Me?", which showcases the group's improvisational skills.
Tracklist
Musical Style
The album blends elements of jazz, rock, and folk, showcasing the group's signature eclecticism. Pat Metheny's guitar work is characterized by his distinctive, atmospheric playing style, while Lyle Mays' keyboards add depth and texture to the sound.
Awards and Reception
"Still Life (Talking)" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the group's innovative approach to jazz. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance in 1988.
Legacy
"Still Life (Talking)" is considered one of the Pat Metheny Group's most iconic albums, and its influence can still be heard in contemporary jazz and instrumental music. The album's blend of melodic songwriting, improvisational exploration, and atmospheric soundscapes has made it a beloved classic among fans of jazz and beyond.
If you type "Pat Metheny Group Still Life Talking Rar" into a search engine, you are likely looking for one of two things:
The User Intent: The user likely already owns the CD or vinyl but wants a convenient, lossless digital backup for their DAP (Digital Audio Player) or home server. Alternatively, they are a new listener trying to discover why this album is a landmark in 80s jazz.
By: Jazz Digital Archives
In the sprawling ecosystem of jazz fusion and contemporary instrumental music, few records stand as tall as the Pat Metheny Group’s 1987 masterpiece, Still Life (Talking). For audiophiles, guitar enthusiasts, and digital archivists, the search term "Pat Metheny Group Still Life Talking Rar" represents a specific, niche quest: finding a high-quality, compressed digital package of one of the most pristine albums ever recorded.
But why does this specific query persist decades after the album’s release? And what makes this particular piece of vinyl (later CD, then FLAC, now RAR) so coveted? Let’s break down the anatomy of the search, the album's genius, and the legal landscape surrounding that elusive ".rar" file.
By [Author Name]
Thirty-six years after its release, Still Life (Talking) remains a curious outlier in the Pat Metheny Group’s catalog. Not because of its quality—far from it. The 1987 album is a shimmering masterpiece, a seamless fusion of Brazilian rhythms, lyrical electric guitar, and the ethereal vocals of Pedro Aznar. It gave us “Minuano (Six Eight),” “Last Train Home,” and the haunting title track.
But ask any serious collector: finding specific versions, pressings, or even high-fidelity digital transfers of Still Life (Talking) is an exercise in patience. Why does this particular album—a platinum-selling, Grammy-winning work—carry a ghostly aura of “rarity” in certain circles?
Let’s talk about the rarities inside the rarity.
As surround sound formats emerged in the early 2000s, Still Life (Talking) was listed in advance catalogs for both SACD and DVD-Audio release—remixed in 5.1 by Metheny and engineer Rob Eaton. The SACD was scrapped last-minute due to “licensing disputes between Geffen and Warner.” A handful of test pressings reportedly exist in private hands. In 2024, one sold on Discogs for $4,200.
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