The Unity sessions (2016)/ Pat Metheny & Chris Potter & António Sanchez & Ben Williams

"In 2012, guitarist Pat Metheny won a Grammy for his album "Unity Band". It featured Chris Potter (ts, ss, bcl, fl), Ben Williams (b), and Antonio Sanchez (d). A year later, the Unity Group returned with "Kin ", which found the ensemble expanded with multi-instrumentalist Giulio Carmassi. Arriving in 2016, "The Unity Sessions" showcases that expanded group live in a gorgeously produced performance at New York's Black Box Theatre. Here, we get cuts off both albums, as well as songs culled from Metheny's lengthy career. These run the gamut from acoustic pieces ("Adagia") to moody, groove-oriented modal fusion ("Roofdogs") to atmospheric world music-inflected pieces ("Come and See") and more. Elsewhere, the ensemble combines Coltrane-esque spirituality and African rhythms on "On Day One," and dives into the flamenco-steeped anthem "Rise Up." Ultimately, while Metheny is the undisputed leader, it's the thoughtful interplay that makes these sessions so involving." (Matt Collar, Allmusic; 3,5 uit 5 sterren)