Pat Metheny Unity Group Kin review by Guitar Command Online Magazine

The Unity Band is now the Unity Group. Does this mean that Metheny is returning to his Pat Metheny Group roots? Read Guitar Command's review of the jazz guitar hero's latest album to find out...

Pat Metheny Unity Group Kin Review

When we reviewed last year's Pat Metheny Unity Band album, we realised how much we had missed Metheny's group work, and were gladdened that Metheny had returned to this format. Metheny has now added a new member to the Unity Band, and has also changed the ensemble's name to 'Pat Metheny Unity Group'. Kin is the first recording from the extended line up, and is released while the group are part-way through a world tour.

The new member of the group is Giulio Carmassi, a multi-instrumentalist who adds a variety of instruments to the mix, including piano. He joins Metheny, saxophonist Chris Potter, drummer Antonio Sanchez and bassist Ben Williams.

Carmassi's instrumental additions (particularly the piano) create a sound that is reminiscent of the old Pat Metheny Group albums. Could this be the reason for the subtle name change from 'Unity Band' to 'Unity Group'? Metheny hallmarks, such as soaring male vocals and guitar synth make honorary appearances. There's no denying that Pat Metheny Group fans will feel at home with Kin.

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However, this is not an album that sees Metheny looking backwards and reworking his past glories. Rather, he seems to be taking the best of his output and using it as a launch pad for a new musical direction. While Kin is more of a 'jazz-fusion' album than a straight 'jazz' album, there are also easily identifiable folk, minimalism, rock and blues influences. This melting pot gives rise to some very atmospheric moments; the group really seem to have gotten to the heart of Metheny's compositions.

The mixture of influences is displayed in the quirky rhythms of 'On Day One', the folky acoustic guitars of 'Rise Up' and lilting melody of the title track. 'Sign Of The Seasons' is driven by a pulsing rhythm; at certain points it sounds like a Steve Reich composition, at others a lavish film soundtrack. 'Born' hearkens back to Metheny's folk-inspired 'Beyond The Missouri Sky'. Kin is a multi-textured and varied album, underpinned by the strength of the musicianship and production.

Kin is right up there with Metheny's greatest recordings, and is equal to the output of the Pat Metheny Group in its heyday. Beautifully recorded, Kin captures the excitement and improvisatory spirit of a band at the peak of its powers. We enjoyed the original Unity Band album, but Kin surpasses it. Recommended.