Now well into its gliding Brazilian-tinged mode, the Pat Metheny Group hits the road, as this two-CD set catches the band live in Dallas, Philadelphia, Hartford, Sacramento, and Nacogdoches, TX. Percussionist
Naná Vasconcelos is still listed as a "special guest," but ever since Wichita Falls, he had not only been a part of the group, he was the transforming element in the
Metheny "sound," adding his various shakers, effects and ethereal vocals. Sidekick
Lyle Mays gets deeper into floating, glistening synthesizer textures, but he is still able to take formidable and touching solos on acoustic grand piano. Still experimenting with new hardware,
Metheny's work on a detuned guitar synthesizer gives the live "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls" an exotic Balinese-like sound. Other highlights are the hard Brazilian grooves on "Straight On Red" and "Song for Bilbao," as well as the trademark
Metheny glide of "Are You Going With Me?" -- and the brief title track has a winning, guileless simplicity much like that of
Keith Jarrett in a prayerful mood. If you liked the popular
Offramp, you'll fall for
Travels, too, but get the former album first. ~ Richard S. Ginell