Pat Metheny Group (album)

Pat Metheny Group is the eponymous debut album by the Pat Metheny Group, released in 1978 on ECM Records. The album marked the beginning of the band's signature sound, blending elements of jazz, rock, and world music. It features Pat Metheny on guitars, Lyle Mays on keyboards, Mark Egan on bass, and Danny Gottlieb on drums.

The album is characterized by its melodic compositions, sophisticated harmonies, and Metheny's distinctive guitar tone. It is considered a foundational work in the smooth jazz and contemporary jazz genres, though Metheny himself has resisted these labels. Tracks like "Phase Dance" and "San Lorenzo" became staples of the band's live performances and are considered among their most well-known songs.

Pat Metheny Group received critical acclaim upon its release and helped establish the band's reputation as innovators in the jazz world. It laid the groundwork for their subsequent albums, which further explored their unique musical vision and cemented their place as one of the most influential jazz groups of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The album is notable for its use of the Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer, a key element in Metheny's evolving sound. The album's production, typical of ECM releases, emphasizes clarity and spaciousness, contributing to the overall ethereal quality of the music.