Pat Metheny Captivates San Sebastián Jazz Festival with Career-Spanning Performance

Pat Metheny once again enchanted the audience at the San Sebastián Jazz Festival, delivering a concert that masterfully navigated the past and present of his illustrious career. Accompanied by four exceptional musicians, Metheny transformed the Kursaal auditorium into a space of musical exploration for over two and a half hours. The performance showcased the latest evolution of "Side Eye," Metheny's platform dedicated to supporting and collaborating with emerging talent.

This iteration of "Side Eye" featured core members Chris Fishman on keyboards and Joe Dyson on drums, joined by bassist Jermaine Paul and vocalist/percussionist Leonard Patton. Together, they have recorded Metheny's latest work, "Side Eye III +." The evening commenced with Fishman and Dyson setting the stage with percussive rhythms before Metheny emerged, guitar in hand, to launch into "In on It," the opening track from his new album. This was followed by the timeless classic "Bright Size Life," from his 1976 debut.

The setlist skillfully blended new material with established favorites. Tracks like "Don't Look Down," "Make a New World," and "Urban and Western" from "Side Eye III +" were performed, allowing each musician to shine. Fishman's keyboard prowess and Paul's bass solos were particularly notable, as was Patton's vocal contribution. Metheny himself interspersed moments of intense improvisation with passages of profound lyricism, often performing solo on his guitar.

A particularly moving segment included Metheny's encore, a unique medley that intertwined patriotic American hymns with the melody of "El pueblo unido jamás será vencido" and his hit "Last Train Home." The concert concluded with a series of chained songs, met with fervent applause from the devoted audience. The performance, held under skies that threatened rain but ultimately remained clear, was a testament to Metheny's enduring artistry and his commitment to fostering new musical dialogues.