WIN - Jazz FM's Album of the Week

Acclaimed guitarist and composer Pat Metheny launched his new record label, Uniquity Music, alongside the release of a new studio album, Side-Eye III+. The record marks the first title on the label, created in partnership with Primary Wave, the parent company of Green Hill Music under the Sun Label Group umbrella, which will also serve as home to reissues of Metheny's entire catalog since 1984 and all future releases.

"My dream for years has been to have a place where all of my work, past and future, could live under a single umbrella - a label of my own," says Metheny. "With the creation of Uniquity Music, that dream has now become a reality. In many ways, I feel like I am just beginning, and I expect the next period to represent the best of where music has led me so far. The new label will feature re-releases of every record I have made since Song X in 1984."

Along with the label's debut comes the release of Side-Eye III+ 27th February, the latest evolution of Metheny's Side-Eye project - a concept he first introduced to showcase the next generation of exceptional young musicians who have come onto his radar in recent years. The album features Metheny alongside Chris Fishman on keyboards and Joe Dyson on drums, the trio at the heart of the Side-Eye ensemble that has toured extensively worldwide.

Metheny explains, "Once I got in the studio with the guys, I realized that while the trio concept was perfect for us as a live ensemble, the music I had written was asking for something bigger. That is where the '+' in Side-Eye III+ comes in. I ended up adding fifteen other musicians to the trio — expanding the sonic world of the record far beyond what we had done before."

Recorded in the studio, Side-Eye III+ brings together an additional cast of musicians including bassist Daryl Johns, harpist Brandee Younger, percussionist Luis Conte, and a vocal ensemble led by Mark Kibble of Take 6, creating a richly layered and expansive musical landscape.

“He brought in an incredible group of singers,” Metheny said of Kibble, “and together, we found a sound that has a relationship to the Gospel tradition, but I think most people will hear the kinds of harmonies and melodies that identify it as mine right away.”

“Being part of the launch of Uniquity Music while helping usher in Side-Eye III+ makes this a special moment for Green Hill,” said Blake Davis, General Manager, Green Hill. “The album showcases Pat’s commitment to collaboration and discovery, and it reflects exactly the kind of thoughtful artistry we’re proud to support. Uniquity creates a home for that spirit to thrive, and we’re thrilled to begin this journey with him.”

Metheny adds, "Musicians often say their new record is their best, and I will take that risk here — this is one of the best records I have ever made."

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