"From This Place" is an album by renowned jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, released on February 21, 2020. It showcases Metheny's distinctive fusion of jazz with elements of rock, world music, and symphonic textures. The album features ten tracks that blend lyrical melodies with complex rhythmic and harmonic elements, a hallmark of Metheny's style.
The album was recorded with a quartet consisting of Metheny on guitar, Gwilym Simcock on piano, Linda May Han Oh on bass, and Antonio Sánchez on drums, who have collaborated with Metheny on previous projects. Additionally, the Hollywood Studio Symphony, conducted by Joel McNeely, provides orchestral arrangements that enrich the compositions, adding a cinematic quality to the music.
"From This Place" spans a range of moods, from reflective and serene to dynamic and intense, exploring themes inspired by Metheny's experiences and reflections on current events. The titular track, featuring vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello, stands out with its haunting vocal lines and poignant themes.
The album received critical acclaim for its inventive compositions, the synergy among the musicians, and the seamless integration of orchestral elements with jazz improvisation. It is celebrated for continuing Metheny's legacy of pushing the boundaries of jazz and creating genre-defying music.
Overall, "From This Place" represents another significant contribution to Pat Metheny's discography, demonstrating his ability to evolve artistically while maintaining his unique voice in the jazz world.