Pat Metheny

<p>Today we have an incredibly rare interview with NEA Jazz Master <strong>Pat Metheny</strong>, who appears for the first time ever at Big Ears 2026 with his <strong>Side-Eye</strong> project. One of the most prolific and influential guitarists, bandleaders and composers, Metheny has spent the last 50 years making music with the likes of <strong>Gary Burton, Ornette Coleman, Chick Corea, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Antonio Carlos Jobim, John Zorn</strong> and <strong>Meshell Ndegeocello</strong>. Here we present him in conversation with WRTI&#39;s <strong>Nate Chinen</strong>.  The 20-time Grammy winner is a lyrical and versatile musician who has seemingly played with almost everyone.  In this insider&#39;s interview, Pat discusses his collaborations with legends of yesteryear: Burton, Jaco Pastorius, Jack DeJohnette, and Roy Haynes. He discusses his contemporary tribe including Brad Mehldau, Antonio Sanchez and Christian McBride; and a new generation of players, particularly drummers, Joe Dyson and Marcus Gilmore.  Metheny reflects on the recent growth of his band-leading concept, his admiration for sincerity in music and how truly difficult it is to write one good song. He also opines about Big Ears as a world-renowned pilgrimage destination for serious music heads.</p>