Pat Metheny has been one of the most unique forces in jazz guitar for more than 20 years.  His music, with its blend of jazz, rock, folk and electronic elements, is highly original and enormously popular, allowing him to sell out arena venues.   He appears in this episode with Jim Hall, NEA Jazz Master and a musician of understated elegance who is considered one of the greatest living jazz guitarists. Although Pat Metheny, the wonderful contemporary guitarist, says that he has always looked up to Jim Hall, that day in our studios was simply a musical love affair between two great artists.

Pat Metheny – Pat Metheny’s unique style reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar” sound, and he continues to redefine the genre by utilizing new technology and constantly evolving his instrument.  His body of work includes compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments and large orchestras, as well as ballet pieces, with musical settings ranging from modern jazz to rock to classical.  He has won 16 GRAMMY Awards across a variety of different categories, and The Pat Metheny Group won an unprecedented seven consecutive GRAMMY Awards for seven consecutive albums.  Pat continues to shine as one of the brightest stars in the jazz universe.  Check out www.patmethenygroup.com for more information.

Jim Hall – Jim Hall's technique has been called subtle, his sound mellow, and his compositions understated –  yet his recording and performing history are anything but modest.  He has recorded with artists ranging from Bill Evans to Itzhak Perlman and has performed alongside most of the jazz greats of the 20th Century.  Jim was the first modern jazz guitarist to receive an NEA Jazz Masters Award.  In 1965 he formed his own trio, which still performs and records today.  Well-studied in classical composition, he has produced original pieces for various jazz orchestral ensembles.  In addition to numerous GRAMMY Award nominations, Jim has been awarded the New York Jazz Critics Circle Award for Best Jazz Composer/Arranger.  Check out www.jimhallmusic.com for more information.