Pat Metheny

Today we have an incredibly rare interview with NEA Jazz Master Pat Metheny, who appears for the first time ever at Big Ears 2026 with his Side-Eye 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 Gary Burton, Ornette Coleman, Chick Corea, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Antonio Carlos Jobim, John Zorn and Meshell Ndegeocello. Here we present him in conversation with WRTI's Nate Chinen.  The 20-time Grammy winner is a lyrical and versatile musician who has seemingly played with almost everyone.  In this insider'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.