Lyle Mays

A shame only one post on Discogs for such an amazing talent as Mr. Mays and his contributions to the jazz and jazz crossover world.
Lyle was truly a unique talent brought to Pat Metheny's side in the mid 1970's and forever changing the direction of where jazz "was" supposed to sound like both harmonically and stylistically.
Without a stretch of the imagination Lyle's melodic approach was drawn from the influences of the late Bill Evans, rich is lyricism and dare I say hooks that embed deep into the listeners subconscious. Not only was Lyle's approach to the piano so astoundingly gentle and heartfelt but he also embraced technology bringing those nuance and textured atmospheres to the Pat Metheny Group that would forever forge decades of memorable music on the ECM and Geffen labels.
Lyle's approach to the Oberheim synthesizer and later Synclavier would be the genesis of such epic PMG albums like As Falls Witchita Falls, Offramp finally the monumental Brazilian influenced Still Life Talking taking the tech and live musicianship onto the steps of Mt. Zeus and beyond (how can an album from 1986 still sound so fresh today)! I'd like to also highlight the debut solo release from Lyle Mays from 1986 albeit more subtle, mellow, ambient however the sinuous melodic statements synthesizer textures are are unlike anything out at that time period and to date still sounds rewarding to the curious set of ears. Lyle May's was a gift to the music world let's thank the cosmos for gifting us his legacy of transcendent music contributions for future generations to appreciate..

It's been a while now, but nevertheless, may Lyle Mays live forever! The truly unique lyrical style to his music shaped the understanding of what beauty contained within melodies -as well as sound- could be for us countless admirers of his work through the times! Bringing to life the heart of the piano, the depth of the synthesizer.
May these silly words of mine pay a little Discogs homage to his artistic legacy. We will always love you!