Side-Eye III+ is the latest evolution of 20-time Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Pat Metheny’s Side-Eye project — a concept he first introduced to showcase the next generation of exceptional young musicians who have come onto his radar in recent years. The album features Metheny alongside Chris Fishman on keyboards and Joe Dyson on drums, the trio at the heart of the Side-Eye ensemble that has toured extensively worldwide.

Metheny explains, “Once I got in the studio with the guys, I realized that while the trio concept was perfect for us as a live ensemble, the music I had written was asking for something bigger. That is where the ‘+‘ in Side-Eye III+ comes in. I ended up adding 15 other musicians to the trio — expanding the sonic world of the record far beyond what we had done before.”

Recorded in the studio, Side-Eye III+ brings together an additional cast of musicians including bassist Daryl Johns, harpist Brandee Younger, percussionist Luis Conte, and a vocal ensemble led by Mark Kibble of Take 6, creating a richly layered and expansive musical landscape.

“He brought in an incredible group of singers,” Metheny said of Kibble, “and together, we found a sound that has a relationship to the Gospel tradition but I think most people will hear the kinds of harmonies and melodies that identify it as mine right away.”

The all-original album includes “In on It,” “Don’t Look Down,” and “Make a New World.”

Features

• Double LP
• Gatefold Jacket
• 4-Color Inner Sleeves

Musicians

Pat Metheny	guitars, sounds, synths
Joe Dyson	drums
Chris Fishman	keyboards, piano, organ
Daryl Johns	bass
Brandee Younger	harp
Luis Conte	percussion
Vincent Peirani	accordion
Mark Kibble, Natalie Litza, Kim Fleming, Kim Mont, San Franklin, Stephanie Hall, Joel Kibble, Terry White, Armand Hutton	vocals
Leonard Patton	vocal (on “SE-O”)
James Francies	organ (on “Urban and Western”)

Selections

Side A:

1. In on It
2. Don’t Look Down

Side B:

1. Make a New World
2. Urban and Western

Side C:

1. SE-O
2. Our Old Street

Side D:

1. Risk and Reward
2. So Far, So Good