Pat Metheny’s first concert in Kansas City, Missouri, since 2012 was sublime. Joined by keyboardist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson, the Lee’s Summit native exhibited a satisfying sampling of his vast repertoire at Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Thursday, June 16.
Acoustic contemplation and smooth jazz tranquility were balanced by wailing fusion and contributions from a downscaled version of Metheny’s futuristic Orchestrion. Greasy organ jazz and straight-ahead swing were countered by a stunning bout of cacophonous skronk.
While chatter amid the audience of more than 1,200 occasionally marred the pristine sound, the significance of Metheny’s overdue return to Kansas City overcame the minor nuisance. Metheny only spoke to introduce his bandmates, but words weren’t necessary to show Kansas City what it’s been missing.