Lyle Mays

  • Lyle Mays - Lyle Mays [Geffen Records GHS 24097] (1986)

Also Appears On

  • Pat Metheny - Watercolors [ECM Records ECM-1-1097] (1977)
  • Pat Metheny Group - Pat Metheny Group [ECM Records ECM 1114] (1978)
  • Pat Metheny Group - American Garage [ECM Records ECM 1155] (1979)
  • Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays - As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls [ECM Records GHS 24245] (1981)
  • Pat Metheny Group - Offramp [ECM Records ECM-1-1216] (1982)
  • Pat Metheny Group - Still Life (Talking) [Geffen Records GHS 24145] (7 July 1987)
  • Pat Metheny Group - Letter From Home [Geffen Records GHS 24245] (29 June 1989)

Biography

Scott Yanow [allmusic.com]

Lyle Mays' style was difficult to describe, more atmospheric (with plenty of unique colors) than swinging and an invaluable part of the sound of the Pat Metheny Group.

Mays played and composed for the North Texas State University Lab Band in the mid-'70s. He met Metheny in 1975, toured with Woody Herman's Orchestra (1975-1976), and then joined Metheny's band, continuing to play with the guitarist's group. Mays, who was also an excellent acoustic pianist, recorded several albums as a leader for Geffen, including the excellent work Fictionary in 1992 and Solo in 2000. Lyle Mays died on February 10, 2020, after a long illness.