Music

1983 Rejoicing

Label: ECM

Musicians: Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins

“Rejoicing” makes a perfect companion to “Beyond the Missouri Sky.” Haden and Metheny share a magnetism on the ground that can only be matched by Lyra and Orion in the night sky. Each tune shines with lyrical brilliance; be it in the softened freedom of Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman,” the dazzling blur of Metheny’s clean runs on the title track, or the wailing synthguitar of “The Calling.” Higgins on drums complements all the string action. Harmony, harmolodics, and eudemonics: the joy of the musicianship on this album uplifts the listener with its magic. —CD Universe