First Circle - Pat Metheny Group (1984) (1LP Vinyl) - Near Mint (NM)

First Circle by Pat Metheny Group.

When the Pat Metheny Group released "First Circle," they were charting a course into new sonic territory, and this pressing captures that ambition in full. From the opening handclaps and shifting meters of "Forward March" through the reflective close of "Praise," the album moves with a restless curiosity that rewards close listening. It is a record that feels both meticulously composed and generously open, the sound of a band stretching toward something larger than itself.

Central to that expansion is the arrival of Pedro Aznar, whose voice and multi-instrumental presence adds fresh color throughout. Alongside Pat Metheny and longtime musical partner Lyle Mays, the group here also features Steve Rodby and Paul Wertico, a lineup that balances lyricism with rhythmic invention. You can hear it in the surging title track "The First Circle," where wordless vocals and layered instrumentation build into one of the most distinctive statements in the group's catalog.

The album unfolds across two sides with a strong sense of pacing. The first side carries you from the propulsive "Forward March" into "Yolanda, You Learn," the epic sweep of "The First Circle," and the gentle "If I Could." Flip it over and the mood deepens through "Tell It All" and "End Of The Game," before "Mas Alla (Beyond)" and "Praise" bring the record to its warm, contemplative conclusion.

Sonically, this pressing benefits from the hands that shaped it. Engineering was handled by Jan Erik Kongshaug, with Rob Eaton assisting, and Roger Seibel handled the mastering. Pat Metheny himself produced the sessions, guiding the group's expansive vision onto tape. The visual presentation matches the music's spirit, with cover and design work by Barbara Wojirsch and evocative photography by William Clift, taken as a rainbow arced over New Mexico in 1978.

This particular variant is a Wakefield Manufacturing pressing, and it comes with a label design distinct from other known Wakefield editions. As is characteristic of Wakefield pressings, the vinyl may appear translucent when held up to a strong light source, a quality that has become part of the charm and identity of records from that plant. It also stands apart from other regional issues and formats of the album, making it a worthwhile catch for collectors tracking the finer differences between editions.

Adding to its appeal, this variant includes promotional copies, identified by the round sticker affixed to the front of the outer sleeve as pictured. For anyone drawn to the more adventurous corners of the Pat Metheny Group discography, this is a meaningful edition of a genuinely pivotal album, one that continues to resonate decades after its recording.

Pressing Details:
Track Listing:
A1. Forward March
A2. Yolanda, You Learn
A3. The First Circle
A4. If I Could
B1. Tell It All
B2. End Of The Game
B3. Mas Alla (Beyond)
B4. Praise

Credits:
Barbara Wojirsch - Cover, Design
Jan Erik Kongshaug - Engineer
Rob Eaton - Engineer [Assistant]
Roger Seibel - Mastered By
Lyle Mays - Performer
Pat Metheny - Performer
Paul Wertico - Performer
Pedro Aznar - Performer
Steve Rodby - Performer
William Clift - Photography By [Rainbow, New Mexico, 1978]
Pat Metheny - Producer

Notes:
Differs from [r=2018333] & [r=1595726] - countries of release; differs from [r=542455] - format difference.
This version has a different label design from this Wakefield Manf Press [r778816]

As is the case with most Wakefield Manf pressings, Vinyl might be translucent when held up to a strong light source

This variant includes copies that were promotional copies as designated by the round sticker on the front of outer sleeve as shown in the photos.

Artist: Pat Metheny Group

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: ECM Records

Catalog Number: 25008-1 E

Release Year: 1984

Country: United States

Condition: Used

Media Condition: Near Mint (NM)

Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM)