TEDxCaltech - Lyle Mays and Friends

Lyle Mays and friends explore music based on physics equations, Feynman's speech patterns and more, using improvisation, algorithmic composition, live video mixing, and a custom designed linked laptop network.

Lyle Mays has been an integral part of the Pat Metheny Group since its inception in 1977, and has co-written much of the consistently engaging music for the multi-Grammy-winning group's albums. Lyle's sense of melody, crystal clear virtuosity and almost cinematic scope of orchestration has clearly distinguished the group's sound. Born into a musical family in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953, he was always encouraged to explore new forms of expression. As a teenager, Lyle attended jazz summer camps and studied with such talents as Rich Matteson and Marian McPartland. He then studied composition and arrangement at North Texas State University before touring with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd. While appearing at the 1975 Wichita Jazz Festival, Lyle met twenty-year-old guitarist Pat Metheny, and the two formed a musical alliance that has proven to be among the most artistically successful of the past three-plus decades.

Performers include: Jimmy Branly (drums), Rich Breen (audio engineer), Jon 9 (visualization), Andrew Pask (woodwinds), Bob Rice (guitar and digital sounds), and Tom Warrington (bass). Bios of these performers: http://tedxcaltech.com/speakers

About TEDx, x = independently organized event: In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

On January 14, 2011, Caltech hosted TEDxCaltech, an exciting one-day event to honor Richard Feynman, Nobel Laureate, Caltech physics professor, iconoclast, visionary, and all-around "curious character." Visit TEDxCaltech.com for more details.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• TEDx
• TEDxCaltech
• Caltech
• physics
• equations
• digital
• composition
• improvisation
• visualization
• music
• performance

[beatthekiyo]

the " real brain" of Metheny's group...

[geoffl2008]

lyle's face at 9:02 is priceless haha

[epits9791]

super



[jjoherl]

Wow...how cool!!....very exiting...had not been aware of this event....thanx a lot!!

[STEAMWORKER]

@beatthekiyo Absolutely!

[MrFunklead]

Lyle Rules! he's a genius!

[ThePiummy]

@geoffl2008 hahahahaha



[MonsieurSteven]

9:02 !! Lyle is THE MAN to play Gollum in the next movie "The Hobbit"!! It could compose the music, too :)

[robertm2000]

impressive. A superb example of "composing on the spot."

[cbmuzik]

Lyle's reaction @18:19 <--- The ONLY reaction warranted when you really love playing. End of story!

[cbmuzik]

@beatthekiyo

truth spoken! I've said that for many years. Without Lyle, there is no PMG...period. Pat, though I love his sound, misses the architect behind his sound for all those years. Just imagine, Pat Metheny and Chick Corea. He would have never been as big as he is. Though Chick is a visionary, just not the same type as Lyle...and to each his own because I love Chick Corea as well. But Lyle, this dude's compositions make me cry. Grown man talk!

[itsALLartVideos]

Needs a bit of Flora Purim vocal at 14:28... :-)