Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 27, 1953 in Wausaukee, WI

Death

:

February 10, 2020 in Simi Valley, CA

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Lyle Mays was an American jazz pianist and composer, best known for his work with the Pat Metheny Group. He was born on November 27, 1953, in Wausaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a church organist. Mays began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Mays attended the University of North Texas, where he studied music theory and composition. While at the university, he met guitarist Pat Metheny, and the two began playing together in various bands. In 1977, Metheny formed the Pat Metheny Group, and Mays became a founding member of the group. The group's unique blend of jazz, rock, and world music quickly gained a following, and they released their first album, "Pat Metheny Group," in 1978. Mays' contributions to the Pat Metheny Group were significant. He was not only the group's pianist but also its primary composer and arranger. His compositions were often complex and intricate, featuring unusual time signatures and harmonies. He also experimented with electronic instruments and synthesizers, adding a futuristic sound to the group's music. The Pat Metheny Group released a string of successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Offramp," "Still Life (Talking)," and "Letter from Home." Mays' compositions were a highlight of these albums, and he received critical acclaim for his work. In 1983, he won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Fusion Performance for the Pat Metheny Group's album "Travels." In addition to his work with the Pat Metheny Group, Mays also released several solo albums. His first solo album, "Lyle Mays," was released in 1986 and featured a mix of jazz and classical music. He continued to release solo albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "Fictionary" and "Solo: Improvisations for Expanded Piano." Mays' compositions were not limited to jazz and fusion music. He also wrote music for film and television, including the score for the 1993 film "Weekend at Bernie's II." He also collaborated with classical musicians, including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Kronos Quartet. Mays' career was cut short when he passed away on February 10, 2020, at the age of 66. His death was attributed to a long battle with a recurring illness. His passing was mourned by the music community, with many musicians and fans paying tribute to his contributions to jazz and fusion music. In conclusion, Lyle Mays was a talented jazz pianist and composer who made significant contributions to the Pat Metheny Group and the world of jazz and fusion music. His compositions were complex and innovative, and he was not afraid to experiment with new sounds and instruments. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, and his music will be remembered for years to come.

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