The PMproject 3/4 unfolded over two recording sessions in April 2025. The session featured Brian Stahurski on Bass, and Joe Waslousky on Drums, and Ian Brown on Piano.
The project was recorded at Albey Road Studios. Al does a great job with the sessions. He keeps us all focused and moving forward. His studio is a great fit for the vibe and approach we take with these sessions. Special thanks to Al.
The Project was recorded at Albey Road Studio. Thanks to Al for being an awesome engineer and session manager. I love recording at Al's studio. It fits the vibe of the approach and spirit of these recordings.
Our approach was spontaneous—a dive into the unknown without rehearsals. Recording a song like “Letter From Home,” which relies heavily on melody and harmony unity, posed its challenges but was ultimately rewarding. The aim? To capture the raw energy and genuine connection when everything just clicks.
The idea to record songs that were all in 3/4 time came early in the planning stages, as Joe and I were discussing different songs to record. Special thanks go to Brian for his input, suggestions, and the effort he put into shaping each tune. He was truly an "on the spot" producer.
Choosing the songs was a deliberate process. I always wanted to record "Letter From Home"—a song that feels natural and unforced. Joe and Ian both added some tasteful layers, which really brought it to life.
"Question and Answer" is another favorite, a piece I enjoy for its rhythm and familiar feel from previous projects, especially with the guitar synth sounds. Although it can be a rough listen for people not familiar with Metheny's more avant-garde expressions with the guitar synth.
One of my favorite jazz standards is "Someday My Prince Will Come". I love so many versions of this song… Miles, Chet, etc. I love hearing the lead being played on piano. Ian did such a great job with his poignant, tasteful approach to the tune. If you listen carefully, you can hear eedback around the 2:10 mark because Ian's ipad was about to fall off the Piano stand, I set my guitar down to save it, but it started to feedback. We kept it in there since it was in the moment and just became part of the song.
“Moon River “was approached with an effort to create an "americana" style version. We went heavy on the reverb for the snare, and I was bending notes sharp. Bryan was playing a Charlie Hayden style, Joe and I approached it from trying to catch the Frisell vibe. We also tried to use chord voicings consistent of that style. Ian came up with this chromatic turnaround that we used to anchor the tune. This tune gets the most "negative" feedback. Most people understandably miss the "easter eggs" throughout the tune and I must tell people those things they hear were done deliberately.
“All Blues” is one of those songs that if we did 10 takes, each one would sound very similar, so we did one take and put in down. Honestly, I think we left a little on the table with that song. It is an awesome standard and one that I love to play.
There is a great version of "My Favorite Things" performed by John McGlaughlin that I watched repeatedly on YouTube. Joey DeFranchesco was on organ. That was where my head was when we recorded that song. Per our typical sessions, the semi-Afro Cuban groove was decided on the spot, mixing it with a straight swing. We also went for a little spontaneous ride after the guitar solo and at the end of the song. That is one of my favorite things about these sessions, things just happen.
I sincerely hope people enjoy listening to the amazing songs and appreciate the spirit and approach to making this project. It is a project made by jazz nerds for jazz nerds.
Thanks for listening!