MoonDial

Released in 2024, MoonDial represents a specific evolution in Pat Metheny’s solo acoustic discography, following in the lineage of 'One Quiet Night' and 'What’s It All About'. The centerpiece of the album is a custom baritone nylon-string guitar built by Linda Manzer, which allows Metheny to explore a lower register and a unique harmonic palette that traditional guitars cannot reach. Unlike his previous solo efforts which often utilized standard tuning or Nashville tuning, MoonDial is defined by the deep, woody resonance of these specific strings. The tracklist is a curated blend of new originals, jazz standards like 'Everything Happens To Me', and pop reinterpretations including a haunting take on the Beatles. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the album's exceptional intimacy and the way Metheny uses the instrument's sustain to create a 'solo orchestra' effect. It stands as a late-career highlight that prioritizes texture and emotional resonance over technical display.