LYLE MAYS
BIOGRAPHY

 
Lyle Mays born (November 27, 1953) is an American Jazz pianist fro Wausaukee Wisconsin.  He is best known for his work with guitarist Pat Metheny as a member of the Pat Metheny Group.

 Of his four dominant childhood interests – chess, mathematics, architecture (building with LEGO bricks as a child) and music - the last was developed as his area of focus.  Being the son of musically interested parents.  His mother played the piano in church, his father played guitar by ear.  He was allowed to explore the piano with the help of a teacher, Rose Barron, who was open to letting Mays, who had a perfect pitch, improvise after the formal lesson, eventually coming to play organ for the family's church.

Lyle May's style is difficult to describe, more atmospheric (with plenty of unique colors) than swinging and an invaluable part of the sound of the Pat Metheny Group.  May's played and composed at the North University Lab Band in the mid-70's.  He met Pat Metheny in 1975, toured with Woody Herman's Orchestra (1975-1976), and then joined Metheny's Band, continuing to play with the guitarist's group.  Lyle May's (who is also an excellent pianist) has recorded several albums as a leader for Geffen, including the excellent work Fictionary in 1992 and Solo in 2000.

Written by
~Scott Yanow~

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