Pat Metheny - Orchestrion

"This project represents a conceptual direction that merges an idea from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries with the technologies of today to create a new, open-ended platform for musical composition, improvisation and performance. 'Orchestrionics' is the term that I am using to describe a method of developing ensemble-oriented music using acoustic and acoustoelectric musical instruments that are mechanically controlled in a variety of ways, using solenoids and pneumatics. With a guitar, pen or keyboard I am able to create a detailed compositional environment or a spontaneously developed improvisation, with the pieces on this particular recording leaning toward the compositional side of the spectrum. On top of these layers of acoustic sound, I add my conventional electric guitar playing as an improvised component." - Pat Metheny