Part One is my favourite, but the entire piece is just a fantastic jazz journey that you'll want to return to again and again. Simply music of the very highest order.

This is absolutely brilliant, the ideas are great, and the performances are also brilliant. It's almost like prog jazz. Definitely buy this, it's well worth the money.

Interesting to see such mixed reactiosn from PMG fans to this album. Personally I like the piece length as it allows the group to expand and develop the themes, this gives it great texture. Ok so you wont come away whistling the tunes but neither will you from 'As Falls Witcha' or quite a lot of 'Song X'. This is one to sit back and soak in. As a frequent flyer this is often one that I listen to on the plane, maybe its bacause of the title??

Epic musical journey.Utterly brilliant!!!!

I am a huge Pat Metheny Group fan. Ever since I first saw them in New Orleans in 1982, I was absolutely hooked. I buy everything that they put out, both as a group and as solo artists, and I catch every tour that I can. I must admit that some of their work is simply not for me, and, unfortunately, this is one of those albums. If you are uninitiated, download Secret Story, Still Life Talking, Letter From Home, We Live Here, or Speaking of Now...all works of unimaginable, unfathomable genious. The Way Up lacks the intensity and focus of the above named albums. With no restriction on song length, the group is given free reign to develop ideas for up to 30 minutes at a time and, in my humble view, lose the listener in the process. Of course, brilliant performances throughout, but no memorable songs.

I came across this recording while browsing and thought I would take a gamble after sampling the mean 30sec you get on itunes. It is a fantastic, colourful musical soundscape full of rich ideas and ultimately rewarding. I highly recommend for those lovers of smooth, emotional and uplifting jazz and brilliant musicianship. At £1.99 a rare bergain for itunes!

What a pleasant surprise. Bright, sunny and just flipping optimistic. Synths and harmonicas? I was sceptical but am now a whole-hearted convert.

We had to wait a long time for this album from PMG and it has to be said that when it arrived it was unsatisfying.

Instead of the usual collection of recognisable tracks, there are 3 long "movements" - which even after repeated listening are not easy to distinguish from each other.

The usual PMG tonal quality is there as are the signature time changes and traits and clearly a lot of effort is expended. The musicianship is up to its usual extraordinary standard. However, whilst it is pleasant enough to listen to, most of it is forgettable.

Overall a disappointment.

Pat, we desperately need another great PMG record soon - please.

Persistent listenings will reward you here with the most incredibly beautiful sonic journey. Open up your ears, listen closely and prepare to be blown away. Definite highlight for me is Part 3. As the guitar synth comes in it's like sunlight breaking through clouds and wrapping you in a warm glow.