Pat Metheny, born August 12, 1954, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, has stood at the forefront of modern music for more than five decades. Metheny was performing with Kansas City’s top jazz musicians by fifteen—an early start that helped shape his unmistakable sound.
After joining vibraphonist Gary Burton’s group in 1974, Metheny’s horn-like phrasing, lyrical touch, and rhythmic fluidity quickly distinguished him. His debut album, Bright Size Life (1975), redefined the possibilities of jazz guitar, introducing a new sonic openness and melodic clarity that inspired generations of players.

In concert at The Missouri Theater on April 16. Listen to a sample HERE

One of your local stores is In The Groove Records at 708 Jefferson St. Jefferson City, Mo.

This Saturday, April 18th is a day for the people who make up the world of the record store—the staff, the customers, and the artists—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a record store and the special role they play in their communities. Special vinyl and CD releases and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day. In 2008 a small list of titles was released on Record Store Day and that list has grown to include artists and labels both large and small, in every genre and price point. For several years, 60% or more of the Record Store Day Official Release List came from independent labels and distributors. The list continues to include a wide range of artists, covering the diverse taste of record stores and their customers. Stop by In The Groove Records anytime!

Check out this video of Robert Plant talking about his days in record stores and what it has always meant to him! Here he is visiting the world’s oldest record store; Spillers Records in Cardiff, Wales.

FUNNY VIDEO OF THE WEEK!

This section is dedicated to lesser known artists that you might not have heard of and some that you have. We’ll also revisit some classic albums that are worth rediscovering!

Futurebirds are an American Rock and Roll band formed in 2008 from Athens, Georgia. Their first album, Hampton's Lullaby, was released via the Aquarium Drunkard imprint, Autumn Tone Records, on July 27, 2010. Their new album, Far Out Country will be released on June 5th by Dual Tone Records. Check them out HERE

Selwyn Birchwood is an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for blending traditional blues with modern influences like rock, funk, and soul. Born in Florida, he first gained national attention after winning the International Blues Challenge in 2013, a major honor in the blues world.

Birchwood stands out for his distinctive style—he often plays a self-built electric guitar and sometimes incorporates lap steel guitar into his performances. His albums, including Don't Call No Ambulance and Living in a Burning House, showcase his gritty vocals, sharp songwriting, and dynamic musicianship. Widely respected on the blues circuit, he continues to tour extensively and is considered one of the leading voices of the new generation of blues artists. Listen HERE

A Thousand Horses is an American country rock/Southern rock band formed in 2010 in Nashville. The group was founded by childhood friends Michael Hobby (lead vocals) and Bill Satcher (guitar), who began writing songs together as teenagers in South Carolina. They were later joined by Graham DeLoach (bass) and Zach Brown, completing the original lineup.

Blending classic Southern rock influences with modern country, the band gained national attention with their 2015 debut single “Smoke,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart—an unusually strong debut for a new group. Their first full-length album, Southernality (2015), helped establish their reputation for a gritty, roots-driven sound inspired by acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Rolling Stones.

Over the years, A Thousand Horses has continued releasing music and touring, including projects like Bridges (2017) and later albums such as Broken Heartland (2022) and The Outside (2024). Guitarist Zach Brown left the band in 2023, but the remaining trio has carried on, evolving their sound while staying rooted in Southern rock traditions.