The Way Up

The Way Up is the eleventh and final studio album by the Pat Metheny Group. It was released in 2005 and won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2006. It is the last Pat Metheny album to feature long-time collaborator Lyle Mays.

Background
The album consists of one 68-minute-long piece, split into four tracks. The album is a showcase for the band's ability in solo improvisation and dynamics. Swiss multi-instrumentalist Gregoire Maret joined the Group for the album's recording and tour, being showcased on the harmonica.

As part of the album's promotional tour, the Group performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival and a concert was recorded in Seoul, South Korea and released on DVD.

Personnel
Additional musicians
 * Pat Metheny – acoustic and electric guitars, guitar synthesizer, slide guitar, toy guitar, producer
 * Lyle Mays – piano, keyboards, toy xylophone, producer
 * Steve Rodby – acoustic and electric bass, cello, violin, producer
 * Cuong Vu – trumpet, vocals, toy whistle
 * Grégoire Maret – harmonica
 * Antonio Sánchez – drums, toy xylophone
 * Richard Bona – percussion, vocals, toy guitar
 * Dave Samuels – percussion

Technical personnel

 * Pat Metheny – producer
 * Steve Rodby, Lyle Mays – co-producers
 * Rob Eaton – recording, mixing
 * Ted Jensen – mastering at Sterling Sound, NYC, USA
 * Doyle Partners – design, photography

Awards
Grammy Awards