“humble force of nature”

[ BOB SHEPPARD ]

Genius is a word often used gratuitously in our lexicon, but I think musicians that knew Lyle would all agree he is truly deserving of that adjective. Lyle was a quiet and humble force of nature with a uniquely personal musical vision.

Stunning as a pianist-keyboard programmer, composer and producer, his brilliance shone heavily on us and will continue to endure. Solitary, humble and private, Lyle was intentionally passionate about everything he did, from his Lego designs, billiards, frisbee-golf and his profound musical contribution. Yes, I said Legos! Lyle was a kid at heart, he loved games, redesigning games. I remember the enormous Lego Medieval village that was constantly in progress taking up his entire living room. In Wisconsin, Lyle created a nine hole frisbee-golf course, mowing paths out of a densely covered five acre field. No matter what the activity, there was always a creative process involved. Lyle’s imagination was big. His music always felt beautiful, textural, sometimes impressionistic, cinematic and always driven by melody.

I was extremely lucky to meet Lyle in Los Angeles back in the early 90’s, by virtue of our mutual UNT classmates in the 70’s. As a huge fan of the Pat Metheny Group, I was already Lyle’s biggest fan as his handful of solo projects that are some of my favorite recordings.

I think Lyle heard something compelling about my sound and interpretive style in my work with Billy Childs and on Pat Coil’s album Schemes and Dreams, produced by Lyle and Steve Rodby.

What I can say without question, is Lyle brought out the best in everyone. Always with serious weight and intent, his music was undeniable and inspiring whether it be solo piano, quartet, chamber music, film score, big band, or the sculpting behind the Pat Metheny Group. Lyle was serious about getting it right and the results were magnificent and up-lifting.

I will forever be grateful for Lyle’s generosity and opportunity to play a European and Brazilian tour with his quartet, truly one of the highlights of my career. Every concert, Lyle performed as his life depended on it, a remarkable tour de force. Audiences were mesmerized and stunned at the power of his artistry.

I miss looking forward to Lyle’s music, to his next project. I think back to the many hangs, the discussions of every topic under the sun over a bottle of wine. Thank you Lyle for your friendship, inspiration and opportunity to play your music. RIP Lyle, you were in a league of your own.