Pat Metheny's most ambitious solo project is also his most emotionally rich work as composer. A conceptual song cycle inspired by a tumultuous relationship frames the CDs alternately intense and introspective motifs with sweeping orchestrations and a shifting array of global music spanning Asia, Europe and the Americas. With a wide cast (including numerous Metheny Group members, past and present), and Metheny himself marshalling percussion, horns, and keyboards as well as guitar and guitar synthesizer, Secret Story is by turns lush, heroic, heartbroken--at once epic and intimate. --Sam Sutherland