I saw the Pat Metheny Group around 88 - 89 at the Orpheus Theather while I was at Berklee College Of Music in Boston.
The band came out marching on to the stage like a marching band. I believe Lyle was teaching in the area around this time. On of my friends was having a band rehearsal in a room at Berklee. The door to the room had a tiny window. During the rehearsal one guy in the band noticed a dude looking through that tiny window for a while. He said I wonder what that dude wants? My friend said don"t mind him that"s 'only' my piano teacher Lyle Mays!
Never forgot that story. Obviously a down to earth guy as well as a brilliant virtuoso. No doubt. Pat Metheny just came out with a new album and the pianist is excellent but didn"t sound quite like Lyle. Seemed strange to me. Know I understand why Lyle wasn"t on this album. Incredible bummer.
Just found out about an album he recorded in 2016, The Ludwigsburg Concert (Naxos, 2016). Check it out. So moving! He will be greatly missed!