[1][2] From 1978 to 1989 Metheny led his own Boston-based quartet, and in 1988 he was named “Outstanding Brass Player” at the annual Boston Music Awards.
[5] He was editor for Kansas City's Jazz Ambassador Magazine (JAM) from 1994 to 2003 and has contributed to KC Magazine, Jazziz, and The DaCapo Jazz & Blues Lover's Guide to the U.S.[6] Commenting on Metheny's move from Boston to Missouri, and his transition to music journalism, the Boston Globe wrote in 1991, "Mike Metheny seemed on the verge of national recognition.
[7] He continues to perform, primarily in Kansas and Missouri, and with a particular emphasis on the electronic valve instrument (EVI), a trumpet synthesizer that he has featured in his recordings and which was given to him by his brother Pat as a present.
[9] As the Los Angeles Times has pointed out, "Most of fluegelhornist Mike Metheny's career has been spent in the large shadow cast by his younger brother, guitarist Pat.
Before dedicating his life to guitar, Pat started playing trumpet at an early age, with older brother Mike as his teacher.