Record Reviews

CARLOS SANTANA / JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ LOVE DEVOTION SURRENDER COLUMBIA 63593 (Barcode: 074646359327) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003 This is the most quintessential Fusion album of all times. Although sadly neglected and almost forgotten (both by critics and listeners) over the years, it stands out as a beacon of musical enlightenment for posterity. The album came to be as a result of many parallel events and personal / musical paths crossings. Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist and John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist became close after becoming disciples of Guru Sri Chinmoy. Although they were both aware of each other’s work before this musical cooperation, they operated in quite separate musical areas. McLaughlin at this point had already a glorious career stretch behind him with his pioneering work on the UK Jazz-Rock scene, his revolutionary work with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, the visionary contributions in the Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist LifetimeFind albums by this artist and of course his brilliant Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist output. Santana’s roots were deep into Latin music and rock, but he was rapidly transforming his musical focus into jazz and Fusion. Influenced by his band’s drummer Michael ShrieveFind albums by this artist, who was a jazz buff, Carlos discovered a new musical world and was swallowing everything he could lay his ears on. This included the works of Mahavishnu Orchestra, of which he was a devoted fan, but also the work of Miles Davis and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. The actual get together was most probably orchestrated by ColumbiaFind albums on this label’s chief Clive DavisFind albums by this artist (both Santana and Mahavishnu Orchestra were signed by Columbia Records), suggesting a John Coltrane tribute album featuring both guitarists. The album was recorded almost immediately after Santana finished recording the pivotal CaravanseraiFind albums with this title album, which marked a series of dramatic changes both in the band’s musical direction (a move towards jazz and Fusion) and personnel changes (the forming of Santana Mk. II). A meeting of two great talents is always a dangerous affair, and this one could have proven either disastrous or absolutely divine – fortunately the latter did happen. The reason it did turn out to be such a success is twofold: First the musicians truly loved Coltrane’s music and felt the spiritual side of it (Coltrane went through a process of soul searching and seeking enlightenment in Eastern beliefs as well). Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” is really a musical mantra very similar to a Hindu chant, which of course is as much a spiritual music as it ever gets. The beautiful “Naima” (the other Coltrane composition featured here) is also deeply spiritual, as are the two McLaughlin’s compositions and the traditional chant, which serves as the base for the remaining track of the album. Having established the musical / spiritual base of the session the rest was up to the participating musicians, which (again) most fortunately turned out to be ideal. Both Santana and McLaughlin brought with them associate musicians – Carlos brought selected members of his band (Armando PerazaFind albums by this artist – congas, Doug RauchFind albums by this artist – bass and Michael Shrive – drums) and John brought Mahavishnu Orchestra members (Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist – drums and Jan HammerFind albums by this artist – drums(!)). Veteran jazz drummer Don AliasFind albums by this artist was also invited, but the greatest and perhaps most crucial role was entrusted upon the organ player Larry YoungFind albums by this artist – John’s former partner in Lifetime. Young provides the foundation and glue, which makes this session work. With two lead guitarists exchanging licks at the speed of light and the super-power expanded rhythm section pulsating mercilessly, this session would have never worked without Young’s brilliant work. He fills the spaces, provides the balance and the sanity, the ground on which the soloist are able to build their sky-high towers. Of course the main attraction is the spectacular work by the two soloists, so different and yet so completely complimentary of each other. Santana’s sublimely melodic feel (truly unparalleled to this very day) and McLaughlin’s extraordinary improvisational abilities just merge into one continuous flow of musical bliss. Their exchanges are in perfect harmony, not competing but supplementing each other – fire and grace incarnate. This remastered edition enhances the originally muddy sound tremendously and the two bonus tracks are priceless. There is nothing but Love of music, Devotion to talent and Surrender to divinity on this album, the Mother of all Fusion albums! Beyond essential!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend