Record Reviews

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ INDUSTRIAL ZEN VERVE 983932 (Barcode: 602498393284) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Here it is at last – the finest album recorded in the 21st century! As lofty and far-fetched as this might sound, I’m ready to defend this statement for as long as it takes. This masterpiece by the legendary guitarist is a complex, multi-layered work of art. On one hand it is contemporary in every sense, especially as far as the overall sound is concerned, on the other hand however it is also an amalgam of John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist’s entire life as a musician, including every style, genre, direction and sound he played over the years, all of these synthesized into an integral new entity. For people familiar with McLaughlin’s illustrious career it should be quite easy to recognize the familiar elements: the spontaneity of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist sessions, the fire of Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, the grace of his solo work on acoustic and electric guitar and of course his sensitivity and openness to other cultures as demonstrated in ShaktiFind albums by this artist and Remember ShaktiFind albums by this artist. Every note here is original and yet every note also has traces and links to something accomplished in the past. As far as the sound and instrumentation are concerned, these are completely new to McLaughlin. As the title of the album suggests, he uses plenty of electronics here – synth-guitar, keyboards and even drums are used to produce a plethora of both foreground and background electronic sounds, somewhat similar to the so-called “Industrial” sound used in Rock, but of course infinitely more complex and interesting. In addition, the album is very rhythmic and percussive, with two drummers and percussion players present simultaneously on most tracks. To achieve the maximal effect McLaughlin uses different players on various tracks and the list is most impressive: Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist, Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, Dennis ChambersFind albums by this artist, Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist – drums; Otmaro RuizFind albums by this artist, Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist – keyboards; Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Ada RovattiFind albums by this artist – sax; Matthew GarrisonFind albums by this artist, Hadrien FeraudFind albums by this artist – bass; Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist – tabla; Shankar MahadevanFind albums by this artist – vocals. This superb group of musicians supports their Master with love and devotion, which is evident, every step of the way. Another very interesting aspect of this album is that it seems McLaughlin is paying homage to the greatest Fusion ensemble in history – Weather ReportFind albums by this artist. Two of the tracks are explicitly named after WR members: “For Jaco” (Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist) and “Wayne’s Way” (Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist) but also the entire sound and feel of the album reflects very closely the feel of WR albums. I had a distinct feeling as if listening to a new album by an expanded version of WR including guitar. Perhaps something that was meant to happen but never did (i.e. WR playing with McLaughlin) finally materializes here? Fusion Karma? Whatever the Gods intended is besides the point here; one thing is sure: to create such divine music McLaughlin surely had to have a measure of godly intervention / inspiration. Bless you John for giving us such a wonderful musical gift. You do make life endurable again with your beacon clearly showing the direction to ships sailing the oceans of musical ennui.

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ MONTREUX CONCERTS WARNER MUSIC SWITZERLAND 9701 (Barcode: 5050466970121) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1999 Released: 2003 This monumental Box Set (17 CDs!) is a collection of live recordings by John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and his various ensembles at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland between 1974 and 1999. 25 years of McLaughlin’s brilliant career are summarized here in a continuous stream of mind-bugging musical brilliance and diversity. The exceptionally warm response and rapport between the musicians and the audience (which is so typical of the Montreux Festival) and the brilliant sound quality turn this set into a dream-come-true for every McLaughlin fan on earth. The various McLaughlin’s groups captured here are: Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist Mk. II (with Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist and Gayle MoranFind albums by this artist), ShaktiFind albums by this artist, One Truth BandFind albums by this artist, Mahavishnu Orchestra Mk. IV (with Bill EvansFind albums by this artist), Free SpiritsFind albums by this artist, Heart Of ThingsFind albums by this artist and Remember ShaktiFind albums by this artist. Also included are duets with Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist and Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist. McLaughlin plays acoustic and electric guitar and the guitar synthesizer, all of them with his usual eloquence and elegance. All this is an ocean of music, crossing genres like Fusion, Jazz and World Music, always brilliantly performed and highly inspiring. The genius of John McLaughlin as a player, composer, bandleader and visionary artist is omnipresent here from the first note to the very last. Although this set is relatively expensive, buying it is money well spent, probably better spent than any other recorded music you can get. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 07/01/2022Posted:

CD 17 Box Set Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN / SHANKAR MAHADEVAN / ZAKIR HUSSAIN ~ IS THAT SO? ABSTRACT LOGIX 062 (Barcode: 700261477541) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by iconic British guitarist / composer / bandleader John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist recorded with two Indian musicians: vocalist / composer Shankar MahadevanFind albums by this artist and percussionist Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist. In fact, although not specifically mentioned anywhere on the album’s artwork, this is an album by the Remember ShaktiFind albums by this artist group. The album presents six original songs, five co-composed by McLaughlin and Mahadevan and one co-composed by all three musicians. The most notable point about this album is the fact that McLaughlin does not play conventional guitar here and all his contributions are synthesized guitar sounds, which might come as a surprise to his many fans, but this does not mean that his contributions are any less interesting or wonderful. The music is, not surprisingly, heavily influenced by Indian motives, but the stunningly beautiful compositions, brilliant vocals and overall performance are simply breathtaking. The music is not only a new level of Fusion as far as the music is concerned, but first and foremost a deeply spiritual experience, possible only thanks to the great talents of the participants, their open-mindedness and complete lack of cultural barriers. Mahadevan’s vocal improvisations are an absolute high point of the album and are a sublime example of cross-culture influences, with a distinct similarity to Arabic mawawil, which dominate the Middle East Culture. His virtuosity is often beyond comprehension. Hussain is also a great Master, which he already proved on countless recordings. McLaughlin gracefully takes a step into the shadows, becoming a highly sensitive accompanist, but not dominating the proceedings with his guitar virtuosity. Overall, this album is a heartwrenching musical experience, which stuns with its spirituality and beauty. It might prove to be somewhat difficult to Western listeners, not accustomed to Indian / Arabic vocal acrobatics, but offering an unusual aesthetic experience. Sublime in every aspect!

Updated: 28/11/2021Posted: 28/11/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

REMEMBER SHAKTI ~ THE WAY OF BEAUTY VERVE 838683 (Barcode: 602498386835) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1976 - 2004 Released: 2006 Finally, after so many years of waiting, the fans (myself included) can enjoy au vivo the spectacular and divine work of John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and his Indian ensemble ShaktiFind albums by this artist. The original Shakti was formed in 1975 with McLaughlin combining forces with several classical Indian Masters, including percussionist extraordinare Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist. After releasing three superb albums McLaughlin disbanded the ensemble in 1977, only to reunite it again 22 years later, this time under the name Remember ShaktiFind albums by this artist, which recorded another 3 albums. This great DVD includes over 3 hours of material, which covers performances of the original ensemble as well as the reunion, documentary material and interviews. McLaughlin visionary and pioneering approach to World-Jazz Fusion is of course just one of his many musical achievements, which deserve to be devoured at all possible avenues. This is a true Godsend! NTSC

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SHAKTI ~ THIS MOMENT ABSTRACT LOGIX 068 (Barcode: 700261493091) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by the reformed group ShaktiFind albums by this artist, following a forty-six years break since the release of the last of the trio of albums recorded between 1975 and 1977. Led by British Jazz guitar virtuoso John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and Indian percussionist Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist, the current lineup includes also Indian vocalist Shankar MahadevanFind albums by this artist, violinist Ganesh RajagopalanFind albums by this artist and percussionist Selvaganesh VinayakaramFind albums by this artist. All four Indian musician utilize the konokol vocal technique. The album presents seven original compositions, three by McLaughlin, one each by Hussain, Mahadevan and Vinayakaram, one co-composed by all members of the band and finally one traditional Carnatic tune. The music is a direct continuation of the Shakti concept of amalgamating Classic Indian music and Western Jazz improvisation, but this time there is much less emphasis on McLaughlin’s soloing and way more vocal and percussion contributions. However, the original Shakti spirit is wonderfully preserved and the result is absolutely delightful from start to finish. McLaughlin is still a sublime guitar player, despite the slightly modest presence herein, and when he touches the strings magic happens time and time again. But the Indian players and especially the vocal contributions by Mahadevan are no less exciting, spiritual and aesthetically fulfilling. The konokol vocalese is, as always, delightful as well. One of the McLaughlin tunes is a Gypsy / Flamenco tune, but is here dressed in an Indian regalia, showing how all music is interconnected, regardless of its origins. Overall, although the album does not break and new ground, it is a wonderful reminder of former prominence and cross-cultural pollination. Shakti proves to be one of the greatest Jazz-World Fusion ensembles that ever existed, and McLaughlin is still my favorite guitar player of all time. This album is of course an absolute must to all Shakti, Remember ShaktiFind albums by this artist and McLaughlin fans, but it has a universal musical value to all lovers of truly great music.

Updated: 24/07/2023Posted: 24/07/2023

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