Record Reviews
16 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | CLARK-HUTCHINSON ~ A=MH² (EXPANDED EDITION)
SUNBEAM 5048 (Barcode: 5051125504817) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008
1st album (well not really but more about this later) by UK duo Clark-HutchinsonFind albums by this artist, or Andy ClarkFind albums by this artist and Mick HutchinsonFind albums by this artist, two multi-instrumentalists and prominent figures on London’s late 1960s Psychedelic and Blues scene. Mick, a superb guitarist, plays also some keyboards and Andy plays anything from drums, percussion, keyboards, flute and saxophone. Listening to this extraordinary album it’s really difficult to believe that two musicians, using rather primitive studio technology available at the time, were able to create such massive and complex sound. But sound aside, the music is what makes this album such an extraordinary experience. Based on modal and Indian music and using the slowly developing raga as a model, they create a most amazing amalgam of Jazz, Psychedelic and World Music, which at the time was revolutionary and pioneering. Hutchinson’s lengthy guitar solos are a prime example of jazzy improvisation and one of the first Jazz-World Fusion attempts, which will be later perfected by John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist in ShaktiFind albums by this artist. The overall contemplative nature of the music and the imaginative ornamentation by additional (overdubbed) instruments create a mystical atmosphere, which is seldom found on other album. This expanded edition also includes the real first album by Clark-Hutchinson, recorded just a couple of months earlier, but rejected by their record label, which remained unreleased until now. Although based on Blues as a guiding model (both Andy and Mick loved the Blues), it follows much the same “working model” of the two musicians overdubbing several instruments, although a bass player and a drummer were used on these sessions. The resulting album is at least as good as any other UK Blues album recorded at the time by John MayallFind albums by this artist, Savoy BrownFind albums by this artist, etc., with Mick’s scorching guitar solos providing the icing on the cake. With extensive liner notes and great sound quality this is a well-deserved reissue of one of the most groundbreaking musical projects of the late 1960s. A true blast from the past!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAWOMIR KULPOWICZ / SHUJAAT KHAN ~ LIVE
POLSKIE RADIO 1250 (Barcode: 5907812242503) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2013
This is the fourth installment in a series of releases documenting the recorded legacy of the great Polish Jazz pianist / composer Slawomir KulpowiczFind albums by this artist, most of which is released for the first time. Kulpowicz, who died prematurely in 2008 at the age of 56, was a victim of cancer. He was a member of groups led by the top Polish Jazz players like Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist and Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist and led / co-led his own ensembles like The QuartetFind albums by this artist, In-FormationFind albums by this artist and also cooperated with many other musicians over the years. He was an avid follower of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s music and kept in touch with Coltrane´s wife Alice ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Following his visit to India, Kulpowicz discovered Indian music and the spiritual aura of India, which became his own.
Kulpowicz visited India for the first time in 1978, when he was a member of the Zbigniew Namyslowski quartet, which played at the Jazz Yatra in Bombay. At the time he met and befriended a young sitar player Shujaat KhanFind albums by this artist, a descendant of the legendary Khan dynasty of sitar players since hundreds of years. That friendship lasted for almost thirty years as long as Kulpowicz was alive. They played together many times in Poland and abroad. In 1984 Khan visited Poland and recorded a live album with Kulpowicz for the PoljazzFind albums on this label label. The last time they played together was in 2006, when Khan visited Poland again, bringing with him the tabla player Arunangshu ChaudhuryFind albums by this artist. Kulpowicz invited the legendary Polish electric bassist Krzysztof ScieranskiFind albums by this artist and the four played together the music presented on this album, which was recorded live at Warsaw Philharmonic Hall.
Considering the fact that European (including Jazz) and Indian music exist on almost completely separate planes, the amalgamation of the two is extremely difficult to achieve. Except for a very few earlier attempts, most importantly the John MayerFind albums by this artist / Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist Indo-Jazz FusionsFind albums by this artist from the late 1960s / early 1970 and the John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist´s ShaktiFind albums by this artist a decade later, which were groundbreaking and musically just right, most of the other attempts resulted in failures. The music included on this album proves again, that the power of music transcends not only cultural borders but also thousands of years of musical tradition, enabling conversations between musicians originating seemingly from worlds apart.
The album comprises of just three extended pieces, two of which are about half an hour long and the third a quarter of an hour in duration. Named simply "songs", they are improvisations on melodic themes composed by Kulpowicz, performed wonderfully and in perfect harmony by all four musicians. Khan voices the melody at the onset of each piece and then the musicians take extensive solos in turn, with the full quartet returning to the melodic theme several times between the solos. Kulpowicz plays superbly and his solos are simply outstanding statements in the John Coltrane tradition, emphasizing the close relationship between Coltrane´s music and the Indian influences, which are often difficult to be discovered in his music, but come to wonderful realization when performed by Kulpowicz. There is so much passion in his playing that one suspect that his premonition as to his fate was already hunting him.
Khan, who since the early meeting with Kulpowicz achieved a Masterly status in Indian music, is an obvious sitar virtuoso and his solos are also breathtaking. Chaudhury and Scieranski, although a priori destined to fulfill a less dominant role in this music, perform both splendidly and their contributions are invaluable. Scieranski especially is to be prized, as his elegant and delicate bass tones manage to keep a perfect balance with his partners and the music which usually exist without the bass foundation so typical in European music.
The music is beautifully recorded and has an outstanding sound quality, especially in view of the fact that it is a live recording. Musically it is one of the finest examples I have ever come across of cross-cultural amalgam that work naturally as "God intended". An absolute must to World-Music enthusiasts and all connoisseurs of great music, regardless of genre, geography or cultural affiliation. Respect!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ~ MAHAVISHNU
WOUNDED BIRD 5190 (Barcode: 664140519022) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1984 Released: 2002
7th album by Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, recorded almost 6 years after the last album recorded by MO Mk. III (which means this was MO Mk. IV). In the years that passed between these two incarnations of MO John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist recorded several superb solo albums as well as trio albums with Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist & Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist and of course led the ShaktiFind albums by this artist World-Fusion ensemble – a truly astonishing body of music. The reincarnation of MO served as a project to take another look at the Fusion genre and reflect the changes that the genre went through. McLaughlin selected some of the best Fusion players for his group, with veteran Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist on drums, Swedish bass player Jonas HellborgFind albums by this artist (with whom he recorded several duo and trio albums later), and two excellent representatives of the second generation of US Fusion players: Bill EvansFind albums by this artist (the other Bill Evans) on sax and Mitchell FormanFind albums by this artist on keyboards. The music on this album is very different from what the first six MO albums presented. It is much more laid-back, relaxed, serene and cerebral. McLaughlin plays with layers of electronic sounds produced by his guitar synthesizer and Forman’s keyboards, with plenty of space for Evans to solo. The rhythm section is also much looser and provides just the right setting for this music. If you are just into the Fusion pyrotechnics as displayed on the early MO albums, this one will be a disappointment, but if you are into great music, you will truly appreciate this one. The fact that AtlanticFind albums on this label never reissued this album proves how blind and deaf the Majors are and I am grateful to Terry from Wounded BirdFind albums on this label to bring this superb music back to life.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ BLACK LIGHT
ABSTRACT LOGIX 050 (Barcode: 700261424491) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015
This is the third studio album by British Jazz guitar maverick John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, recorded with his 4th DimensionFind albums by this artist band, which includes British keyboardist / drummer Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist, Cameroonian bassist Etienne M`BappeFind albums by this artist and Indian drummer and konokol vocalist Ranjit BarotFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader.
The music is a unique mixture of Jazz-Rock Fusion with World Music elements, with a distinct Indian touch, but also Flamenco touches and other underlying elements. For McLaughlin followers this music combines everything he did in the five decades preceding this recording, including Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, ShaktiFind albums by this artist and his extensive solo work.
McLaughlin’s performances are brilliantly ageless, and his virtuosity seems to be completely unmindful of the years that passed by since he appeared on the scene. He has more energy and open-mindedness than guitarists half his age, which of course is hardly surprising to his many followers.
4th Dimension is a perfect band for McLaughlin, as it encapsulates all the elements he likes to have around when creating music. Husband supports McLaughlin most amicably, contributing some superb keyboard parts, and the rhythm section is like a good natured tornado, driving the music with enormous energy but at the same time being incredible precise and considerate.
Since this album was released in 2015, the popular rumors circulating until a couple of month before I write these words stated, that this is probably the last studio album by McLaughlin, but in July 2021 McLaughlin delightfully surprised all his followers with the release of the pandemic influenced new album entitled “Liberation TimeFind albums with this title”, which of course will get its own write-up here.
Overall, this is a brilliant album from start to finish, which continues the sublime recording legacy by the greatest guitarist that we were all blessed to hear in all time. Thank you John for a lifetime of music!
| | Updated: 04/09/2021Posted: 04/09/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 ~ MUSIC SPOKEN HERE
WOUNDED BIRD 3723 ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1983
After his ferrocious experiments with Fusion (Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist) and World Music (ShaktiFind albums by this artist), by the early 80`s McLauglin settled in Europe again (Paris to be exact - where he lived with his companion, the wonderful pianist Katia LabequeFind albums by this artist, who also plays on this album). This album captures a return to more jazzy surroundings, based mostly on the interplays between guitar and the two keyboards players. Bass gives the additional rhythm basis and there are no drums! This is most elegant, intimate and wonderful music one can imagine, always fresh and rewarding.
| | | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ NOW HERE THIS
ABSTRACT LOGIX 037 (Barcode: 700261359557) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012
This is the second studio album by iconic British guitarist / composer / bandleader John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and his 4th DimensionFind albums by this artist quartet, which includes British keyboardists / drummer Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist, Cameroonian bassist Etienne M`BappeFind albums by this artist and Indian drummer and konokol vocalist Ranjit BarotFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by McLaughlin.
The music is a unique mixture of Jazz-Rock Fusion with World Music elements, with a distinct Indian touch, but also Flamenco touches and other underlying elements. For McLaughlin followers this music combines everything he did in the five decades preceding this recording, including Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, ShaktiFind albums by this artist and his extensive solo work.
McLaughlin’s performances are brilliantly ageless, and his virtuosity seems to be completely unmindful of the years that passed by since he appeared on the scene. He has more energy and open-mindedness than guitarists half his age, which of course is hardly surprising to his many followers.
4th Dimension is a perfect band for McLaughlin, as it encapsulates all the elements he likes to have around when creating music. Husband supports McLaughlin most amicably, contributing some superb keyboard parts, and the rhythm section is like a good natured tornado, driving the music with enormous energy but at the same time being incredible precise and considerate.
Overall, this is a brilliant album from start to finish, which continues the sublime recording legacy by the greatest guitarist that we were all blessed to hear in all time. Thank you John for a lifetime of music!
| | Updated: 26/10/2021Posted: 26/10/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ THE HEART OF THINGS
VERVE 539153 (Barcode: 731453915329) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997
Since the late 1960’s John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist’s career enfolded like a continuous success story, moving from one musical hilltop to another: recording with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, leading the Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, world music excursions with ShaktiFind albums by this artist, etc. – all remarkable achievements. Keeping a position “in the lead” for so many years is never easy, but McLaughlin manages to deliver an amazingly consistent high quality output time after time with elegance and grace. This album is no exception and presents the genius player / composer at his best again. Listening to this album raises almost immediately an attempt to compare the music and the group of musicians playing it to the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Although never formally called by that name, it is indeed a direct continuation of the work McLaughlin did with Mahavishnu about 20+ years earlier – electric Fusion. Of course this group is more mature, slightly more jazz oriented, and definitely much more relaxed and laid back, all for the good. Not that the fire and passion of the original Mahavishnu wasn’t fantastic – it definitely was, but it often ventured into moments of havoc and confusion, which are completely absent here. McLaughlin uses on this recording a set of seasoned and experienced players: saxophonist Gary ThomasFind albums by this artist (one of the most talented players of the new generation and the jazziest player in this group), keyboards player Jim BeardFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ChambersFind albums by this artist, both veteran fusion players and finally the youngest member – Matthew GarrisonFind albums by this artist on bass (son of the legendary bass player Jimmy GarrisonFind albums by this artist from John ColtraneFind albums by this artist’s quartet). McLaughlin composed all the music on this album, and the result should be equally appealing to both jazz and fusion fans. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak 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 |
  | MICHEL SAJRAWY ~ YATHRIB
OZELLA 010 (Barcode: 4038952000102) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
1st album by Israeli guitarist Michel SajrawyFind albums by this artist and what a fantastic album it is! Sajrawy is an Arab Christian, born in Nazareth. In 1995 he moved to London and devoted himself entirely to music. He is deeply rooted in the Middle Eastern music but expanded his musical horizons to include jazz and contemporary classical music. He is regarded as an extremely gifted guitarist, composer and arranger. This is his debut album, for which he composed all the music. It is breathtakingly beautiful, a fusion of Middle East and West, with delicate and masterly guitar work by the leader and excellent support by his band and guest musicians. Imagine John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist`s ShaktiFind albums by this artist, but swap Indian music for Middle Eastern music. The people on the album include Muslims, Christians and Jews - a true amalgam of influences, religions and a beautiful proof of music transcendenting cultural and even political differences. Superb!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHAKTI ~ A HANDFUL OF BEAUTY
COLUMBIA 494448 ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
2nd album from 1976. This time Shakti recorded their music in a studio, which of course created a different atmosphere. The group concentrates more on complex and delicate interplays rather then firey exchanges, compositions in place of extended improvisations. Neverthless it is another monster album of incredible beauty, full of sophistication and intellectual challenges. An unconditional must have for a true music lover.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHAKTI ~ NATURAL ELEMENTS
COLUMBIA 489773 ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
3rd and last album from 1977 by the 1970`s version of Shakti (to be re-incarnated in 1999), which featured the amazing talents of John McLaughlin on guitar and some of the best Indian musicians playing traditional acoustic instruments. A Fusion of jazz and indian music, this incredibly beautiful and moving music is undoubtedly one of the most original and elevating examples of cross-cultre possibilities. This is a milestone album, as are both previous Shakti albums.
| | | CD 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 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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