Record Reviews

JOE HARRIOTT / JOHN MAYER ~ INDO-JAZZ FUSIONS 1 & 2 EMARCY 538048 (Barcode: 731453804821) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 1998 These brilliant recordings are one of the first ever attempts to combine jazz with ethnic music (in this case traditional Indian music) and the result is truly stunning and innovative, sounding as fresh today as the day they were made. Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist was an exceptionally gifted improviser, sadly dead at a very young age. 2 LPs on 1 CD. An absolute treasure.

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JOHN MAYER ~ INDO-JAZZ FUSIONS WITH LARRY ADLER BRITISH PROGRESSIVE JAZZ 004 (Barcode: 5050580800953) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2023 This is an archival “live in the studio” album by the legendary British (born in India) Jazz pianist / violinist / composer / bandleader John MayerFind albums by this artist, who was a pioneer of the British Jazz-World Fusion movement, with his Indo-Jazz FusionsFind albums by this artist ensemble, which combined Jazz and Indian Music. This lineup of his ensemble includes saxophonist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jim MoyesFind albums by this artist, sitar player Clem AlfordFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and tabla player Keshav SatheFind albums by this artist. American harmonica player Larry AdlerFind albums by this artist is the guest artist. The album presents six tracks, five of which are original compositions by Mayer and one is a standard. The recording, which originates from the estate of John Mayer, was previously unreleased, and is a most valuable addition to Mayer’s recorded legacy, despite the fact that it lasts for less than half an hour. The sound quality is excellent, which adds to the joyful experience of being able to hear this music well over fifty years after it was recorded. Despite the initial questionable collaboration between Mayer and Adler, who originates from quite a different musical sphere, the music works out splendidly, which of course testifies as to the openness of these two musicians to unusual explorations. The sound of the harmonica is obviously somewhat bizarre in this Jazz-World Fusion milieu, but given the chance proves to be completely acceptable. The entire musical adventure simply proves that musicians in the late 1960s were by far more advanced and open-minded than anything happening in music today. Overall, this is a surprising and most welcome addition to Mayer’s recorded legacy, celebrating one of British Jazz greatest innovators, who incorporated Indian Music into the Jazz scene. For British Jazz connoisseurs, this is of course a must have.

Updated: 26/01/2026Posted: 26/01/2026

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