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 ~ 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

MIKE STERN ~ IS WHAT IT IS WOUNDED BIRD 2571 (Barcode: 664140257122) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1994 Released: 2007 7th album (6th on Atlantic) by American guitarist / composer Mike SternFind albums by this artist, who has been one of the most prominent figures in the Jazz and Fusion fields for the last three decades. His virtuoso performances and excellent writing are a source of musical joy and his consistently superb standards serve as a model, followed by generations of young guitarist around the world. On this album Stern continues the path established by its predecessors, presenting a set of his excellent compositions performed by a superb group of musicians, which includes saxophonists Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist and Bob MalachFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, bassist Will LeeFind albums by this artist and drummers Dennis ChambersFind albums by this artist and Ben PerowskyFind albums by this artist. As usual, the compositions move between atmospheric ballads to up-tempo energetic excursions, performed with finesse and passion. This is classic Fusion and Stern´s guitar playing is simply overwhelmingly excellent, with great flow, emotion and technical virtuosity. A must for any Fusion enthusiast!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MIKE STERN ~ JIGSAW WOUNDED BIRD 2027 (Barcode: 664140202726) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1989 Released: 2007 4th album (3rd on Atlantic) by American guitarist / composer Mike SternFind albums by this artist, who has been one of the most prominent figures in the Jazz and Fusion fields for the last three decades. His virtuoso performances and excellent writing are a source of musical joy and his consistently superb standards serve as a model, followed by generations of young guitarist around the world. On this album Stern continues the path established by its predecessors, presenting a set of his excellent compositions performed by a superb group of musicians, which includes saxophonist Bob BergFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff AndrewsFind albums by this artist, drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist and guest musicians (including Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist and Dennis ChambersFind albums by this artist). As usual, the compositions move between atmospheric ballads to up-tempo energetic excursions, performed with finesse and passion. This is classic Fusion and Stern´s guitar playing is simply overwhelmingly excellent, with great flow, emotion and technical virtuosity. A must for any Fusion enthusiast!

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MIKE STERN ~ ODDS OR EVENS WOUNDED BIRD 2297 (Barcode: 664140229723) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 2007 5th album (4th on Atlantic) by American guitarist / composer Mike SternFind albums by this artist, who has been one of the most prominent figures in the Jazz and Fusion fields for the last three decades. His virtuoso performances and excellent writing are a source of musical joy and his consistently superb standards serve as a model, followed by generations of young guitarist around the world. On this album Stern continues the path established by its predecessors, presenting a set of his excellent compositions performed by a superb group of musicians, which includes saxophonist Bob BergFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jim BeardFind albums by this artist, bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist, drummer Dennis ChambersFind albums by this artist and guest musicians. As usual, the compositions move between atmospheric ballads to up-tempo energetic excursions, performed with finesse and passion. This is classic Fusion and Stern´s guitar playing is simply overwhelmingly excellent, with great flow, emotion and technical virtuosity. A must for any Fusion enthusiast!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend