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.

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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

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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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