Record Reviews
11 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | JACK BRUCE ~ A QUESTION OF TIME
ESOTERIC 2270 (Barcode: 5013929737020) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1989 Released: 2011
This is a superb album by the great Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who returns to active duty after several years of silence, with an incredible set of new songs, most of which are co-written with his lifetime friend, lyricist Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. Surrounded by a dreamy support band, which features such distinguished musicians as guitarists Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist and Jimmy RippFind albums by this artist, old-timers: pianist Nicky HopkinsFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, World Music stars like Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist and Mark NauseefFind albums by this artist and others, Bruce delivers his incredible vocals and plays keyboards and of course bass, creating one of his best albums ever. An absolute must for every Bruce fan on earth!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JACK BRUCE ~ A QUESTION OF TIME
ACADIA 8155 (Barcode: 805772815520) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1989 Released: 2007
This is a superb album by the great Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who returns to active duty after several years of silence, with an incredible set of new songs, most of which are co-written with his lifetime friend, lyricist Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. Surrounded by a dreamy support band, which features such distinguished musicians as guitarists Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, Vernon ReidFind albums by this artist and Jimmy RippFind albums by this artist, old-timers: pianist Nicky HopkinsFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, World Music stars like Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist and Mark NauseefFind albums by this artist and others, Bruce delivers his incredible vocals and plays keyboards and of course bass, creating one of his best albums ever. An absolute must for every Bruce fan on earth!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZAKIR HUSSAIN / USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN ~ SAROD
MOMENT 1005 ~ INDIA ~ World Music & Folklore
AMG Review: The youngest son of sarod player Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, Amjad Ali Khan has continued to expand on his father´s legacy. Performing as a soloist and in collaboration with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Charlie Byrd, Igor Frolav, Glenda Simpson, and Barry Mason, Khan has brought a global view to the sarod, a 25-stringed, violin-like, Indian instrument. Khan is famous for his elegant style and technique. After a lifetime of work on the instrument, he has breathed a new life to an ancient form.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZAKIR HUSSAIN / USTAD SULTAN KHAN ~ SARANGI
MOMENT 1006 ~ INDIA ~ World Music & Folklore
AMG Review: A slow, lyrical performance of the sarangi expressing love and sadness begins Rag Bhupali, Rajasthani Folk Song in Rag Bhup Mand, one of the oldest and simplest of ragas, and the exposition develops into exciting virtuosic exchanges between Sultan Khan and the famous Zakir Hussain on tabla. Perhaps the nicest surprise this album offers is the warm, sweet Rajasthani folk song, which is alternately sung and then played on the sarangi, beautifully varied but never overdone by Khan and Hussain, who actually provide a decrescendo section at the end, instead of simply stopping.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZAKIR HUSSAIN / USTAD ALLA RAKHA ~ TABLA DUET
MOMENT 1001 ~ INDIA ~ World Music & Folklore
AMG Review: Recorded live in Calcutta in January of 1991, Tabla Duet features the late Ustad Alla Rakha and his son, Ustad Zakir Hussain. Accompanied by Ramesh Misra on a sarangi — a bowed lute that has both melodic and sympathetic strings — this eminent duo develops innumerable variations within tintal, a 16-beat rhythmic cycle. For over an hour the pair establish themes, improvise upon them, and confidently venture out way beyond the usual limits of temporal terra firma. From there the father and son exchange improvisations, swell into perfectly coordinated cadences, and manifest a number of traditional classical compositions. Tabla Duet is not a CD for the regressive listener. Those who would rather passively absorb the banal beats of a typical pop band than actively listen to the development of sophisticated rhythmic dialogues should avoid this CD. This is not to say that Tabla Duet is only suitable for rhythm junkies and drum circle fanatics. In actuality, Tabla Duet is a CD for anyone who seeks out musics that reflect collaborations of the highest caliber.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES LLOYD ~ TRIOS: SACRED THREAD
BLUE NOTE 602445266876 (Barcode: 602445266876) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022
This is the third album in the series of “Trio of Trios” albums by the legendary American Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded with Indian percussionist Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist and guitarist Julian LageFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, four composed by Lloyd and three by Hussein.
One of the true “last of the Mohicans” of American Jazz, Charles Lloyd (born in 1938), remains still at his full capacity and his recording legacy keeps growing, now at his advanced age, more rapidly than during earlier periods of his life. Highly productive phases of recording for the ECMFind albums on this label labels and lately for Blue NoteFind albums by this artist are just exploding with creativity, vitality and aesthetic beauty, in complete disregard of his age, created often with musicians less than half his age, like Lage on this album.
This album offers a highly spiritual music, mostly a Jazz-World Fusion oriented pieces, strongly influenced by Indian scales and rhythms, with strong presence of the masterly performances by Hussein, who plays a very central role in this trio. Listeners familiar with Hussein’s contribution to Jazz music over the year will be hardly surprised, but the album is certainly very different from what is usually expected from Lloyd, who plays mostly flute and tárogató (Hungarian wind instrument) and Hussain sings extensive vocal parts.
Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Jazz-World Fusion music, serene and contemplative, which requires patience and open-mindedness, but is certainly highly rewarding. Of course all three albums in this series are equally worthwhile and recommended.
| | Updated: 18/01/2024Posted: 18/01/2024 | 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 / 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 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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