Not as maniacal or frenetically focused as the Mahavishnu Orchestra, or as acoustic as Shakti, guitar guru John McLaughlin finds a middle ground with the team of Gary Husband/p-synth-dr, Ranjit Barot/dr, Etienne M’Bappe/b, performing material that is still macho, but relying more on visceral grooves than mind expanding solos and tempos. An acoustic guitar in the hands of the leader produces a warm “Take it or Leave it,” while the rest of the material has John M relying more on taste and wisdom than smoldering strings on the 70s Weather Report feeling “Trancefusion” and “Riff Raff.” M’Bappe’s bass gives homage to Pastorious with some rich tones on “Call and Answer” and “Wonderfall” while Husband’s keyboards and piano serves both as excellent framework and solo excursions on ”Echos from Them” and “Not Here Not There.” Mellower, yes, but still as impressive as you’d ever want from a true master.
Abstract Logix Records