INDUSTRIAL ZEN - JOHN MCLAUGHLIN
Mahavishnu Orchestra maestro John McLaughlin reinvigorates the jazz/rock/ world music sphere with this startling eight-tune display of high-velocity guitar virtuosity and shape-shifting adventure. One of the progenitors of ’70s fusion mentored by Miles Davis, McLaughlin has traversed jazz throughout his career. But he’s at his most vibrant reinventing what came to be known as jazz’s f-word for its improvisational excesses. McLaughlin’s fusion has clarity, focus and surprise, all of which are exhibited here. Noteworthy are the tributes: a speedy homage to Jaco Pastorious, a funky salute to Michael Brecker, a meditative/joyful open letter to the Dalai Lama and the best of the batch, an obliquely lyrical appreciation of Wayne Shorter. Billboard
