THE PROMISE

• Marbles Devotion, 1970
• Phenomenon- Compulsion Johnny McLaughlin - Electric Guitarist, 1978
• For Jaco Industrial Zen, 2006

If someone asks "What do John McLaughlin albums sound like?" , this is the answer. This recording flows through most of th myriad of styles that McLaughlin has touched upon throughout the years. There is be-bop, there is fusion, there is raga, latin jazz, even some electronica (thankfully short). Unfortunately, this album doesn't touch upon the magnificent bombastic fusion of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Luckily, it also does not go near the pop-ish drivel of the final album from the same group.

But every song here is performed well. However, the best rock-based tune, English Jam is far too short, with an awkward fade at the end.

This is not my favorite McLaughlin album, but it ranks pretty high up there.

Send comments to Evolver (BETA) | Report this review (#292859) | Review Permalink
Posted Saturday, July 31, 2010

"There`s always the promise of something new, good or bad. That`s what the title means: The Promise. You don`t know what it is, but you know there`s a promise of something different around every corner. " ... (read more)

Report this review (#144854) | Posted by Vibrationbaby | Monday, October 15, 2007 | Review Permanlink

McLaughlin hit a real high during the mid '90's; a trio of great albums - "Time Remembered" (acoustic); "After the Rain" (electric, jazz); and then finally this - "The Promise" - an experimental, fusion album with a bevy of great guest players. "English Jam" - unfortunately running in at under ... (read more)

Report this review (#99848) | Posted by Phil | Tuesday, November 21, 2006 | Review Permanlink

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