TO THE ONE (WITH THE 4-TH DIMENSION)

After great McLaughlin return to energetic fusion of his Five Piece Band (with Chick Corea) I really enjoyed both seeing them live and listening on double live album, I waited for this new release with special interest. What will be the next John's turn?

So, after few listenings I have my first impressions from "To The One" album. This album is not heavy guitar-based one. Melodic, very elegant, warm, even soft in places, it is full of jazzy tunes, pleasant sounds ( happily you will hardly find cheesy moments there), down and mid tempo compositions, strongly influenced by contemporary jazz music. Still few fusion songs are presented as well.

In fact, John made a step on Pat Metheny territory there, but McLaughlin guitar is still very recognizable in common sound. Not his electric jazz-rock age's work at all, more similar to his albums from late 80-s and 90-s, but successfully balancing on the edge of non-commercial jazz and fusion.

In whole - I like this album, even if it is not John's greatest work. Some kind of good contemporary fusion.

My rating ? 3+.