Customer Reviews

Heart of Things

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While this album includes all of the technical proficiency that John is famous for, (and that of the groups he puts together), the real value of these songs is in their musical depth, range, and meaning. Some tracks are stronger than others in this respect, but overall, the music "has something to say," in other words, it goes somewhere far beyond the mere mechanics of individual performances of skill, and even far beyond the basic collective effect of the rhythms, harmony, melody, and other elements.

In order to actually hear this, you have to listen to the individual parts all at once, while simultaneously and most importantly, hearing the whole song as an additional part, as if the composition were an instrument itself. When you get tired of mere virtuosity, or just want to discover something new, try to hear this music as a single, living, conscious "thing" (creature, being, idea...whatever) and you will be blown away.

Well worth getting whether you're into blazing chops or the broader context and life of music.

This band can really lay down the jams, they are a ferocious powerhouse of a group. Dennis Chambers is an absolute monster drummer, there is supposed to be a live CD of this group recorded in Paris coming out this summer. If you enjoy this CD, check out Tokyo Live by the band Free Spirits (John Mc Laughlin, Joey De Franceso & Dennis Chambers).

Another excellent offering from Johnny Mac and Dennis Chambers. Great guitar and great drums combine to create a powerful effect.

Reminiscent of his Mahavishnu days, this CD burns. Chambers is outstanding and critical to the success. Overall, nothing stands out as particularly memorable, but it is still very enjoyable.

John steps aside too much in this CD. There's not enough of "THAT" stuff that your looking for when you buy a Mclaughlin CD. Even though, the band is unbelievable, and this record is definately worth buying. (if you have your doubts about what CD to buy next, skip this one and get "Live at the Royal Festival Hall" with Kai Eckhard, increadible on bass and Trilok Gurtu on percussion. That disc will blow your mind!!)

When I first bought this new work of John last year, I felt to listen to the CD twice . Finally I enter to his music deeply. Since then I listen with a great plausure. This summer I had the opportunity to listen to the group in Istanbul Jazz Festival live and I felt very happy.

You probably won't find a bigger fan than yours truly of John McLaughlin's work with Miles Davis...ESPECIALLY A Tribute to Jack Johnson, or his work with Mahavishnu Orchestra on two of the most influential fusion albums of all time, The Inner Mounting Flame and Birds of Fire. I loved every single NOTE of those albums.

Unfortunately, "fans" sometimes want a musician to keep re-recording his / her "greatest hist" over and over and over again.

This frustrates followers of artists like Miles Davis, Neil Young, Frank Zappa, and yes...John McLaughlin...to no end.

John DID "Bitches Brew," "Jack Johnson," "Inner Mounting Flame," "Birds Of Fire"...maybe we ought to just thank him for that and let him move on.

"The Heart Of Things" is a very, very good CD. It's ensemble playing. It's not a close-cropped, white-suited, doubleneck-playing McLaughlin spewing shock 'n' awe solos through a Marshall stack.

That was then, this is now. This is some finely crafted, subtle, enjoyable music. I like The Heart of Things...the live companion piece to this CD...as well.

Approach this CD with an open mind and a simple thirst for good music, and you will be rewarded.

The music on this CD is interesting and better yet it sounds really good. The sound is enveloping with plenty of dynamic range and makes for an exciting listen.

I bought this CD two years ago and after a while I was trully loving it.After listening to this record one's must admit that Dennis Chambers is definitely one of the best drummers now a days.The way he plays on track number 3 is really impressive.Anyone who likes the drums MUST buy this CD.

It would be hard to fault the bands' abilities, but the music left me very cold. If you are looking for great chops with fine composition, pick up Al DiMeola's latest album, "The Infinite Desire". If your looking for great fusion get Larry Coryell's "Cause and Effect". DiMeola and Coryell are doin' it to it (sorry John, nothing personal).