Customer Reviews

My Goal's Beyond

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first heard "Peace One" about three years ago on our local Pacifica radio station, I was immediately captivated by the tune's warmth in the midst of its haunting quality, and by its accessibility in the midst of its esotericism. More than anything else, every time I listen to this instrumental, I am astounded by the aspiring quality that comes forth. The instrumental interplay blazes just as brightly as any Mahavishnu Orchestra piece does, yet it also offers a placid, oceanic, and airy serenity. If this does not prove that one does not need amps turned up to the mythical 11, I do not know what will.

This is quite, introspective music that is still willing and eager to engage with all who encounter it. This is a blend of high compositional prowess interspersed with improvisational force and feeling. This is a world music masterpiece, not merely a meeting between East and West but a true organic union of the two that is seamless. Most of all, this is music of warm, sunny, joyous, optimistic Saturday afternoons we have experienced in our pasts as well as music for such moments we have yet to experience.

Whereas Shakti looked inwards at Western music through Eastern eyes, JM on this album takes it the other way around. "Peace One" and the passionate, articulated chaos of "Peace Two" are simply some of the most astounding world fusion recordings ever made. Dave Liebman's soloing is fiery against the complicated polyrythms of sitar, tabla, and tanpura, with percussion by Airto Moriera and Billy Cobham. Through the entire experience (cheezy liner-note incantations to McLaughlin's mind-control cult guru aside) you get the feeling that you are listening to something sacred and unearthly that just happened to settle down in the studios when these pieces were cut.

These tracks alone would be reason enough to buy 10 copies of this record, but then on the more traditional side you also get the premiere John McLaughlin unplugged show here, and his acoustic playing is very thoughtful, occasionally forceful but mostly just plain mystical and astounding. The solo acoustic pieces are played with reverence, starting with the wonderful interpretation of the Minugus standard "Goodbye, Pork Pie Hat" and demonstrating his note-heavy technique on "Phillip Lane." If you consider yourself any kind of fan of guitar you should feel required to purchase this album. On top of that, its one of the finest jazz recordings ever made (although its more "jazz in spirit" than traditional).

Note: The CD edition starts with the two "Peace" pieces but IMHO works better to listen to the fine solo acoustic work first, with "Peace One" and "Peace Two" being the mind-blowing closers.

McLaughlin was still emerging from his late-60's acid-jazz phase when he made this acoustic turn toward the East. The result is a forward-looking tour-de-force. And McLaughlin has never been in better form. Side one is a series of fine solo acoustic guitar pieces. Side 2 consists of two related Peaces, a breathtakingly beautiful Indian acoustic tapestry, with a timeless beauty that even Shakti never fully realized. This music is powerful, peaceful, beautiful, and timeless. It's a joy to see it again, reincarnated as a CD.

On this record, McLaughlin showed early on that he can play gorgeous music -- music that's not just for guitar freaks. Ignore the frantic and often self-indulgent electric stuff he's done with Mahavishnu Orchestra, etc. Here he's subdued, and plays a unique blend of blues, jazz and Indian-inspired acoustic music. It's great background music; it's also great listening music. The best version of "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" since Mingus, Jeff Beck notwithstanding. He throws in a Miles Davis song, two longish Indian tunes and a tribute to Bill Evans -- a thoughtful, gorgeous record.

This record changed my life back in 1970. It has never been the same. One element that has been underappreciated is the beautiful sound of John's Ovation Balladeer. Mic'd to perfection. A million stars.

One of the musical experiences that shaped my teen years.
Timeless, beautiful, moving, at the pinnacle of McLaughlin's creations

to buy this cd...an absolute classic. truly, an adventure.

I don't give praise easily. This is one of the most beautiful records ever made. John Mc. is obviously a very talented guitar player, but few people realize that he is devoted to improvisational music, which is to say he just makes stuff up at the moment. What other people design he just tosses off, it takes Mozart level of musical skill to do this, and he has a lot of skill. Not a popular guy because he is not a playback engine or a pop star. You can listen to this record hundreds of times without getting bored, there is a lot there in the pauses.

This is truly an astonishing work. The two-part compostion Peace One and Peace Two transend almost any other jazz/fussion work by any other artist. I don't necessarily subscribe to the term jazz/fusion, but for lack of a better way to categorize this music it will have to suffice. Perhaps East meets West better describes the overall feel of the compostion. But words can do little justice in conveying the emotion, the warmth and the general tranquility of this music.

So lights out, inscence burning, get comforable, turn your cell phone off of course and Peace Be With You, as you journey into the beautiful world of John McLaughlin's My Goal's Beyond.

This album features mixed ensemble and solo pieces from a deep,transcendental Mclaughlin.

The stirring, opening tracks may be the culmination of his spiritual directions.

"Goodbye ..." is a solid cover. "Blue in green" fulfills its intriguing title.