Natural Elements [Import]

John McLaughlin, Shakti | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 17, 1999)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Sony/Columbia
• ASIN: B00000JM4T
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,173 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Mind Ecology

2. Face To Face

3. Come On Baby Dance

4. With Me

5. The Daffodil And The Eagle

6. Happiness Is Being

7. Together

8. Bridge Of Sights

9. Get Down An Sruti

10. Peace Of Mind

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, sublime voice of fusion., April 12, 2003

By 

Lord Chimp (Monkey World) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Natural Elements (Audio CD)

I do not believe there is a "best" Shakti album. All of them are brilliant and exhilarating and essential like chapters in a book. _Natural Elements_ does, however, stand out as the most lyrical and beautiful of Shakti's albums from the 70s, in my opinion. Shakti is a pluralistic group adapting some Western jazz idioms with an Indian environment, and here they also capture the widest range of moods. John McLaughlin straddles the line dividing Western and Eastern musical traditions, bridging the two with his guitar as his soul burns along the fretboard. Such is evident enough from the get-go, with "Mind Ecology", a fast-paced opener penned by McLaughlin, tearing along the pattering gallop of earthen percussion. But to celebrate their virtuosity as an end in itself would be a dishonor. "Mind Ecology", for all its speed and wild playing, exemplifies the "hidden" allure of Shakti -- the incredible virtuosity of these musicians is just a means to an end. The end of course being the articulation of an thrillingly joyful disposition, infectiously spiritual and focused. "Baby Baby Come Dance With Me" and "Happiness Is Being Together" are merry, vivacious jewels sparkling in the desert sands. The heavenly "Face to Face" and "Bridge of Sighs" slow that Shakti is just as engrossing when softened and calm. "Peace of Mind" is a spare beauty (that is unfortunately short) written by McLaughlin, where Shankar's violin renders a rapturously crying melody over gentle strumming. Definitely one of the most lovely moments in Shakti's discography. "The Daffodil and the Eagle" is exquisite, charged with the clairvoyant interplay that is typical of this group, with lead instruments and percussion entwining magnificently. Hearing them live would be the most prime way to experience the group's sheer acumen and togetherness, but for the diasporal Shakti, _Natural Elements_ is definitely essential. If you've never heard Shakti, this is as good an introduction as any.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful, October 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Natural Elements (Audio CD)

This is by far the best Shakti record, my favorite Indian-influenced music and my second-favorite John McLaughlin record (after "Birds of Fire"). It bubbles with instrumental virtuosity and rhythmic and melodic fecundity above its great emotional and spiritual depth. (There is no such person as "Shakti McLaughlin". This is a recording of performances by the musical group Shakti which includes guitarist John McLaughlin and violinist L. Shankar--not related to sitarist Ravi Shankar.)

Also recommended: "Pentatonic Scales for the Jazz Rock Keyboardist" by Jeff Burns.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Shakti Recording, February 11, 2002

By 

Uncle_Audio (Redwood City, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Natural Elements (Audio CD)

This one is the their best. Of all the Shakti recordings, I have the originals on vinyl, this one is the most stunning. I like selected tracks from some of the other albums like "Shakti - The Believer," which is a totally live recording from their European tour in 1999. But, this is by far and away their best album yet produced. A blend of the styles of Northern and Southern India and chromatic Jazz fusion. This music is inspirational, and uplifting. With the mastery of John McLaughlin and L. Shankar on violin, it will unleash a wave of a creative, musical, and spiritual energy. All that it embraces is truly a glimpse of the primal power and creativity that can be manifest in this world. This album/CD sets the standard for genre. Few musicians are capable of attaining these heights as John McLaughlin and Shakti have done here.