John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension - To The One (6 tracks) +Album Reviews

Another gem from the guitar master

Bodhi Heeren | Copenhagen | 04/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hailed as a tribute to one of John McLaughlin's biggest heroes, the illustrious John Coltrane, this rather short album (40 min.s)is slightly more jazzy than its predecessor, the excellent "Floating Point".

Recorded with his present band 4th. Dimension it features Mark Mondesir on drums, while the versatile Gary Husband (Allan Holdsworth, Jack Bruce, Robin Trower)shines on keys and drums. With a new stellar bassplayer Etienne M'Bappe, taking over from Hadrien Feraud and Dominique di Piazza, and doing so in finest style.

Lots of fine interplay and fine soloes, the record brimming with inspiration, good chemistry and mutual respect amongst the musicians.

The compositions might not be the most poignant ever from John's creative mind, though the title track is another of those hauntingly beautiful Mclaughlin ballads. Anyway this brilliant release shows that he - like his friend Jeff Beck - just keeps getting better and better. Still dazzling virtuosity, still a deep spiritual undercurrent that certainly can bring Coltrane to mind.

"

Greatness Sinks in Slowly

Walton | New Mexico United States | 04/30/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It took me several listenings to really appreciate this one from the master, John Mclaughlin. Innovation abounds in what could be his best effort since the Mahavishnu Orchestra's Birds of Fire in 1973. In some ways the music is reminiscent of recent works Floating Point and Industrial Zen, but there is an originality and depth of emotion present in To The One that I have not felt in Mclaughlin's music since the first Shakti album came out in the mid-70s. If there is such a thing as spiritual channeling, John Mclaughlin has found the link to John Coltrane. Bravo to the greatest guitarist known to me!"

Mclaughlin still has "it"

lee morgan | NYC, NY United States | 05/25/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While not necessarily charting new territory with this release, there's a concise, finely honed quality to his playing and to the arrangements that provide a clarity to John's music that transcends mere licks or streams of notes tossed off at high velocity. His adept grasp of the digital studio and the Mac-based nuances of recording in this "new" era provide a sonic landscape that is as clean as the one Manfred Eicher has created for ECM but not nearly as dry or airless. His compositions with this band (4th dimension) have become true vehicles for his sound and ensemble playing. While we all probably have our favorite McLaughlin ensembles (from Shakti to the trios to the band w Joey D and Elvin Jones to Mahavishnu), this one is worth noting and well worth owning."

John McLaughlin: TO THE One

John L. Emerson | 05/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"British guitarist, Jeff Beck, has described John McLaughlin as being "the greatest of all guitarists!" And while the term "greatest" is subjective, there can be no question, no argument whatsoever that McLaughlin is absolutely among the ranks of the so-called "Greatest". McLaughlin is not for the timid. McLaughlin does not cater, or pander to the mainstream; his music is complex and challenging, and even, sometimes, overwhelming (to say the least). This is an album of world-class jazz, jazz with monster-sized balls, performed by ballsy, world-class musicians; indeed, talent of the highest caliber. No one-trick pony, no johnny-one-note, McLaughlin's career has spanned an incredibly diverse range from rock, jazz, classical, flamingo, world, acoustic and highly electric genres. And now, at the age of sixty-eight, showing no signs at all of slowing down, he remains a standard barer, and an inspiration to others ... musicians and music fans alike."

Hooked From The Get Go

Robert D. Norberg | 05/11/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Clearly inspired by both his return to his spirituality (after "periods of indolence, doubt and just plain laziness") and Coltrane's message of a Love Supreme, the guitar Master has created a truly marvelous, but sadly too short CD. When it arrived I immediately began listening. I was truly hooked. I did not play anything else for a number of days. The songs are an infectious blend of almost riff like simplicity and deeply satisfying rythmic complexity. I say almost because McLaughlin never does anything simply. His soloing is as complete and awe inspring as usual. The playing by all is exceptional. Mark Mondesir is a very unique and precise drummer, displaying jawdropping polyrythmic dexterity. Etiene M'Bappe on bass proves once again that McLaughlin has a direct pipeline to only the finest musicians. And, Gary Husband on keyboards and drums, proves his mettle by performing solidly and sympathetically. Purchase this CD at once! The sound and feel of it is as welcoming and warming experience as you will enjoy."

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