Search - John McLaughlin :: Belo Horizonte

John McLaughlin's most purely beautiful album

Ian K. Hughes | San Mateo, CA | 06/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John McLaughlin has always been renowned among guitar enthusiasts as having great technique. However, among the various qualities which set him apart from other players, McLaughlin's playing, like that of his idol John Coltrane, is always in service of musical expression, regardless of technical considerations. As with all great musicians, his music is a reflection of an inspired mixture of mind, body and spirit. McLaughlin is, as people often say, "intense", but due to his honesty and dedication, his "message" can be felt and appreciated by players and non-players alike. "BELO HORIZONTE" (1981), dedicated to the French classical pianist Katia Labeque ( listen to "Waltz for Katia" ), is McLaughlin's most purely beautiful and romantic work. Throughout much of the album there is a palpable aura of nostalgic yearning, somewhat akin to the moods in Astor Piazzolla's music or the bittersweet songs of Antonio Carlos Jobim. This melancholia is very much in evidence on the breathtaking "Stardust on Your Sleeve" and "Zamfir". Somewhat surprisingly, McLaughlin's flamenco-style nylon string guitar blends well with a mixture of electronic and acoustic instrumention; this ensemble doesn't detract from the album's unique ambience. And lest people think otherwise, while he is enchantingly lyrical in some pieces ( his brief rendition of Bill Evans' "Very Early" ) in others McLaughlin plays with his trademark fluency, ripping off mind-bogglingly fast passages in a manner which recalls the firework displays of the famous acoustic guitar trio ( "PASSION,GRACE & FIRE" ) with which he played during the early 1980's. The duet "Manitas de Oro", played with his good friend Paco de Lucia, is a fitting conclusion to a beautiful and sometimes haunting work. "BELO HORIZONTE" is highly recommended."

Inspired by Belo Horizonte city

T. S. T. | Brazil | 01/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great album. Poetical like Belo Horizonte city. McLaughlin was in concert in BELO HORIZONTE CITY, Brazil, in 1980 or 1981. Probably he met MILTON NASCIMENTO and TONINHO HORTA. I live in BELO HORIZONTE and can remember of this history. Mclaughlin plays at "Palacio das Artes" theatre and, as the people said, he was very happy to be here. So, he named the album in honour to the city. BELO HORIZONTE means BEAUTIFUL HORIZON and this is one of the great goals of the city (see cover photo, sunset). BH is the 3rd more important city of Brazil and is placed on the mountains far from the coast. No beach, no "nude dancers" and no Carnival. Citizens are more introspective and musical style is not comparable with no other style of brazilian music. Completely different. More jazzy and poetical. People don't have the typical Rio de Janeiro or Bahia biotype. Skin tends to be more clear as a result of altitude and low temperature. This is another side of Brazil. Basic discographie of BELO HORIZONTE's music: "CLUBE DA ESQUINA" (Milton Nascimento & Lo Borges), "CLUBE DA ESQUINA 2" (Milton, Lo & friends) and "TRAVESSIA" (Milton Nascimento). Just a touch."

Beautiful Music

A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 07/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Belo Horizonte is a beautiful recording that allows John Mclaughlin to stretch out on acoustic guitar. His electric band provides a solid foundation to support John's fast and furious guitar runs. Mac has developed a signature sound on both electric and acoustic guitars. These are some of my favorite moments from his productive career. This music will dance in your head for days. Get it! You will enjoy."