Search - John McLaughlin :: Shakti

Mind blowing

adam872 | Houston, TX USA | 01/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a long time fan of John McLaughlin, I was intrested to hear this album. In short I found this CD to be absolutely exhilarating to listen to. It is recorded live in the mid 70's and captures the band at their explosive best. Rarely have I seen or heard music played as fast or paradoxically as melodic as this. They navigate their way through some impossibly dense compositions with such ease that you barely notice how complex the music is. There also seems to be a joyus attitude that pervades the songs, with McLaughlin in particular playing with an almost manic intensity. Thoroughly recommended for fans of John and of fusion in general."

Mixed bag

mp | Orlando, Fl. | 02/11/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Classical Indian (and Indian-type) music should be listened with introspection. It is difficult to do that with this live CD, since the audience is of the "rock concert" influence. That is, they whoop it up after each solo making a distraction. Too bad.



The music itself is good, but a mixed bag, aurally. First, the guitar does not have the sustain of, say, a sitar. Thus, it sounds curious in the context. Also, Indian instruments have an organic depth to them which the recording does not convey. It is rather on the dry side.



To contrast I pulled out some old World-Pacific Lps and listened. The sound coming from Shankar and company is much more 3 dimensional. Also, Shankar is just as "fast" (if that is what you are looking for) and more melodic. McLaughlin is like a lightening strike, whereas Shankar is like the all present sun."

Anyone who hates on Shakti is a doofus

Brian G. Kleve | Thieveland, OH | 08/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply put, Shakti is one of the most originally brilliant and technically superior groups ever assembled. If you somehow manage not to be utterly thrilled by their output, then perhaps you would be more comfortable buying an Eminem CD or something. Maybe Puddle of Mud.



C'mon. Shakti is amazing."