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John McLaughlin's Shakti: The Believer / The Heart Of Things: Live In Paris

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John McLaughlin

Label: Verve Music Group
Released: 2000
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Personnel

Additional Personnel / Information

John McLaughlin; guitar: Zakir Hussain; tabla: U. Shrinivas; mandolin: V. Selvaganesh; kanjira, ghatam & mridangam

The Heart Of Things:Live In Paris

Live In Parisis the brand new release by John McLaughlin's "Heart Of Things", and while this group's 1997 studio effort was somewhat uninspiring, here McLaughlin and co reap the benefits of an exquisite recording and superb audio mix amid the musician's focused and zealous interplay. Perhaps the additions of percussionist Victor Williams and the replacement of keyboardist Jim Beard with Otmaro Ruiz have sparked renewed vigor into this group that also features world class drummer Dennis Chambers, saxophonist Gary Thomas and up and comer bassist, Matthew Garrison.

Essentially, the band conveys a vibrant and cohesive demeanor which is noticeable from the opening moments of "Seven Sisters", a piece that also appeared on the band's first recording. Here, McLaughlin, Thomas and Ruiz perform blazing unison choruses, counterbalanced by Williams' airy, world-groove rhythms and acute employment of timbre and nuance. Furthermore, Ruiz seems comfortable trading fours with the lead soloists while also providing textural soundscapes as the band displays much more synergy than what was exhibited on their first release. However, I often wish that McLaughlin would explore different tones or settings on his electric guitar, especially on Gary Thomas' composition, titled - "The Divide". On this piece, McLaughlin ventures off into an extended improvised solo while employing a frazzled, and unattractive EFX sound that detracts from the spirited momentum.

Drummer Dennis Chamber embarks on an extended solo flight during the piece dedicated to the late great drummer, Tony Williams simply titled, "Tony". - Chambers performs an extremely impressive homage to Williams, as he pursues monster rolls, polyrhythmic patterns and funk beats while keeping the flux going with his swift execution of the hi-hat cymbals.

Live In Pariscaptures this band in top form. - Through it all, there's an abundance of heated exchanges and calmly melodic interludes combined with a touch of dashing splendor and an enigmatic approach to the material.

John McLaughlin; electric guitars: Otmaro Ruiz; keyboards: Victor Williams; percussion: Gary Thomas; tenor and soprano saxophones: Matthew Garrison; bass guitars: Dennis Chambers; drums.

Website:Verve Music Group