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John McLaughlin with the One Truth Band: Guardian Angels

By Scott Lichtman
February 28, 2024
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John McLaughlin's "Guardian Angels" must be on the ultra-short list of "most iconic jazz/fusion songs clocking in under 1 minute." The song takes us back to the time when experimental fusion artists were exploring jazz/rock, classical and world music. "Guardian Angels" is a nugget of shape-shifting guitar arpeggios and time signatures, unified by L. Shankar's entrancing violin melody. It's so catchy that once you hear it, you're likely to remember it for decades—like this reviewer has. Fifty-one seconds is all it takes. For further context, check out the All About Jazz Electric Dreams album review or the faster, extended video version on YouTube by McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia and Larry Coryell.

Contact Scott Lichtman on All About Jazz.
Jazz/fusion keyboardist & autograph collector in Stamford CT.

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