John McLaughlin - Floating Point

2008 release from guitar legend John McLaughlin. John has already said Floating Point 'may be the best record I ever made.' That's really saying something when you consider McLaughlin's prolific and trailblazing career. The guitarist and composer has appeared on some of the most important jazz-rock and world music albums in the last 40 years.

For Floating Point, which was recorded in India, McLaughlin used several of the best Indian musicians in the world. McLaughlin calls these players the 'young lions' of India. They include keyboardist Loiuz Banks, drummer Ranjit Barot, electric sitarist Niladri Kumar, flautists Shashank and Naveen Kumar, percussionist Sivamani, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, electric mandolinist U.Rajesh, and Hindustini slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya. Joining them were other Western stars, saxophonist George Brooks and bassist Hadrien Feraud. With a line-up like that, you would expect a very Indian experience. But, McLaughlin says not necessarily so.

'Now while this CD features predominantly Indian musicians, we are in quite another form compared to the group Shakti,' McLaughlin says. 'The music is for the most part 'Jazz-Fusion' if a label has to be put on it. But with the musicians involved in this project, it has also a 'world' kind of atmosphere.'

McLaughlin adds, 'I really am happy with the outcome of this CD which actually came about quite spontaneously and without any real planning. You can hear in the music where I am in my development, and in which directions I'm moving. It was a real thrill to play with these players, and I offer my thanks to them for their unique contributions. I truly wish and hope that it brings something to the listeners. I also offer my deep thanks to them for their continued support to my dedicated work.' Album Description

Many years from now

When I get older, losing my hair, many years from now, I will understand and appreciate this recording.

Since I am young, opinionated, closed minded and longing for yesterday's thrill, I do not appreciate this recording.

Whoops, I forgot I am 59 years old and I do appreciate this subtle and complex union of cultures.
September 26, 2008

No more please

I understand John will be touring with Chick Corea.

Maybe,just maybe it will stoke some of the old McLaughlin's "Inner Mounting Flame".

Sorry I must join the others, a hero has fallen. Please John no more, start playing with guys you don't like. September 6, 2008

Excellent Album!

This is a great blend of jazz and electric world music. No it's not Shakti nor is it meant to be. Both McLaughlin's playing and the the musicianship of his Indian collaborators is excellent throughout. This is not "Bob James Schlock" as a one star reviewer called it but an excellent and innovative album. You one and two stars reviewers should give it another chance. August 15, 2008

Bad Fusion!

I bought this album around the same time as Miles From India.In fact a lot of the musicians on this album play on that one as well.But unfortunately that is where all comparisons come to an end.

Miles From India works and you can plainly hear that one every track.This one unfortunately does not.

To begin with there are absolutely no new ideas in the music.It is without any definition and sounds patchy.Mclaughlin's guitar sounds exactly like Luiz Banks synthesizer.Ranjit Barot and Sivamani on percussion duties, whip up a unholy racket that dominates the proceedings.The other guest musicians seem to wonder in, contribute the mandatory raga riff and wonder out...

John Mclaughlin is a legend.Of that there can be no debate.Perhaps John needs a long break; to rejuvnate himself and his music.In the mean time I think he should stay away from producing such rubbish.

Here is hoping that he will surprise us all with the next album.

Till then...just stay away from this one.


PS- My copy of the CD also contains the DVD of the making of the album, it is even worse than the CD.
August 4, 2008

Mclaughlin here & now

Obviously, the current body of McLaughlin's work cannot compare in quality or intensity with the Mahavishnu or Shakti years. That is because in those stints, McLaughlin was on par, playing with equally talented musicians. In contrast, on Floating Point, Mclaughlin is the lone giant, working with a talented team who unfortunately are just not in the same league on the `legend' front. The rivalry and tension is replaced by awe and idolation. The resultant music thus appears a lot more mechanical and contrived. You could call it `fusion' without the `innovation'.

Having said that, this album is definitely above average. The sound and feel is more like `Industrial Zen' part 2 (in pop parlance, `Rubber Soul' and `Revolver'). McLaughlin is increasingly veering towards Indian musicians, as that is where he derives his influences from. It's rich hunting ground for any fusion artist.

I was at the live show of `Floating Point' in Bombay (Mumbai) and preferred the CD to the show, partly because of an inept sound engineer who sadly didn't have a clue on the music, and partly because the drummer (Mr. Ranjit Barot) was too liberal with the cymbals.
July 24, 2008

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