"Echos from Then" from the upcoming John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension album Now Here This, releasing Oct 12th. John McLaughlin (guitar), Gary Husband (Keyboards), Etienne Mbappé (bass), Ranjit Barot (drums).
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September 20, 2012
July 24, 2012
New John McLaughlin Album "Now Here This" To Be Released Oct 18th
ACCLAIMED GUITARIST JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NOW HERE THIS SET FOR OCTOBER 18TH RELEASE ON ABSTRACT LOGIX
(Los Angeles, CA) – It has been nearly two years since world-renowned guitarist John McLaughlin released To the One, his highly acclaimed, first studio recording, with The 4th Dimension. The veteran guitar aficionado celebrates his 70th birthday year with the announcement of Now Here This (Abstract Logix) set for release on October 18th as he ups-the-ante even further with greater fire, finesse and freewheeling interplay.
McLaughlin’s musical influences carry over to many of the musical elite also declaring him to be “the best guitarist alive,” as Jeff Beck mused in 2010. In 2003, McLaughlin was ranked 49th in Rolling Stone magazine list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time and in the summer of 2007, McLaughlin performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Bridgeview, Illinois. Chick Corea remarked to DownBeat Magazine that “…what John McLaughlin did with the electric guitar set the world on its ear. No one ever heard an electric guitar played like that before, and it certainly inspired me. John's band, more than my experience with Miles, led me to want to turn the volume up and write music that was more dramatic and made your hair stand on end.
McLaughlin’s latest creative venture with The 4th Dimension, reflects a slight, yet significant, alteration of the dynamic, specifically the recruitment of powerhouse Indian drummer Ranjit Barot. Cameroon-born/Paris-resident bassist Etienne M'Bappe is back from To the One, as is keyboardist/drummer Gary Husband. This 8-track set of McLaughlin originals testifies to the guitarist's decades-long fascination with Indian music, through his effortless virtuosity, and relentless lyricism, even when the guitarist is shredding at near-light speed.
As John himself simply states, “Now Here This is the culmination of my life's work till now.”
The critical praise for McLaughlin’s latest musical venture is cascading forth; John Fordham of The Guardian declares, …this tight 40-minute document hums with a collaborative energy. There is little doubt that McLaughlin's return to the electrified fusion he first innovated more than 40 years ago in groups led by trumpet icon Miles Davis and drum legend Tony Williams - and, of course, with his own earth-shattering Mahavishnu Orchestra - is as electrifying and exhilarating as ever. And for those new to the genre, Now Here This is the perfect introduction - one that will surely encourage them to also dive, head-first, into this legendary guitarist's lengthy and groundbreaking discography.
Upcoming Tour Dates
27/10/12 Toulouse France
28/10/12 Bordeaux France
30/10/12 Lille France
31/10/12 Strasbourg France
01/11/12 Zurich Switzerland
03/11/12 Wroclaw Poland
04/11/12 Gdansk Poland
05/11/12 Warsaw Poland TBC
07/11/12 Ravensburg Germany
08/11/12 Leverkusen Germany
09/11/12 Dresden Germany
11/11/12 London UK
14/11/12 Novosibirsk Russia
16/11/12 St Petersburg Russia
17/11/12 Moscow Russia TBC
18/11/12 Minsk Russia
19/11/12 Helsinki Finland
20/11/12 Oslo Norway
21/11/12 Oslo Norway
23/11/12 Chiasso Italy
24/11/12 Sacile Italy
April 07, 2012
September 28, 2011
Current Listening (and Viewing)
Here is some of the great new music I've been digging lately.
Incredible rock fusion disc with Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. Killer writing, tones and playing.
Oz Noy - Twisted Blues Volume 1
Noy's bluesiest album to date has an amazing lineup that includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Eric Johnson, and other heavyweights. Noy's playing and tones are amazing. Releasing November 19th.
Arguably Sherinian's best solo album yet. Has a similar vibe to his 1999 debut, with strong shades of Jeff Beck's early fusion work. As always, the prog keyboard maestro brings along an impressive cast. Includes Steve Lukather, Tony MacAlpine, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Stevens, and others.
Jeff Richman & Chatterbox - The Line Up
Richman returns with Chatterbox for more jammy west coast jazz. Has a looser vibe than his solo releases.
Super intricate prog metal with insane chops. Includes Alex Argento on keys.
Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 DVD
I may be a bit biased here since I conducted the interviews for this 2-DVD set, but this is a killer collection of live jazz rock fusion. A great documentation of Abstract Logix's groundbreaking 2010 festival. Includes John McLaughlin (with Zakir Hussain), Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Human Element, Ranjit Barot, and others.
September 14, 2011
September 02, 2011
September 01, 2011
Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 CD Review at All About Jazz
Ian Patterson has written a great review of the Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 double CD for All About Jazz.
AAJ Review: Various Artists: The New Universe Music Festival 2010 - Abstract Logix Live!
August 22, 2011
Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 DVD Set)
PRESS RELEASE
Abstract Logix to release New Universe Music Festival double-DVD compilation featuring John McLaughlin, Jimmy Herring, Lenny White, Wayne Krantz, Zakir Hussain and more on September 20, 2011
On November 20 and 21, 2010, maverick record label Abstract Logix hosted a series of spectacular performances, featuring an array of artists who handily defy genre categorization in favor of unbridled expression. The first New Universe Music Festival, primarily sponsored by Godin Guitars and DIY Music was a die-hard music lover's dream, defined by artists who seamlessly mingle compositional ingenuity and improvisational grace and fervor.
A 2 DVD Compilation featuring the music on the CD, along with over 60
minutes of the grand finale Jam tribute to John McLaughlin featuring all
the artists of the festival along with behind the scenes footage and
extensive interviews will be released on September 20, 2011.
The release features pioneering guitarist John McLaughlin and his
current band the 4th Dimension with special guest, world music legend
tabla maestro Zakir Hussain; Widespread Panic guitar hero Jimmy Herring
with his electric band; Return to Forever Drummer Lenny White; the
all-star quartet Human Element (keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matt
Garrison, percussionist Arto Tunçboyaciyan; fearless guitarist and
improviser Wayne Krantz appearing with the amazing Anthony Jackson on
bass; visionary Indian composer and drummer Ranjit Barot; and emerging
guitar visionary Alex Machacek.
A 2 CD Set of the festival featuring 131 minutes of music was released
on July 19, 2011 to rave reviews:
"The final guitarist on the album is the Mahavishnu himself, John
McLaughlin. His band, the Fourth Dimension, is a tight and nimble unit
that can change directions at will as if all the members are a single
organism. It will take most listeners some time to work through both
discs, but the chance to hear the evolution of jazz/rock guitar in a
live setting is well worth the investment." - Premier Guitar
"For those who like their jazz hard, loud, filled with killer chops and
intricate writing, the 2010 New Universe Music Festival was like manna
from heaven. - All About Jazz
This thing is amazing!!!! UNREAL!!!! - Voice of America
Here's praise for the event itself:
"The New Universe Music Festival brought together an astonishing roster
of legendary and upcoming jazz-fusion musicians-especially guitarists-in
an intimate setting charged with excitement. As might be expected, the
music was superb, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to fusion and world
music pioneer John McLaughlin. I look forward to attending the next
NUMF, though the first one will be very tough to top." -Barry Cleveland,
Guitar Player
JazzTimes editor Lee Mergner attended the festival, observing, "It was a
veritable smorgasbord of fusion, with many of the top-notch artists in
the genre coming together for a series of performances. Jazz-rock fans
attending the inaugural event heard legends like John McLaughlin and
Lenny White, established names such as Wayne Krantz, Human Element and
Jimmy Herring, as well as up-and-comers like Alex Machacek and Ranjit
Barot. From start to finish, the music was electric, even when it was
being played acoustically. There was also a palpable sense of community
as artists generously participated in listening sessions and sat in with
each other throughout the event. I highly recommend this festival and
look forward to seeing and hearing its second incarnation in 2012."
About DIY Media:
DIY Media is the leading platform in social commerce. The company
provides the simplest and shortest means to sell digital content to
online customers. From complete portable storefronts for single tracks,
albums, and entire music catalog shareable widgets to brilliantly
designed and built white label storefronts for entire music catalogs,
DIY Media empowers social commerce in the music industry. The company's
innovative, all-in-one, direct to consumer digital e-commerce
distribution and marketing platform provides record labels, artists, and
digital distributors, with unparalleled reach and revenue opportunities
within the exploding viral marketplaces of Facebook, Twitter, email, and
mobile phones.
About Godin Guitars:
With its early beginnings in 1972, the Godin Guitar family now includes
6 lines of guitars. These include the renowned Godin electric line, as
well as the finely crafted acoustic lines such as Seagull, Simon&
Patrick, Norman, Art& Lutherie and LaPatrie nylon stringed classical
guitars. Godin Guitars is also the manufacturer of the revolutionary
TRIC acoustic guitar case. Based in Montreal Quebec, this Canadian
company has 6 factories, 5 of which are located in the Eastern Townships
of Quebec and 1 located in Berlin New Hampshire.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was lucky enough to conduct the backstage interviews for this release which appear on disc two. Follow the link below to pre-order this epic two-DVD set.
Pre-Order Abstract Logix Live - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 DVD Set)
See Also:
Review: Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 CD)
Abstract Logix Live 2010 - The New Universe Music Festival Promo Video!
August 04, 2011
July 29, 2011
July 18, 2011
Review: Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 CD)
On November 20th and 21st 2010, cutting edge jazz and fusion recording label Abstract Logix held their first New Universe Music Festival at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh North Carolina. This incredible event brought together an array of the label’s top artists to not only perform for a live audience, but to celebrate the music and the label’s vision with them as well. The dream-team lineup consisted of Alex Machacek, Ranjit Barot, Scott Kinsey’s band Human Element, Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Lenny White’s band (which included Herring on guitar), and last but not least, John McLaughlin, who was joined by his Shakti bandmate Zakir Hussain. Now Abstract Logix has released a live album featuring a collection of the festival’s best performances. As someone who was on hand for that special weekend last fall, I can confirm this release is a fine representation of the spirit and incredible musicianship of what was hopefully the first of many New Universe Music Festivals to come.
Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 consists of two discs, each representing a single day of the festival. Each disc includes a selection of songs from that day’s performers, arranged in order of appearance. Disc one opens with “Strafe” and “Very Sad” from guitarist Alex Machacek’s festival-launching set with drummer Jeff Sipe, and bassist Neal Fountain. There’s a rapport in this trio, built from numerous past gigs, which really comes through on these two tracks. With “Strafe,” the band is in bleeding-edge fusion mode as they tear through the song’s complex lines and riffs. “Very Sad,” by contrast, is an airy ballad that includes a gorgeous, lyrical bass solo from Fountain. On both of these cuts, Machacek takes standout, legato-infused solos. In recent years, Machacek's exceptional writing and playing have placed him at the forefront of the next generation of jazz fusion, making him a great choice to open this festival.
“Vignesh Kirtanam” and “Origin” from drummer Ranjit Barot’s performance are great illustrations of what set this festival apart from others you might see, especially in the United States. Barot’s music blends Indian and western influences for a style that is quite unique within the “jazz fusion” genre. That style made Barot’s debut album Bada Boom one of Abstract Logix’s best releases of 2010, and it added a distinctive flavor to the New Universe Music Festival. On “Vignesh Kirtanam,” Barot provides a modern take on traditional Indian music while performing in a duo setting with violinist Bala Bhaskar. Both musicians are burning on this track which includes some programmed synth elements to flesh out the sound. Barot and Bhaskar are then joined by the next band on the bill, Human Element, and guitarist Wayne Krantz, for “Origin” - a Bada Boom song which included Krantz as a guest. As with the studio version of this piece, Krantz’s rhythmic-oriented linear style is the perfect augmentation here. His phrases serve the greater good of the song by darting in and around the groove as opposed to simply laying over the top of it. Hearing Krantz perform with these musicians, in this setting, was a festival highlight, which makes this song’s inclusion on the disc a real treat.
Next up are two songs from Human Element - a top-shelf fusion band that combines forward-thinking modern elements with strong shades of the past (particularly the music of Weather Report and Joe Zawinul). With Scott Kinsey on keyboards, Matthew Garrison on bass, Ranjit Barot on drums, and Arto Tuncboyaciyan on vocals, percussion, and God knows what else, the group took the festival by storm with a set that was seriously grooving from start to finish. Barot was filling in here for original drummer Gary Novak who was unable to attend, and though Barot had little rehearsal time with the band you would never know it. The group digs in on the tribal groove of “Essaouira,” which includes ample amounts of special sauce from Tuncboyaciyan, and great solos by both Garrison and Barot. The intensity gets cranked up on “Sometimes I...” which has Garrison bringing in some of his Shapeshifter-style sonic elements, such as wildly de-tuning the bass at various points in the song. The audacious spirit present in these tracks is not only reflective of the band’s full set - parallels can also be drawn to the festival as a whole, and the Abstract Logix label in general.
Disc one is rounded out with three songs from guitarist Jimmy Herring’s group, who closed the festivities on day one. With Matt Slocum on keyboards, and the double-duty rhythm section of Jeff Sipe on drums and Neal Fountain on bass (who both appeared with Alex Machacek earlier in the evening), Herring’s band was in top form as they were in the middle of a US tour when they made their appearance on the Lincoln Theatre stage. The band’s searing version of “Rainbow” is one of the highlights of this entire album. Slocum’s piano work is top notch on this track, where he provides an extended unaccompanied intro, and a burning solo near the end. Herring turns in a killer solo here as well - fully loaded with his patented 16th note lines - as does Sipe, who brings the song to a triumphant conclusion with his furious outro. On the heady ballad “Gray Day,” the band shows a different, softer side as both Herring and Fountain play some beautiful jazz lines over the changes. The band’s third track on the disc is a stirring rendition of the George Harrison-penned Beatles song “Within You, Without You” - a crowd favorite in Herring’s live shows. The lyricism of the melodies in this tune plays to the strengths of Herring’s touch, and his soaring tone. It’s a great way to end disc one, though it’s not the last you’ll hear from Herring on this release.
Wayne Krantz opened the festival on day two with the incredible Anthony Jackson on bass, and Cliff Almond on drums - both of whom he’s gigged and recorded with in the past. And though “Why” is the only song included here from Krantz’s set, it’s a real doozy. This track has everything you’d expect from a great piece of Krantz-driven group improv - tight grooves, tempo changes that turn on a dime, and an adventurous attitude that throws caution to the wind. That adventurousness is fueled by the near-telepathic connection these players have onstage. When Krantz steers the band into a four-on-the-floor groove, Jackson and Almond know right where to find him. When he directs them back to the head, there they are without missing a beat. The audience was seriously wowed by this singular style of improvisation, which made Krantz’s set one of the most unique offerings of the weekend.
Legendary drummer Lenny White’s band brought an old-school jazz rock vibe to the festival that is well represented on “Door #3” and “Gazelle.” Though White’s band may have a throwback style and approach, the lineup features two guitarists - a rarity among both current bands in the genre, and the bands of decades gone by when White was first blazing the trail with Miles Davis and Return To Forever. In this band, the one-two guitar punch of Tom Guarna and Jimmy Herring is used to great effect for both improvisational excursions and harmonized lines. Guarna and Herring have differing, yet complimentary styles as well, and are both given plenty of room to shine. “Door #3,” for example, has the group navigating an array of tricky rhythmic twists leading up to a lyrical jazzy solo by Guarna, and a grooving blues section that is right in Herring’s wheelhouse. Bassist Ritchie Goods contributes some great stuff to this song as well, especially when the whole band starts trading off. White takes an elegant solo at the end of this tune, prompting an enthusiastic reception from the crowd. With “Gazelle” - a Joe Henderson tune that White recorded on his recent Anomaly album - the band is in pure jazz rock mode. Vince Evans’ great keyboard work on this track lends a strong 70s feel that is right up this band’s alley. Guarna and Herring both take killer solos on this song as well over a cool set of changes. Having John McLaughlin on board for this festival was fantastic, but to have Lenny White there as well - another elder statesman from those early days - was really something special.
Speaking of McLaughlin, his band the 4th Dimension was also mid-tour when they appeared in Raleigh, and two great tracks from their set are included here to close out the second disc. McLaughlin was the natural choice to headline the final day since he all but invented jazz fusion some 40 years ago, and continues to create new and relevant music in the genre for the Abstract Logix label. For their festival appearance, the 4th Dimension included Etienne Mbappe on bass, Mark Mondesir on drums, and Gary Husband on keyboards and drums - all high quality pros who have no trouble keeping up with their iconic bandleader. On “Recovery” - an up-tempo piece from the band’s 2010 release To The One - the whole group shines, but Mbappe steals the spotlight with an extended energetic bass solo. Tabla master Zakir Hussain, McLaughlin’s old friend and Shakti bandmate, joins the band on “Mother Tongues” for an epic jam that pushed the festival, and this resulting album, to new heights. Mid-way through the tune, the band segues into “Five Peace Band” - a song from McLaughlin’s Floating Point album which he also performed with Remember Shakti. This is where things get really interesting. After running through the head, the band yields the floor to McLaughlin and Hussain to do what they do best; play off each other and improvise in the moment. The interplay between these giants is jaw-dropping as they weave in and out of grooves and peel off amazing fast runs in tandem. Eventually the whole band joins in and trades off with Hussain, leading to a mammoth percussion face-off before bringing it back to “Mother Tongues.” It’s a breath-taking and fitting end to two discs worth of amazing live musicianship.
Kudos to Abstract Logix for championing these artists with a stellar festival that not only celebrated the current state of their music, but also enlightened fans to where it is all going, and where it all began. Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 accurately captures this exciting event, making it one of the best releases of the year so far, and possibly one of the best live jazz fusion releases ever. Highly recommended.
Abstract Logix Live! - The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (Abstract Logix)
Disc 1 - Saturday November 20th
1. Alex Machacek, Neal Fountain, Jeff Sipe - "Strafe"
2. Alex Machacek, Neal Fountain, Jeff Sipe - "Very Sad"
3. Ranjit Barot, Bala Bhaskar - "Vignesh Kirtanam"
4. Ranjit Barot, Bala Bhaskar, Wayne Krantz, Scott Kinsey, Matt Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan - "Origin"
5. Scott Kinsey, Matt Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Ranjit Barot - "Essaouira"
6. Scott Kinsey, Matt Garrison, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Ranjit Barot - "Sometimes I"
7. Jimmy Herring, Neal Fountain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - "Rainbow"
8. Jimmy Herring, Neal Fountain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - ""Gray Day"
9. Jimmy Herring, Neal Fountain, Matt Slocum, Jeff Sipe - Within You Without You"
Disc 2 - Sunday November 21st
10. Wayne Krantz, Anthony Jackson, Cliff Almond - "Why"
11. Lenny White, Jimmy Herring, Tom Guarna, Richie Goods, Vince Evans - "Door #3"
12. Lenny White, Jimmy Herring, Tom Guarna, Richie Goods, Vince Evans - "Gazelle"
13. John McLaughlin, Etienne Mbappe, Gary Husband, Mark Mondesir - "Recovery"
14. John McLaughlin, Etienne Mbappe, Gary Husband, Mark Mondesir, Zakir Hussain - "Mother Tongues"
June 22, 2011
Ranjit Barot Interview for Abstract Logix
Rod Sibley has an excellent interview up at Abstract Logix with drummer Ranjit Barot. Barot discusses has debut album Bada Boom, working with John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, and others, and a whole lot more.
Abstract Logix - Ranjit Barot: From Floating Point to Meeting Point
