Mahavishnu John McLaughlin: Something Spiritual
Track
Something Spiritual
Artist
John McLaughlin (acoustic guitar)
CD
My Goal's Beyond (Rykodisc RCD 10051)
Recorded: New York, March 1971
Rating: 91/100 (learn more)
Guitarist John McLaughlin had first covered Dave Herman's "Something Spiritual" as a member of the Tony Williams Lifetime on Emergency! Of course that performance was loud, electric and distorted. This rendition features McLaughlin strumming and picking an acoustic guitar. After a slow introspective intro full of minor chords and harmonics, McLaughlin is off to the races. His solo is overdubbed atop his prerecorded quick-paced bassline and backing chords. The energy let loose in this acoustic exposition could not be harnessed. After some cosmic blues licks fly through the air, McLaughlin abruptly returns to the spirit of the intro for the coda. An album full of tunes so inventively interpreted and skillfully played is why My Goal's Beyond has reached legendary status for serious guitar players.
Reviewer: Walter Kolosky
Tags: 1970s jazz · guitar
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