As a musician, composer, and bandleader, John McLaughlin's vast
contributions to contemporary improvisational music are only just
beginning to be fully understood, appreciated, and absorbed by artists
and enthusiasts alike. From Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti and his
collaboration with Paco De Lucia, to his current band the 4th Dimension,
McLaughlin's music has extended across the boundaries dividing jazz,
rock, and innumerable global traditions, encompassing a number of genres
while emerging fully formed as his own, uniquely personal expressive
medium. Now, McLaughlin is prepared to break through yet again, with
what he feels is his most personal statement today: Black Light. Black
Light includes 8 original McLaughlin compositions, including a heartfelt
homage to his departed colleague, collaborator, and friend Paco De
Lucia - with whom McLaughlin had intended to compose an album's worth of
new material just before De Lucia's untimely passing. McLaughlin has
returned to acoustic guitar for a tribute to his friend, entitled 'El
Hombre Que Sabia' and brings forth from the instrument a depth of
sadness and admiration beyond words. Mclaughlin adds, 'I have explored
ways in music and recorded them with happiness. 'Black Light' has opened
a portal that is neither Jazz nor Rock, nor Indian nor Blues, and yet
all of these: it's an open door. Otherwise electric, Black Light
features the 4th Dimension - 'my three favorite musicians,' in
McLaughlin's word - in full flight, with their empathy and precision
honed on stage and in the studio. The 4th Dimension is composed of the
remarkable multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband on keyboards and drums,
Etienne Mbappe's nimble, effervescent electric bass, and the powerhouse
drumming of Ranjit Barot.AMAZON
