Johnny McLaughlin* – Electric Guitarist

Again one of those albums that I saw so often in nineties record shop visits and I never bought it. Now 3€ on a flea market and I'm surprised how pristine and fresh this album sounds. It's full of surprising arrangements in different constellation. If you see on your neighborhood market go and buy it.

Ironically my introduction to John when I was a teen in the 70's. Always dug the first side, especially the interplay between Carlos and John on the second track. Record sounds great on my system. Check it out, they are cheap and plentiful.

great record and a real nice sounding press, a must

This is a good pressing for those wondering about quality. Well-balanced and the guest stars really shine

WOW! I can't believe I've had a copy of this album in my collection for several years and I'm only getting around to listening to it NOW! The first two tracks of the album have a strong Focus-like feel in terms of composition ("Focus" being the progressive-rock Dutch quartet who first met in the house band for a Dutch staging of "Hair: the Musical," and grew from that early '70s style through guitar rock, progressive rock, several nods to Bach, and eventually arriving in the jazz-fusion domain after founding guitarist Jan Akkerman's departure), and pulling off its fusion-y performance in a way that Focus probably aspired to but never completely achieved in the first decade of the band's existence. The next tracks vary in style from apparently Coltrane-inspired, Return to Forever-styled music, a bit of Mahavishnu-ness (with a duo of John and drummer Billy Cobham), and unfortunately perhaps the least interest-retaining of the lot, "Are You the One? Are You the One?" which just sounds like a jam with ex-Cream/West, Bruce & Laing's Jack Bruce and drummer Tony Williams. In general, this one's a keeper, if only for the absolutely awesome first two tracks which out-Focus Focus in terms of jazz-fusion composition and performance (and I love Focus, so that's a strong compliment in my book).

I really don't understand. My copy is great with only some minimal paper scuffs, but it sounds with light rustling throughout. This rustling/crackling is audible in the quiet moments only, but it's here!
Is there anyone with the same problem on this Italy release? Maybe, is this for a poor mastering?....or a problem in some pressing plant or in a few stampers?.... or again due to a poor vinyl quality?
Thanks for your help!

A superb soft jazz-fusion album from Mahavishnu Orchestra founder-leader-guitarist John McLaughlin, featuring a star-studded band that includes:
Chick Corea (piano, mini-Moog), Stanley Clarke (bass), Jack de Johnette (drums, percussion), Billy Cobham (drums), Tony Williams (drums), Jerry Goodman (violin), Fernando Sanders (bass), Stu Goldberg (piano, organ, synthesizer), Carlos Santana (guitar solos), Jack Bruce (bass), David Sanborn (sax) and a few others.