NATURAL ELEMENTS

« Natural Elements » is Shakti ultimate masterpiece. John Mc Laughlin shows once again his determination to bring jazz rock guitar on new territories. The Shakti ensemble is only composed of Indian musicians (tabla, violin players). Mc Laughlin is accompanied by L. Shankar for all compositions' writing. The project is entirely acoustic, dominated by fast, technical, very talented Laughlin's guitar style, often in trio with eastern violin parts and repetitive, awesome tabla sections. The first track of side one is an incredible, furious rhythmical composition, an eastern "trip" with "trance" like effects. "Face to face" is a perfect duet mixing different violin / guitar contrasts. A brilliant, technical improvisation. An "eastern" modern jazz combination with possessed tabla parts. Composed by Shankar "come on baby dance" is an other improvisation with colourful raga elements. "The daffodil & the eagle" is an enthusiastic ballad with folk accents and enchanting violin passages. The second side is less impressive (technically speaking) with large, calm pieces with my exotic guitar rhythms and vocals ("happening is being together"). "Piece of Mind" is a peaceful jazzy ballad with detached guitar / violin parts. Quite beautiful! An original effort that can only enrich your CD collection.