THE HEART OF THINGS: LIVE IN PARIS

In 2009 ,after ground breaking "Five Peace Band" World Tour, double live album, recorded during that tour, was released. It refreshed interest to great figure of John McLaughlin once again. So it isn't strange, that someone could be interested in John's less known albums as well.

So, there we have live album, released just before "Five Peace Band" album was released ( I am speaking about list of John's live albums). But it happened nine years before.

From one hand, it isn't strange, that the music in both albums is different - nine years is big period of time in fusion and jazz. But it is a bit strange, that if on his live album of 2009 John McLaughlin plays electric fusion of 70-s and some almost acoustic jazz improvs scented by his electric guitar ( again - in style, more usual for 70-s). Here, on Paris concert recordings, music is much more modern!

Speaking briefly, McLaughlin plays electric contemporary jazz there, with some fusion elements. Musicians are great, and you can easily feel dreamy and romantic Paris atmosphere on this album. But ? according to genre's rules, sound is well rounded, even polished there, and you will hardly find characteristic John's electric fast and angular solos.

Plenty of keyboards are the sound basis, whenever guitar and sax interplays build the music body. Really very pleasant music, but ? too safe! No place for experimentation or harder moments, just great soundtrack to your September evening somewhere in small Paris club.