TRIO OF DOOM (WITH JACO PASTORIUS AND TONY WILLIAMS)

Extremely interesting recordings for every McLaughlin (or Jaco) fan. Recorded live during concert in Havana,Cuba in 1979, its were released in 2007 only. When you'll start listening, you will easily understand why.

Three great fusion musicians -John McLaughlin, Jaco Pastorius and Tony Williams play life set! Such an attractive release! The problem is there are not enough recorded materials for quality release, so this album is more kind of compilation (only first 5 compositions are recorded life in Havana, five others are studio recordings and their out-takes).

Another negative result of such luck of material is that there is added everything, what had even small chance to be counted as musical recording. Big part of live recordings sound as rehearsal, even mistakes when played were added on CD!.

Sound quality is a bit unusual - not bad, without over-loops and studio tricks, clear and very natural, but sound mix is extremely dis-balanced. Drums attacks sound as explosions over the whole sound, John's guitar is somewhere on the back and sounds really shy! Bass is rich, but not deep.

Third problem is if even named as band (" Trio Of Doom"), musicians stayed just three extra level professionals, everyone playing his own music. And it feels!

In all, this release is real mixed bag! Some excellent moments presented here and there, and in few places Trio even sounds as real band, showing what a potential they could have playing together. But as album, it sounds more as collection of rough material and out-takes from the vaults (and it's true!).

Very interesting release for real fan of anyone of three artists, for casual listener possibly should be better avoided.