THE PROMISE

McLaughlin hit a real high during the mid '90's; a trio of great albums - "Time Remembered" (acoustic); "After the Rain" (electric, jazz); and then finally this - "The Promise" - an experimental, fusion album with a bevy of great guest players. "English Jam" - unfortunately running in at under 2 minutes - features JM, Sting, and Vinnie Colaiuta trading licks; "Django" features Jeff Beck; "El Ciego" sees McLaughlin, Al Dimeola and Paco De Lucia reunited on acoustice guitars. Not all tracks suceed all the time, but you can't deny the ambition of the man. My favourite - "No Return" with JM on keyboards and guitar, and Joey DeFrancesco - primarly a Hammond player - on trumpet; a simple, almost banal riff, but one that gets under your skin for all of its 7:20, and stays with you long after. If you like jazz fusion - this should be in your collection.