Johnny McLaughlin -Electric Guitarist- 1978 Columbia Records

This is my first JazzBlog post! I'd like to thank Jackie for inviting me onboard! Also...I'd like to dedicate this post to Robert J. Kerns who inadvertantly led me to the discovery of some fine music! Mr.Kerns (as I called him) was my good buddy Mark Kern's father. He was a top record salesman for CBS Records. He helped break many jazz & rock acts in the New York region. As with any salesperson there are always 'samples' of the wares! He would bring back all kinds of really cool promos! Mark (his son) & I would go through bins & bins of the coolest vinyl you could imagine - looking for new stuff to check out! Among tons of rock records were also a multitude of jazz albums. If they were on CBS, Columbia or any subsidiaries Mr. Kerns probably had it! This is where I discovered John McLaughlin for the first time. Mahavishnu Orchestra, etc... it was all there! And so...My initial post is on Johnny McLaughlin's 'Electric Guitarist' album originally released in 1978. In 1990 it was finally released on CD. This album features many great artists who along with John McLaughlin helped define Jazz Fusion at it's inception & onwards. 1) New York On My Mind - This tune features John McLaughlin, guitar; Billy Cobham, drums; Jerry Goodman, violin, Stu Goldberg, electric piano, organ, mini-moog synthesizer; Fernando Saunders, bass. If someone were to ask me for a perfect song to explain what Jazz Fusion sounds like this would probably be it. Sounds great driving through the city! 2) Friendship- John McLaughlin, guitar (second guitar solo); Carlos Santana, guitar (first guitar solo) Narada Michael Walden, drums; Neil Jason, bass; Tom Coster, organ; Alyrio Lima, percussion; Armando Peraza, congas. This is a great tune with Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin each taking a breathtaking solo! Has that 'Latin feel' & swing. 3) Every Tear From Every Eye- John McLaughlin, guitar; David Sanborn, alto sax; Alphonso Johnson, Taurus Bass pedals, bass; Patrice Rushen, piano; Tony Smith, drums. It doesn't get more stellar than this! Everyone shines on this ecclectic track! 4) Do You Hear The Voices That You Left Behind? - John McLaughlin, guitar; Chick Corea, piano; Stanley Clarke, acoustic bass; Jack Dejohnette, drums. Jazz Fusion solos galore! This track really is a showcase for blowing notes- yet with a strong sense of 'ensemble playing' so often overlooked by many. 5) Are You The One?- John McLaughlin, guitar; Jack Bruce, bass; Tony Williams, drums. Another 'power trio' you ask? Of course! Jack Bruce & Tony Williams make for an intense rythmn-section on this 'bluesy' number. 6) Phenomenom: Compulsion- John McLaughlin, guitar; Billy Cobham, drums. When I initially heard this tune I freaked out! Van Halen who??? Don't get me wrong, I love Eddie Van Halen but this came first & it's absolutely nuts! John McLaughlin was the 'original' shredder! 7) My Foolish Heart- John McLaughlin, guitar; arranged by, John McLaughlin. On this tune the album comes to a very soft close. Almost like a 'lullaby' to help relax you from the frantic pace of the previous numbers. This is truly one of the most beautifull pieces of guitar work that I have ever heard! Great chords & melody line. Soft & silky like a moon lit night. I suggest this album to anyone who appreciates virtuosity without compromise. How did I do for my first post? Thanks again Jackie! Ed