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It is hard to listen to the sheer burn John McLaughlin exhibits throughout this live album, recorded in March of 2017 at London’s famous Ronnie Scott’s club, and consider that he is prepared to call it quits at the end of this year due to arthritis. At age 75, McLaughlin is still ripping it up with signature precision chops, intense abandon, and awesome speed. Pushed by his longstanding band, the 4th Dimension, McLaughlin soars on recreations of his 70s Mahavishnu Orchestra classics “Meeting of the Spirits,” “Miles Beyond,” “Sanctuary,” and “Vital Transformation” as well as newer tunes like the energized “Here Come the Jiis” and “Echoes From Then,” the latter a showcase for drummer Barot. Bassist M’Bappe is showcased on the powerhouse jam “Here Come the Jiis” and the frantic “Vital Transformation” while keyboardist Husband turns in a sparkling piano solo on the minor-key ballad “Gaza City,” flaunts singular synth chops on “Vital Transformation” and “New Blues Old Bruise,” and engages in some fiery call-and-response with McLaughlin on the Spanish flavored “El Hombre Que Sabia.” A must for fusion fans.
By Bill Milkowski
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