In the early on '70s John McLaughlin was one-third of the supergroup Lifetime with drummer Tony Williams together with organist Larry Young. This particular CD from 1994 matches him with drummer Elvin Jones together with organist Joey DeFrancesco, but the music has lilliputian inwards mutual with Lifetime. Instead many of the tunes tin hold upward considered to hold upward tributes to John Coltrane; Jones's participation for certain reinforces that connection. McLaughlin, dorsum on electrical guitar later several years sticking almost alone to acoustic, is inwards transcend shape on such numbers every bit "Take the Coltrane," "My Favorite Things," "Crescent," together with "Afro Blue." The improvising is advanced together with colorful with DeFrancesco keeping the proceedings swinging, together with fifty-fifty if the results are non quite classic, the collaboration is somewhat unique.
After the Rain received much praise inwards 1994 from many critics who commonly take in McLaughlin's approach to music a chip also cosmic. The feelings alongside McLaughlin devotees were to a greater extent than mixed, however—there was or together with thus utter that McLaughlin may hold upward running out of ideas. After all, this was the mo tribute album he had released inwards the concluding twain of years. There were fifty-fifty or together with thus complaints virtually his guitar tone. To hold upward sure, it is a chip also warm. But when all is said together with done, After the Rain is an outstanding recording.
This isn't to say it is the best or the most influential of McLaughlin’s albums, but it may hold upward the most beautiful of his electrical releases. It attains this condition through its melodic textures, driving rhythms together with overall musicality. And at that spot is to a greater extent than to it than that. The beauty inherent inwards whatever recording tin inwards or together with thus part hold upward attributed to its spirituality. (Don’t worry; nosotros are non going into Sri Chinmoy means here.) The spirit that thrives on this album is rooted inwards its inspiration—and that spirit is of John Coltrane. The beauty of this album emanates from McLaughlin's heartfelt occupation to accolade the keen participant who opened the door for him together with many others.
After The Rain features several tunes associated with Coltrane. Two of McLaughlin’s compositions are included. The trio also covers Carla Bley’s “Sing Me Softly of the Blues”. McLaughlin decided to showcase these compositions inwards a traditional Hammond B-3 trio format.
Former Coltrane sideman Elvin Jones' drumming evokes memories together with emotions that tin exactly hold upward described every bit reassuring. His accents, bangs, thuds together with grunts give keen credibility to the affair. Jones' personal homage to Coltrane becomes clear through his bright playing; he provides a to a greater extent than than stable foundation for McLaughlin together with organist DeFrancesco to gear upward upon.
Joey DeFrancesco, who similar most B-3 players, has a vogue to meander somewhat during solos, meanders non a wit. His playing emerges every bit purposeful together with understated. However, when the quest arises for driving power, he delivers.
McLaughlin's approach on After the Rain is to a greater extent than straight-ahead than it has always been. At the same time, y'all know it is soundless JOHN MCLAUGHLIN. While a lilliputian to a greater extent than guitar seize with teeth would accept been helpful, he does accomplish a lite swing, a somber tone, together with a lilting flow...words are lacking.
Pay exceptional attending to this trio’s interpretation of Mongo Santamaria’s “Afro Blue”. It is a killer. Coltrane’s beautiful “Naima” receives a respectful treatment, quite dissimilar from McLaughlin together with Carlos Santana’s acoustic tribute from Love, Devotion together with Surrender. The album’s championship cut, “After the Rain,” brings this loving tribute album to a soft together with sober landing.
Every unmarried melody stands every bit a highlight, but pay exceptional attending to "My Favorite Things" because this is shortly to hold upward what this album volition hold upward to you.
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Tracks Listing:
1. Take the Coltrane - (6:01) (D.Ellington)
2. My Favorite Things - (6:16) (R.Rogers/L.Hart)
3. Sing Me Softly of the Blues - (6:31) (C.Bley)
4. Encuentros - (7:32) (J.McLaughlin)
5. Naima - (4:43) (J.Coltrane)
6. Tones for Elvin Jones - (6:34) (J.McLaughlin)
7. Crescent - (7:41) (J.Coltrane)
8. Afro Blue - (6:54) (M.Santamaria)
9. After the Rain - (4:54) (J.Coltrane)
Personnel:
John McLaughlin - guitar
Joey DeFrancesco - Hammond B-3 organ
Elvin Jones - drums
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