The truth hold out told, Where Fortune Smiles was non originally released nether the leadership of John McLaughlin. Its reissue on CD alongside McLaughlin as leader seems to be for marketing purposes only. The reissue notes betoken a 1971 recording date, but my memories of its master copy unloosen on PYE Records advise that it was recorded a yr earlier. (However, memories tin fade.) The other members of the quintet—bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist John Surman (also on Extrapolation ), vibraphonist Karl Berger, in addition to drummer Stu Martin—each contribute as to this outing.
The compositions, all past times McLaughlin in addition to Surman, cause got rigid caput arrangements that are non straight quoted inwards the gratuitous improvisations that follow. Fortune does non fifty-fifty hint at stone or fusion. Do non await whatever of the commons clear themes, telephone telephone in addition to reply playing, or unison lines. These differences, which may confound many McLaughlin fans, are also its greatest strengths.
Free jazz is what this unloosen is all about. For listeners who don't commonly immerse themselves inwards this form of thing, it's a tape that tin hold out enjoyed solely most in i lawsuit a year. But it remains a must-listen. Whoa! Listen...is that a quote which volition afterwards plow into "One Word" from Birds Of Fire ? Listen to McLaughlin's far-out guitar. Listen to Holland's resonating bass. Listen to Surman as he reveals things to come. Listen for a historical perspective on music which McLaughlin would afterwards deliver.
Jazz critic Scott Yanow wrote: “McLaughlin's raw audio was starting to cause got shape past times this fourth dimension in addition to his impeccable chops are on amount display. So likewise are those of the underrated vibraphonist Karl Berger and, of course, soprano saxophonist Surman. The foundation is held loosely inwards house past times bassist Dave Kingdom of the Netherlands in addition to drummer Stu Martin. It's a challenging but interesting listen, peculiarly given McLaughlin's afterwards success in addition to popularity.
Track listing
- "Glancing Backwards (for Junior)" – 8:54 - Surman
- "Earth Bound Hearts" – 4:15 - McLaughlin
- "Where Fortune Smiles" – 4:01 - Surman
- "New Place, Old Place" – 10:24 - McLaughlin
- "Hope" – 7:19 - McLaughlin
Personnel
- John McLaughlin - guitars
- John Surman – soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
- Dave Holland - upright bass
- Karl Berger – vibraphone
- artin_%28drummer%29" title="Learn John Mclaughlin - 1971 [1993] Where Fortune Smiles">Stu Martin – drums
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