John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram and special guest Hariprasad Chaurasia
"Remember Shakti"
(Verve)
In no uncertain terms, John McLaughlin's Shakti was one of the preeminent world music ensembles of the mid-seventies. Of course, world music wasn't nearly as popular then as it is today, but McLaughlin's reputation as a consummate jazz-fusion guitar slinger helped introduce Shakti to an open-minded audience that was ready for something different. The original Shakti revealed McLaughlin's appreciation for Eastern music with the help of violinist L. Shankar and two percussionists, tabla wizard Zakir Hussain and ghatam player Vikku Vinayakram. While Shakti's 1997 reunion tour lacked the commanding presence of Shankar's violin, the performances on this double-disc show a great deal of confidence and maturity. Blending the best of Indian classical music with a jazzy, fleet guitar style, John McLaughlin's passionate playing is well matched by his accomplished Eastern comrades. The opening cut, "Chandrakauns," is thirty-three minutes of driving percussion and evocative flute-it's a mesmerizing introduction (all without McLaughlin) and serves to set the mood for the rest of these serious-yet-high-spirited instrumentals. Using the electric guitar in most curious fashion, McLaughlin stretches out on these raga-inspired jams for some of his best playing in ages. "Remember Shakti" is startling in its intimate intensity and shouldn't be overlooked.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.