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If the truth be told, Where Fortune
Smiles was not originally released under
the leadership of John McLaughlin. Its reissue on CD with McLaughlin as leader is for
marketing purposes only. The reissue notes suggest a 1971 recording date. My
memories of its first release on PYE records seems to tell me it was more like
1969, but memories do fade. (Check Johann's awesome
discography for the
accurate info). Dave Holland on bass, John Surman on sax, Karl Berger on vibes
and Stu Martin on drums add equally to this outing. The tunes, written by
McLaughlin and Surman, have strong head arrangements which are not quoted or
hinted to one wit in the free improvisations that follow as these fine musicians
travel the world of FREE JAZZ. Free jazz. Free jazz. Do not expect any
coherent themes, call and responses, unison line playing. Now that the
weaknesses of the album have been pointed-out - let's review its strengths.
Strength # 1 - There are no coherent themes.
Strength # 2 - There are no call and responses.
Strength # 3 - There is no unison playing.
- Free jazz. This is a recording which can be listened to, all the way through, no more than twice per year. But, it must be listened to. Whoa! Listen...is that a quote which will later turn into "One Word" from Birds Of Fire? Listen for his guitar sound. Listen to Holland's resonating bass. Listen to Surman as he reveals things to come. Listen for an historical perspective. Listen.
Walter Kolosky
smsi@attbi.com
Walter Kolosky is a businessman and jazz fan who lives in South Natick, MA, USA
- Free jazz. This is a recording which can be listened to, all the way through, no more than twice per year. But, it must be listened to. Whoa! Listen...is that a quote which will later turn into "One Word" from Birds Of Fire? Listen for his guitar sound. Listen to Holland's resonating bass. Listen to Surman as he reveals things to come. Listen for an historical perspective. Listen.
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