Many critics consider My Goal's Beyond to be the best John McLaughlin recording. This reviewer is not among that group. However, I understand perfectly and do believe it to be one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar albums ever recorded. MGB is accessible. Which is to say that all of McLaughlin's albums since, have been less accessible to the masses. (Save for perhaps "After the Rain" 25 years later). Technically, MGB does not approach most of McLaughlin's recordings. There are flubbed notes here and there and although this album is famous for his solo renderings of such classic tunes as "Good-Bye Pork-Pie Hat", "Blue in Green" and his own wonderful composition "Follow Your Heart", some over-dubbing occurred.

However, no small amount of flubbing or over-dubbing can take away from the fact this album is a true masterpiece. MGB set standards for acoustic guitar playing which are still in place today. McLaughlin's soloing and chord-playing were a revelation even to those somewhat familiar with his electric playing.

The most impressive performance is the ensemble rendering of McLaughlin's "Peace One". Charlie Haden opens the composition with an infectious bass groove and the tune features crisp, snapping acoustic guitar and instrumental tonal colors from the Far East. Dave Liebman is especially up front on sax. Other members of the band include Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman, Airto and Badal Roy.

So popular has this record been over the years that several labels have purchased it from catalog and re-released it. You can't kill this thing with a stick. In addition to the original Douglas 9 production, MGB has also appeared on the Warner-Electra, Ryko and The Knitting Factory labels.

MGB is considered to be a milestone in the career of John McLaughlin and the history of acoustic guitar. Also, we shouldn't forget that it took guts to record an acoustic guitar album during the times of Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. So although over the years through reputation, the album has sold well. It totally bombed when it was released. MGB is a primary recording for any McLaughlin fan.

Walter Kolosky
smsi@attbi.com

Walter Kolosky is a businessman and jazz fan who lives in South Natick, MA, USA