The prevalence of sequencers, computerized rhythms, sampling effects,
and the all-important Big Drum Sound (a la Phil Collins) makes this perhaps
the most commercially viable Mahavishnu album yet. Hell, tunes like Mitchel
Forman's exuberant Mitch Match or McLaughlin's own houserocking
opus Gotta Dance may even have radioplay potential (hence the
album's title?). And while McLaughlin may be making some concessions to
current industry trends with all this technological Art Of Noise hardware,
he doesn't compromise on the compositions. Overall, it's a successful blend
of chops, harmonic sophistication, and the sonic seasoning needed to get over
with young ears today.
John's rock-tinged solo on The Wall Will Fall should give Eddie
Van Halen fans something to chatter about. And his Synclavier-guitar work
on the menacing funk of Jozy (dedicated to Joe Zawinul) is his coolest
use of that tool to date. On the other end of the spectrum is
Florianapolis, a genteel, lilting affair on acoustic guitar that
recalls his more romantic Belo Horizonte (Warner Bros. 3619) period,
while his bravado acoustic strumming on 20th Century Ltd is
reminiscent of his propulsive flamenco playing with The Trio (with Al Di
Meola and Paco De Lucia, on Passion, Grace & Fire [Columbia 38645]
and Friday Night In San Francisco [Columbia 37152]).
Swedish phenom Jonas Hellborg gets to stretch out with his showtime slap
bass technique on Gotta Dance and shows his sensitive side on a
singing fretless call-and-response exchange with John on the haunting
Reincarnation. In fact, ecerybody gets a taste on this album - Evans'
wicked Night In Tunisia-inspired break on his own composition,
Half Man-Half Cookie; Forman's swinging organ licks on the
Metheny-esque Mitch Match; Gottlieb's powerhouse Simmons workout on
the dynamic Gotta Dance. It's a more cooperative effort in many ways
than Mahavishnu (the group's swan song on Warner Bros. 25190-1).
The tunes are shorter and they rock harder. Now if only John could get
Madonna to appear as guest vocalist on his next album, he'll definitely
be in radioland.