Finally available as an import, Music Spoken Here features the same line-up as Belo Horizonte. Music Spoken Here is a little rougher around the edges than the earlier effort. This may be seen as an improvement to some as the music is a bit wilder. To others, including myself, the compositions are a bit weaker on MSH. However, make no mistake about it. This is a fine album and must be procured.

"David" is the highlight of the album. For several years, McLaughlin played this piece on tour and demonstrated why no one else on the planet can make an acoustic guitar sound as beautiful as he. ( Also listen to the trio's version on Passion, Grace and Fire). Also of note is "Negative Ions", a surrealistic dirge of a tune which once again toys with our inner demons. John obtains a strange tone and sound on this cut. He appears to be playing an electric for this number, but nowhere on the original liner notes is this confirmed. Katia LaBeque lets loose with some furious written-out piano runs which, although well-played, sound too rehearsed for a jazz album. Music Spoken Here comes awfully close to New Age music in places, as did Belo Horizonte, but as with all McLaughlin's recordings, there is more than meets the ear and just when you think the man is going soft, a torrent of sound is unleashed which will never make the New Age radio play.

A few words should be mentioned about Tommy Campbell. His drumming as part of this band for two records and two tours was outstanding. In the end, McLaughlin said that this music really couldn't go on in the way he intended because his desire to play acoustic on stage was being overwhelmed by the drums. He meant this in a sense of dynamics. He would have to turn the volume up and this led to feedback problems. I for one, would like to hear Tommy in an electric fusion setting with JM. For now, we will have to settle for two very good recordings.

Walter Kolosky
smsi@attbi.com

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