A Guitar Supreme

I have been into McLaughlin, Weather Report, Larry Coryell etc since the 70's. I was a little leary of this CD however I found a used copy in Ann Arbor and decided to check it out.



This is an excellent CD, the first tune is played by Eric Johnson and his solo is awesome, Jeff Richman who arranged the music is featured on the second track and his playing is very exciting. It took a few listens but I think every tune on this disc is worthwhile. Mike Stern does a gorgeous take on My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music...a tune Coltrane was fanmous for and Larry Coryell takes out on the last track with a very cool solo that goes from rock to jazz and back again. Definately worthwhile listening.

Holdsworthy?

The Coltrane soundscapes that this CD is infused flies to the mountain and back again, that's the truth, but one troubling question for me remains; no matter how much I enjoy this fusion incarnation by masters (new & old) - Where in the world is Alan Holdsworth?

If any fusion guitar player has the rightful title claim to the Coltrane moniker - it's Holdsworth. For years he's been building the bridge between the good old philosophies and the new world order.

Including Holdsworth would have just been the jazziest thing to do.

No Reaction in the Fusion

This album is a tribute to the late sax legend John Coltrane. Each of the tracks is a solo vehicle for the seven highly-respected fusion and jazz guitar players. I've been listening to fusion since it was called jazz-rock in the early 1970s. I grew up listening to Mahavishnu, Coryell, Weather Report and Return to Forever. When I saw the cast of players on this album I had to buy it.



I am sorry to say that I am very disappointed with the results. I don't fault any of the artists. The problem is that each track sounds the same. There is no break from the endless guitar solos, one running into the next. I also don't feel the sense of freedom that I get in the Coltrane album. By contrast, the solos here seem forced and rigid.



There are a few bright spots: Greg Howe's version of Giant Steps is outstanding, and Mike Stern does a fine job with My Favorite Things. Finally, while Larry Coryell's latest acoustic jazz albums are far better than his showing here, at least his rendition of Satellite is one of the most unique versions to be found.



After listening to this album, I am now convinced that fusion has finally run its course. I hear very few new ideas here. Instead, it is acoustic jazz fused with modern electronic forms that is taking jazz to the next level.