Date: June 1970
Release: Douglas Music #ADC 10
Cover Art: view / download
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Surprisingly, this acoustic album was recorded at the exact moment when John McLaughlin was a key player in Miles Davis’ rock-influenced electric jazz revolution. While McLaughlin plays unplugged here, none of his characteristic intensity is lost, as is apparent on the side-long pair of Indo-jazz fusions, “Peace One” and “Peace Two.” Infused with the entrancing throb and drone of Badal Roy’s tabla and Mahalakshmi’s tamboura, these two tracks meld the rhythms of India with the virtuosity of McLaughlin’s acoustic guitar leads, creating deeply moving music of startling originality. Joined by fellow Miles Davis’ veterans Dave Liebman, Billy Cobham, and Airto Moreira, McLaughlin consistently demonstrates his abilities as both a player and a leader throughout the album’s five original cuts, particularly on the fiery “Phillip Lane.”

His cover of Charles Mingus’ “Good Bye Pork Pie Hat” is delicate and beautiful. A memorable recording of atmospheric music of the highest order.