Search - John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension - Live At Belgrade on DVD

Music from higher dimensions

Bodhi Heeren | Copenhagen | 05/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This fabulous show, recorded live in Belgrade by Serbian TV, confirms the impression that the illustrious guitarvirtuoso never has sounded better than here in his mid 60s. Playing as visionary and innovative as ever, constantly going for the edge. And the more conservative John McLaughlin fans make take comfort in the fact that he here mostly plays his slightly phased jazzguitar, rarely using the laptop for synth effects.

The band is stellar with the versatile Gary Husband playing keys and sometimes supplementing Mark Mondesir on the drums. Whereas Dominique di Piazza is downright outstanding on the bass. I guess he might top my list of 'underrated basslegends'. Actually he had to jump in with short notice when the bands original bassplayer, the young superstar Hadrien Feraud had a fingerinjury. Di Piazza, a catholic pater, played with Mclaughlin on the landmark "Que Allegria" album and fortunately we get his feature number from that album "Hijacked". But that's really only one of several jawdropping solos, superfast but at the same time artistic and creative.

No Mahavishnu classics, but 3 songs from the brilliant "Floating Point"album, and the gorgous ballad "Nostalgia" from the MO3 period.

Like the Five Peace Band with Chick Corea this is fusion at its absolute best. Daring and mindexpanding."

An evening of full spectrum enlightenment

Jimi Jr | Renton, WA United States | 03/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The feeling of joy and compassion emanate from this show like a bouquet emanates from the lilies of the field. The melodic, harmonic and rhythmic content of the show are equally fragrant, inspiring and diverse. The group is strong with each player able to contribute both backing and solos. All in all it is a wonderful evening of musical expression, especially for those who like to see the guitar express a broad spectrum of emotions."

RE: The Master in his 60's

The Wizard | UT. | 10/22/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am old enough to have seen, THE GREATEST BAND THAT EVER WAS! The MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA! John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman, Rick Laird, and Jan Hammer. Nobody had made that kind of music, before... or since.
Now, The Master, in his sixties, seems to be kicking back. His virtuosity still intact, but the inner mounting flame is gone.
His current music, ultimately, does nothing for me.
The video is a bit jerky at times, and can get a bit annoying.
This is obviously the kind of music John wants to perform these days. And any video of The Master, is worth obtaining. Fluid, masterful, amazing technique, but, unfortunately for me, emotionless. I will always remember him best, with The Original Mahavishnu Orchestra. A massive life changing experience."

Another Outstanding Performance by McLaughlin

Robert A. Wigand | 05/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a McLaughlin fan ever since I heard The Mahavishnu Orchestra's Inner Mounting Flame. I saw The Original Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1973 in Chicago and been a JM fan ever since. I've seen JM in a least 25 different shows from M.O., Shakti, The One Truth Band and on & on. McLaughlin proves again he is vital as ever even at 67 years old. I highly recommend this DVD. The sound quality is excellent and the camera work is 1st class. His band is second to none as usual."