John McLaughlin Music For Abandoned Heights

Description

John McLaughlin has one of the richest artistic legacies in modern music, not only due to his unmatched technique, but also his boundless curiosity. From early masterpieces Extrapolation and Love Devotion Surrender (with Carlos Santana), to the genre-bending invention of Mahavishnu Orchestra and the blistering acoustic explorations with Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucia, John has always sought for the new and transcendent. His work reaches out for a profound spiritual connection. Now, he has brought his singular vision to the world of film music with his score Music for Abandoned Heights.

Compositionally, McLaughlin poured his imagination into the films script to craft a rich blend of hot fusion and pensive ballads. He describes his writing process: In my mind I would interact with the different personalities and situations and wait for my imagination to come up with themes, atmospheres and emotional colors that echoed the drama and action. The resulting musical explorations give the album a muscular, turbulent beauty reminiscent of McLaughlins electric fusion classics Inner World and To the One.

McLaughlins searing electric and mellifluous acoustic guitar lines are assertively supported by virtuosic performances from frequent collaborators Gary Husband (drums/keyboards), Julian Siegel (saxophone), Misha Mullov-Abbado and Etienne Mbapp (bass). These industry vets gracefully spark fire on heavier tunes like The Scene and introspective delicacy on the ballad Nathaniel and Christine.

Impex Records is delighted to bring you the newest incarnation of John McLaughlins storied career, as he continues his quest for the sublime. (via Label)

Abandoned Heights is a movie concept by director/writer Jack Stallings who approached John McLaughlin around 2019 to write a soundtrack. The movie tells the story of the troubled life of the main character Nathanial (along with partner Christine) and his eventual redemption. Based on telephone discussions and a detailed script, McLaughlin agreed and has produced a compelling soundtrack. He was given a free hand on the compositions and has written new music for this project, the musical themes inspired by the movies characters. The music was completed around 2020/2021 but has only just been released in recorded format.

The Scene opens the story with a call and answer dialogue between guitar, piano and bass over the top of a tabla percussion patch that pushes the tempo along nicely. Misha Mullov-Abbado punctuates the dialogue with lovely bass lines. Gary Husband contributes a funky piano solo and sax slides its way in until McLaughlin ends on a blast of slightly distorted guitar.

Ballads such as ‘Curaao Dream’ show what beautiful melodies McLaughlin writes. It features crystal clear guitar picking out a simple melody over arpeggiated chords that has a wistful feel that tugs on the heart strings.

‘The Beat Goes On’ was McLaughlins response for a request for a jam session from Stallings. Its a high energy straightahead rocker with the band tearing it up.

The recording finishes on ‘The End’ with John delicately soloing over chiming guitar chords together with Gary Husbands atmospheric piano solo. Its emotional and reflective, a perfect ending to the album. (via UK Jazz News)

– 180g Pressing on black vinyl
– 24-48 Digital Recording, Mix & Master
– 24-48 Lacquer Cutting
– Includes 8-page full-color booklet with session photos and liner notes

Vinyl Tracklist
A1 The Scene
A2 Curaao Drea
A3 Will & Elijah On the Train
A4 Elijah in DC
A5 Malcolm Fitzgerald
B1 DC Basketball
B2 Nathaniel & Christine
B3 Nathaniel Drives To New Jersey
B4 One Step Out
B5 The End

Label: Impex Records
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Compilation, Stereo
Released: 2025
Genre: Jazz, Stage & Screen
Style: Fusion

File under: Soundtracks // Audiophile Jazz