When you’re a legend, you do what you want however you want. Guitar legend John McLaughlin has earned the right to do that and then some.

Most people associate McLaughlin with his lightning fast fretboard licks, which he continues to play with unbelievable dexterity at the age of 84. His level of musical energy would be amazing for someone a quarter of his age!

But there are times when McLaughlin doesn’t necessarily want to put his firebrand chops on full display. Subverting expectations is the key to good art, and the Maestro makes his case via a pair of 2025 releases from opposite ends of the musical spectrum.

McLaughlin and his spectacular band 4th Dimension threw flames all over the stage and into the audience at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2022, as evidenced by this release. The album is exactly what most assume it will be: blistering fusion from supremely talented musicians. Not only is the leader in top form, but he’s also getting supreme contributions from the likes of Gar Husband (keyboards and drums), Etienne M’Bappé (bass), Ranjit Barot (drums), and Jany McPherson (piano and vocals).

The band’s groove is air-tight. They sound like they’ve been playing together for years, because they have been! Music of this caliber requires listening and anticipation from its players, and this group has it. Of that there can be no doubt.

Still, even with all the intensity, 4th Dimension’s work feels almost effortless, like sliding into a comfortable old pair of shoes. “Here it comes!” “Don’t worry … I’ve got it under control.” The audience locks in from Note One and the band is no doubt feeding off that energy. It’s a fun ride.

Music for Abandoned Heights, on the other hand, is a movie soundtrack in which McLaughlin and band keep everything relatively chill. The music is designed to support what’s taking place on screen, so that’s what it does.

Mclaughlin’s playing seems relatively reserved, stepping forward only when absolutely necessary. The fire does escape the barn a couple of times by way of “DC Basketball” and “The Beat Goes On” (particularly on the former). We can’t be allowed to forget who this man is, after all!

Once again, McLaughlin’s support from the likes of Husband and M’Bappé are stellar. Their chemical formula works, so there’s no need to change it! The sounds are deep, groove-laden and soulful. Soundtracks should also elicit more than a little emotion while offering support. Mission accomplished.

In the end, these releases make for a most pleasant musical doubleheader. McLaughlin guides us from one end of music spectrum to the other, reminding us why he is the legend he’s become.

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