Fusion is anything but dead
by ClefNotes on 11/15/10Town Hall - New YorkJohn McLaughlin, a self-proclaimed "old hippy," proved on Saturday night that the gospel of fusion is still alive and relevant, at least in the eyes of white men from the ages of 18 to 70. Appearing with fellow instrumental giants Mark Mondesir (drums), Gary Husband (keyboards and drums), and the begloved Etienne M'bappe (electric 5-string bass), the group turned out 2 hours of pulsating, pyrotechnical polyrhythm. Playing mainly tunes from his last three albums, the musicians quoted everyone from Coltrane to fusion icons Pastorius, Cobham, Weather Report, Corea, and more, ending with a Pharaoh Sanders cover. Age has done nothing to diminish McLaughlin's electric wizardry, explosive technique, and command of a unit. The supporting musicians spoke as fluently and expressively, each with a technical command that dropped jaws throughout the house.