Widely recognized as one of the most innovative and influential guitar players since the 1960s, John McLaughlin has forged a musical path that has seen him flirt with everything from hard rock to world music. A fusion player in the true sense of the word, McLaughlin continued his progressive stylistic synthesis on 2006's INDUSTRIAL ZEN. While the guitarist is also known for his meditative work (especially his experiments with Indian music), INDUSTRIAL ZEN is something of a return to the jazz fusion that marked McLaughlin's work with Miles Davis and his own group the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Drummer Dennis Chambers, saxophonist Bill Evans, and guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson, among others, are on hand to lend sparks to the icon's six-string wizardry.

Since the 1970's John McLaughlin's long career has always taken mysical turns, from the Mahavishnu Orchestra to Shakti. Here on "Industrial Zen", McLaughlin turns his well honed skills to Jazz fusion. He is joined by many names that brought power-house jazz fusion to the frontline during the '90's, including Bill Evans, Gary Husband, Mark Mondesir, Vinnie Colauta and Dennis Chambers as well as Texas guitar legend Eric Johnson.

Personnel: John McLaughlin (vocals, guitar, fretless guitar, programming, drum programming); Shankar Mahadevan (vocals); Eric Johnson (guitar); Ada Rovatti, Bill Evans (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Gary Husband (keyboards, drums); Otmaro Ruiz (synthesizer); Hadrien Faraud, Tony Gray, Matthew Garrison (bass guitar); Mark Mondasir, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Zakir Hussain (tabla); Marcus Wippersberg (drum programming).

Recording information: Metropolis Studios, London, England.

Down Beat (p.92) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "McLaughlin is inspired, creating dense vamps in indecipherable odd-metered rhythms that his coterie of drummers and bassists navigate with grace."
JazzTimes (pp.68-69) - "[S]onically ambitious. INDUSTRIAL ZEN is a complex fusion outing with a rotating cast of virtuoso players."

Average Rating: (4.4 out of 5 stars) 

 John McLaughlin Still Has The Magic Touch
Released in the US in August 2006, “Industrial Zen” is the latest addition to the John McLaughlin catalog. It is arguably his best work in quite a while. John brings some old friends on board, as well as incorporating new talent for this project. The rhythm is held together by Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta and Gary Husband as well as Zekir Hussein on tabla. Maintaining the bottom line is the fluid Matthew Garrison and an amazing young newcomer, Hadrien Feraud. With their saxophones, Bill Evans and Ada Rovatti bring lyrical fire to the mix. John expands the sonic palette by combining regular guitar sounds with the synth guitar. Shanker Mahadevan’s haunting vocals bring an enjoyable “World Music” quality to two of the tracks. All in all, I was very pleased by this CD. The songs encompass moods from fiery passion to thoughtful introspection (but the emphasis is certainly on the fire!). This CD ranks in my top 5 for the year 2006.
Submitted by melvin_usher (Los Angeles, CA) 
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 Industrial Zen Master
A lifetime of excellence shines through this crisp new material from John McLaughlin and friends. Music per dollar fans will get the finest for every cent.
Submitted by donaldrshaffer (Stevensville, MI, USA) 
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 This album will send shivers down your spine
John McLaughlin, always at the leading edge of jazz, breaks new ground with this album. One of the tracks that will send shivers down the spine of any fan of his Mahavishnu days is track two "New Blues Old Bruise" and this is my favorite so far. From the purist of opening notes it soars in a beautiful and melodic way in a contemporary style that blends synthesized guitar with power backing from his group - better than he has ever done before. This and the rest of the album are pure pleasure to listen to. John McLaughlin and the other musicians on this album are to be commended for their playing. In summary: First class and refreshing to listen to.
Submitted by John (Melbourne, Australia)
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 One big long technical exercise
The last reviewer absolutely nailed the sound and feel of this album. I, too, appreciate the talent involved here, but honestly, John McLaughlin hasn't done anything really "musical" in ages. After awhile, constant soloing with little or no melodic change gets downright boring. Not my cup of tea.
Submitted by Long Live Scott Henderson (Salt lake City, Utah)
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 excellent musicianship-not really 'fun' to listen to.
While I certainly admire the level of musicianship on this CD, i dont find it entertaining to listen to. In fact, its difficult to listen to. No one can dispute J Mc's musicianship, but odd time signatures, indistinct, dis-jointed melodies and constant soloing by the WHOLE BAND- THE WHOLE TIME dont lend themselves to becoming classics.
Submitted by jazz fusion guitar fan (Nashville, TN)
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