John McLaughlin, John Surman, Dave Holland, Karl Berger, and Stu Martin

John McLaughlin, John Surman, Dave Holland, Karl Berger, and Stu Martin - Where Fortune Smiles - 1971 - Dawn Records

Recorded in New York in 1969, when McLaughlin's studio appearances were amazing everyone from Jimi to Buddy to Miles, this prefigures Mahavishnu's fusion at an earlier, jazzier stage. Pretty intense. The rock guy (drummer Martin) sounds a lot more original than the jazz guys (keyboard player Berger and--especially--saxophonist Surman), but only the justifiably ubiquitous Holland (on bass) can keep up with McLaughlin. And believe me, even if in historical fact it's McLaughlin who's trying to keep up, that's how it sounds. B+ © Robert Christgau http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=John+McLaughlin%2C+Dave+Holland%2C+John+Surman%2C+Stu+Martin%2C+Karl+Berger

Where Fortune Smiles is really a John Surman recording, but subsequent re-releases have passed the credit on to John McLaughlin (for obvious reasons). The music is similar to but more dense than Extrapolation. McLaughlin's raw sound was starting to take shape by this time and his impeccable chops are on full display. So too are those of the underrated vibraphonist Karl Berger and, of course, soprano saxophonist Surman. The foundation is held loosely in place by bassist Dave Holland and drummer Stu Martin. It's a challenging but interesting listen, especially given McLaughlin's later success and popularity. Although his creativity would peak with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti, he never sounded more free and exploratory than he does here. Highly recommended for its historical significance as well as some excellent playing. © Robert Taylor © 2013 Rovi Corp | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/where-fortune-smiles-mw0000113645

The music on some free jazz albums often drifts aimlessly with a complete lack of any musical structure. However, "Where Fortune Smiles" is a stellar blend of intense improvisational free jazz fusion played with a sometimes moody and introspective beauty. Many music critics and music publications credit this album to the great jazz fusion guitarist John McLaughlin, but John Surman on sax and clarinet plays just as much a part. In fact, the other members of the quintet bassist Dave Holland, vibraphonist Karl Berger, and the late drummer Stu Martin each contribute equally to the great music on this album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 82.2 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

Glancing Backwards (for Junior) - Surman 8:54
Earth Bound Hearts - McLaughlin 4:15
Where Fortune Smiles - Surman 4:01
New Place, Old Place - McLaughlin 10:24
Hope - McLaughlin 7:19

MUSICIANS

John McLaughlin - Guitars
Dave Holland - Upright Bass
Karl Berger - Piano, Vibraphone
Stu Martin - Drums
John Surman - Soprano & Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet

BIOS

Info on John McLaughlin @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McLaughlin_(musician)
Info on Dave Holland @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Holland#As_sideman
Info on Karl Berger @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Berger
Info on Stu Martin @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stu_Martin_(drummer)
Info on John Surman @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Surman