Review by Oleg Trukhanovich

On this album you can enjoy the amazing skills and different styles from three virtuosic guitarlayers: Paco De Lucia with his innovative flamenco guitar technique, John McLaughlin with his stunning speed and, last but not least, Al DiMeola with his distinctive 'deading' of the strings. The interplay (in different duo's and in the end as a trio) is awesome, a genuine "guitar heaven"! The way they follow or challenge each other is so exciting, these three musicians are the absolute summit. They play jazz, rock, blues and of course flamenco and there is even room for humor when they start to play the tune of the Pink Panther, very cool!

On Universal Syncopation, Miroslav Vitus demonstrates a masterful combination of idea and execution, as well as the ability to make the most of the talents of all band members.

The Water Is Wide finds Lloyd applying his low-key tenor and lovely unassuming tonality to serene melody making for the most part. The warmth that permeates this disc is palpable and real.

Forever speaks to the enduring power of a reunited trio that is doing absolutely everything but resting on its considerable laurels.

Master guitarist John McLaughlin once again redefines the meaning of fusion in this year 2000 concert recording, and likewise reaffirms his deep affection for classical Indian music and philosophy. The music, not surprisingly, is firmly rooted in ancient Indian aesthetics, but don't let that scare you away: this is magical stuff, played with enough skill and energy to translate across any cultural barrier.

Tokyo Day Trip not only surpasses its studio cousin but, by representing so many facets of Metheny's playing despite its relative brevity, stands as one terrific entry point into Metheny's trio work. While this group is absolutely not about competition, there's a playful sense of keeping up with each other, despite no one ever resorting to meaningless technical displays.

Technically daunting, these recordings are uncannily accessible and there is something new to be discovered with each listen. Guitar virtuosity at it’s zenith.

There's a pleasant, relaxed, and cohesive feel about Tumbleweed Connection - it feels like a proper unified album. While the individual songs don't initially stand out, together they create a mood and ambience of easy-listening country and western music that is both relaxing and evocative.

Free Hand is without a doubt my personal favorite. Their most dense, complex, mechanically flawless album AND their most melodic, beautiful and accessible - Free Hand thus represents a magical occurrence in their catalog like none other.

Easily a contender for one of their top best works, Interview contains some of their most aggressive and electrified music yet.

Transatlantic took elements from classical music, the decisive progressive bands of the 70s, metal and modern prog to make this unforgettable masterpiece. The energy of the album gradually transforms with the excellence of the concept. Transatlantic tries to achieve the highest degree of musical maturity possible and looks for the exact moments to descend, ascend or balance the song. The work done by these 4 men will be etched on the eternal mural of music and its humble enthusiasts. When you know that you have to listen to a record a thousand more times, it is because you also know that it is one of your best musical discoveries. The feeling of knowing that a record will be with you for the rest of your life is incomparable and one of the most special.

EXTRAPOLATION is a monumental jazz recording which is also a brilliant foreshadowing of the various musical paths McLaughlin would follow over the next decade. From his participation with MILES DAVIS’ and TONY WILLIAMS’ proto-fusion projects, through the ferocity of THE MAHAVISNU ORCHESTRA and on to East Indian explorations with Shakti.

Centered around Jarreau's still limber and evocative vocals. This is a solid, poignant, and straight-ahead album that showcases Jarreau's unique gift in the best light possible and should appeal to longtime fans and contemporary jazz listeners alike.

This live album may be described with very few words: a fusion of progressive jazz and Indian ethnic, but it would be reductive. A very clean jazz sound and virtuosism. What's remarkable is the perfect synchronism between percussions and guitar.

This is an album clearly performed in the manner of classic Symphonic prog, big arrangements, big guitar solos, impressive keyboard solo's and genre defining bass guitar performances, the first album from Transatlantic has it all, and that includes intelligent sounding lyrics. Each song is composed brilliantly and is both or either beautiful and exiting all the way through. Surely, this album has the right to claim a place among the masterpieces.

Transatlantic is modern prog preeminent supergroup, formed not to try something new, but to double down on all the classic prog staples, particularly the "super epic".

The music here is so hypnotic, funky and digestible that CAN made it possible for the album to be endlessly re-playable. Every moment of the album is perfect, and essential for any new krautrock fans.

A prog rock classic - if you like the rockier, guitar-based side of prog then you'll love this. Very few albums deserve the title perfect: this is one.

This subtle set finds Burton and Corea consistently inspiring each other through melodic and very spontaneous improvising.

Hot Space is an essential cog for Queen completists. If you’re going to love Queen, then you need to love Hot Space too, and everything that it entails. Or, at the very least, you need to learn to see the many positives. Hot Space arranges all of Queen’s strongest whims and eccentricities, but they’ve become removed from a sympathetic context. Hot Space has invention and ideas to spare. So get hip, relax! Hot Space sounds nothing like Queen think it does.