John McLaughlin
Where Fortune Smiles
© One Way
January 11 - 17, 2026
Year of Release: 1971
Rating:
Glancing Backwards
Earth Bound Hearts
Where Fortune Smiles
New Place Old Place
Hope
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John McLaughlin is an English guitarist, bandleader, and composer. A pioneer of Jazz fusion, his music combines
elenents of Jazz with Rock, World Music, Western Classical Music, Flamenco, and Blues. He has been recording albums
since 1969. He marks his debut here on WSVNRadio.net, with his 1971 release, Where Fortune Smiles. A collaboration
album - he, along with John Surman (Saxophone), Dave Holland (Bass), Karl Berger (Vibraphone) and Stu Martin (Drums)
recorded five songs for this album.
"Glancing Backwards" leads off the album, with Jazz as it's main sound. Dave Holland's bass definitely has
the attention, with it's standard Jazz style, nearly 9 minutes in length. It's one of those Jazz-sounding tracks, where
all the instruments are in their own directions throughout. "Earth Bound Hearts" has all the instruments in
top-notch form. It's moody style definitely has a great Jazz sound, especially for those casual relaxations. John
Surman's saxophone is the standout in this 4:15 epic track. "Where Fortune Smiles" is a beautiful Jazz track.
Peaceful, relaxing music. Karl Berger's vibraphone gets the nod. McLaughlin's guitar is also noticed, it almost sounds
like he wants to "rock it out" in some places, but it balances out, with the vibraphone, and it's smoothness throughout
it's 4:01 length. "New Place Old Place" is just over ten minutes, and it's a pure Jazz/Rock jam, with all the
instruments' directions - just as the album's opening track. But, towards the ending, all the instruments tend to work
together, in unison. "Hope" is another "all instruments in their own directions."
John McLaughlin's Where Fortune Smiles has it's moments - "Earth Bound Hearts" and the title track.
The remaining tracks are pure Jazz jams. Yet it defines Jazz in it's own atmosphere, the "all directions" tracks
showcases each musician's attempts on their own musical crafts. Jazz style. John McLaughlin is a true Jazz pioneer.
His music has defined him as "Jazz Classic." He has been recording for decades, and he is still with us, at age 84,
and still recording music. His current studio album was released in 2026 - Music For Abandoned Heights, with
Julian Siegel, Misha Mullov-Abbado, Etienne Mbappe and Gary Husband. He is also famous for his jazz fusion band,
The Mahavishnu Orchestra. He has collabarated with Carlos Santana, and also with Al Di Meola & Paco de Lucia, and others.
He has accomplished many awards, and influenced by many.
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