On Devotion John McLaughlin worked with musicians associated with Jimi Hendrix to create an album which points towards his Mahavishnu Orchestra. It was released 50 years ago.
John McLaughlin – Devotion (Douglas, 1970)
John McLaughlin had already caused a lot of attention as the guitarist in drummer Tony Williams’ band Lifetime and with Miles Davis on albums such as In A Silent Way (1969) and Bitches Brew (1970) when Devotion was released.
He had brought the sound of rock guitar with him coupled with the technique of a jazz musician. Miles Davis even named a song “John McLaughlin” on Bitches Brew.
Devotion is the next step in the evolution as John McLaughlin played with drummer Buddy Miles and bassist Billy Rich on this session. They had both played with Jimi Hendrix and knew how to play some modern blues-oriented rock. They provide McLaughlin with steady rhythms and riffs on which he builds his improvisations.
Unhappy with the mix
Organist Larry Young who also was a band member of Lifetime and who had recorded on Bitches Brew is the fourth musician on this album. His presence makes this album sound very much as a Lifetime album, especially since McLaughlin was such a big part of that band’s sound before he left to start his own Mahavishnu Orchestra.
McLaughlin reportedly was unhappy with the mixing of the album, which was done by Alan Douglas without McLaughlin present, but I have a hard time understanding why. Everyone is clearly audible, especially Larry Young who sometimes suffered in the mix of the Lifetime albums.
What is important is the energy of the music and it is high and clearly pointing to the need for McLaughlin to start his own band which he soon would do.
Jazz Desk 