This is a real Britjazz landmark from the late 1960s, with a 25-year-old John McLaughlin joining the formidable pianist Gordon Beck’s trio, which also featured the now-abstract percussionist, composer and Cecil Taylor partner Tony Oxley and elegant bassist Jeff Clyne. The tunes are all 60s pop hits, but the quartet explores them purely as Jazz vehicles, with a full-on attack, sweeping freedom and strong collective feel. McLaughlin tears into “These Boots Are Made for Walking” at breakneck speed, Beck’s sumptuous technique delivers a luxurious unaccompanied “Sunny”, and The Who’s “I Can See for Miles” is taken slowly as a mood-piece for McLaughlin’s slurred guitar and Oxley’s delicate brushwork. “Good Vibrations” unexpectedly arouses the guitarist’s early love of flamenco, and “Monday Monday” gets the Lee Morgan “Sidewinder” treatment with some sensational Oxley drumming behind the gritty guitar break.
Robin Denselow – The Guardian
Tracks:
These Boots Are Made For Walking
Norwegian Wood
Sunny
Up, Up and Away
Michelle
I Can See For Miles
Good Vibrations
Monday, Monday
Personnel:
Gordon Beck: piano
John McLaughlin: guitars
Jeff Clyne: bass
Tony Oxley: drums
