Guitar legend and composer John McLaughlin guitarist has appeared on some of the most important jazz fusion and world music albums in the last 40 years, from Tony Williams Lifetime and Miles Davis's early electric albums to his own ground-breaking outfits, the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti. <p>For 'Floating Point', which was recorded in India, McLaughlin used several of the best Indian musicians in the world. They include keyboardist Loiuz Banks, drummer Ranjit Barot, electric sitarist Niladri Kumar, flautists Shashank and Naveen Kumar, percussionist Sivamani, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, electric mandolinist U.Rajesh, and Hindustini slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya. Joining them were other Western stars saxophonist George Brooks and bassist Hadrien Feraud. Of the musicians, McLaughlin says, "While this CD features predominantly Indian musicians, we are in quite another form compared to the group Shakti. The music is for the most part 'Jazz Fusion' if a label has to be put on it. But with the musicians involved in this project, it has also a 'world' kind of atmosphere."</p> <p>McLaughlin adds, "I really am happy with the outcome of this CD which actually came about quite spontaneously and without any real planning. You can hear in the music where I am in my development, and in which directions I'm moving. It was a real thrill to play with these players. This may be the best record I ever made."</p> <p>Personnel: John McLaughlin (guitar), Hadrien Feraud (electric bass), Loiuz Banks (keyboards), Ranjit Barot (drums), Niladri Kumar (electric zitar), Shashank (flute), Sivamani (percussion), Shankar Mahadevan (vocals), U.Rajesh (electric mandolin), Debashish Bhattacharya (Hindustani slide guitar), Naveen Kumar (bamboo flute), George Brooks (soprano saxophone)</p>
