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Originally Posted by StanFan  Sure, I'm open to suggestions. Just curious, what's his stuff with Mahavishnu Orchestra like? I also like what I've seen with Shawn Lane. Did they record together? |
He played on two albums with the Mahavishnu Orchestra (as it was in those days), "Mahavishnu" and "Adventures in Radioland" (This was was by "John Mclaughlin and Mahavishnu"). Mahavishnu as a band had had a lot of member changes and the band was a lot better (imo) because of it. John was on guitar and Roland synclavier, Billy Cobham played on the first record but was replaced by the superb Danny Gottlieb, Mitchel Forman played keys and Bill Evans was on saxophones. The real gem of these two records is "Adventures...", given it's lush sounds and wonderful tunes. From heavy fusion to solo acoustic pieces, to the solo extravaganza "Gotta Dance", I really love this album. Jonas is on really fine form, despite his opinions about the artistic integrity of the group. He uses his Wal double neck and gets some really nice tones, especially with his chorus engaged. The best tracks for hearing Jonas here are "Gotta Dance" since he pulls out a wicked slap solo and "Florianopolis". The latter may well be the best track on the record, with brilliant acoustic guitar reminiscent of the more conservative moments of the Guitar Trio records and with shades of things to come that would be seen on records like Que Alegria. On this track, Jonas plays a sweet fretless line and finds the perfect mix of business and solidarity. An absolutely bombastic track with the whole band on top form.
And yes, Jonas and Shawn recorded many times together. The first would be 1994's Abstract Logic (re-released last year) with Ginger Baker's 17 year old son Kofi on the drums (and he is brilliant!). This was a formative foray into the two branches of music they would pursue. The bulk of the tracks are written by Hellborg and so reflect his tastes at the time which he would develope much further. Abstract Logic goes between moments of Indian influence in the melodies like in the track "Abstract Logic" and the heavy, improvisation based fusion of later records on tracks like Serpents and Pigs and Rice With The Angles.
The duo would be joined by Jeff Sipe and record several more albums of fusion. The first would be Temporal Analogues of Paradise, perhaps Jonas's most daring project at the time. The record stands of two tracks, over an hour long of continous jamming with a short break after the first 32 minutes. The record takes a while to open up if you're used to the shorter, most concise traditional tracks, but it's worth the effort. Moments of beautiful levity are acheived, such as Shawn's "Voice and Guitar" solo 13 minutes into the first track, or Jonas's subtle solo section in the first movement. Maybe one to look into later, but a very interesting listen for Lane/Hellborg enthusiast, as one can spot heads and melodies used in their improvisation that would be remembered and used later to write complete tracks. Sipe also proves himself to be a brilliant fusion drummer too, and holds things together nicely.
After this "Time is the Enemy" (also just re-released) provides more of their electric fusion but with shorter, more concise songs. Recorded around the world in 1996, this album is excellent in that Lane, Sipe and Hellborg seem to have developed a true understanding of each other and the music seems incredibly flowing and honest, as always.
Next up would be Personae and Zenhouse. Personae is a re-recording of several of the trio's songs, though on this cut they are fast, aggressive and urgent. At times it can seem to lack subtlety, but the set is so energetic that could be seen as a plus! Zenhouse is completely different, and could almost be seen as the acoustic counterpart to "Temporal Analogues of Paradise". Yep, Jonas on his Ovation acoustic double neck, Shawn on acoustic guitar and Sipe on the drums, the trio play some wonderfully textured acoustic stuff divded into four movements. The last movement is particularly good as the melodies fly, licks are traded and resolution is acheived. It's nice to hear them in acoustic mode, even though I prefer them on electric. Jonas's acoustic playing brings in a lot from his "Aram of the two Rivers" record, which he recorded with local musicians in Syria. Again, this is an interesting record to check out, and one of Jonas's first forays into world music in a sense. It can be quite a difficult listen until one tunes into the tonalities and melodic mindset of the Syrian musicians, but it's very rewarding ideed and has Jonas's acoustic playing showcased at it's best!
After this, Jonas's recorded output was heavily Indian-influenced, having contained Hindustani and Pakistani elements for years. "Good People in times of evil" sees them paired with V. Selvaganesh on the Kanjeera. They play acoustic instruments with wonderful precision and make some really beautiful sounds. "Aga of The Ladies" is particularly stunning. An absolute treat of a record.
Following in the Indian vein, Hellborg and Lane would again team up with Selvaganesh, joined by his brothers Umamahesh and Umashankar. These guys recorded "Icon" a stunning collaboration of Eastern and Western musicians. The album is a stunning Indo-fusion record, split into four movements. The last movement, "Escape" is without a doubt the best, perhaps the highlight of Jonas's career for me. It is stunning beyond words, highly technical and yet always focused on the joyous melody. The "call and response" section at the end between bass and guitar and Kanjeera and Ghatam is particularly beautiful, but just listen in awe as Jonas and Shawn snake over the vocal line and give some of their finest solos ever. The whole piece is incredibly uplifiting and so hard to put into words, but if you only hear one Hellborg song, make it this one. Also, it's the last recording of Shawn Lane, at least in a studio. Thankfully he gives one of the most legendary performances of his career with his soloing and it's a fitting end to a legend of guitar. Dear Lord. A DVD of the group is available, where they play a live set of "Good people..." material, Jonas plays acoustic and Lane plays electric.
Following this was another brilliant album of Indian fusion, Kali's Son. Jonas again teamed up with Selvaganesh and Indian Sitar/Zitar player Nildari Kumar. Kumar plays his Zitar through a guitar effects unit, meaning we get all sorts of distorted and effect-laden sitar playing. Another excellent album with the song Kali Ghat on it, which is stupidly beautiful. Again, this one comes with my highest reccomendation. Oh, Jonas plays electric on this one, as he and Shawn did on Icon, just though I'd mention that.
And so....wow, how did this post get so big?
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