John McLaughlin shoots out in many different directions during this very diverse release. He trades off with fellow guitarist
Jeff Beck on "Django," jams his own "Thelonius Melodius" in a trio with organist
Joey DeFrancesco and drummer
Dennis Chambers, has a duet with
DeFrancesco (who switches to trumpet) on "No Return," stretches out with tenor great
Michael Brecker on the 14-and-a-half-minute "Jazz Jungle," collaborates on acoustic guitar with
Paco de Lucía and
Al DiMeola, plays Indian music with
Zakir Hussain and
Trilok Gurtu, and interacts with altoist
David Sanborn -- among others. A good introduction to latter-day
John McLaughlin, this colorful set has plenty of surprises. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide