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John Mclaughlin is, of course, a jazz fusion guitar legend in his own lifetime, largely credited with the introduction of Indian musical influence into that field. His big break, as with many others, was with Miles Davis in the late sixties, and the axioms from that culture reflect onto this solo album of 1971.

The original 'A' side, consisting of Peace One and Two, is a largely freeform acoustic journey which serves Miles' famous edict of 'play what you feel' for the soloists, but is periodically held together with the glue of repetitive rhythmic themes, particularly well led in 'Peace One' by the bass playing of Charlie Haden; big hitters Billy Cobham and Airto Moreira providing percussion aided by tabla player Badal Roy. Dave Liebman gives whirlwind support on sax and flute. 'Peace Two' pushes the envelope of improvisation ever further.

As if to show the gamut of technique, a beautifully understated rendition of Mingus' 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat' follows, leading into an acoustic guitar extravaganza of Mclaughlin's playing, both covers and originals. At some points the actual tune seems irrelevant and there is just a spectacular demonstration of the fierce, fast, machine gun signature style - evident on John's own compositions. At others, the lyrical qualities and harmonic mastery of  Mclaughlin's playing astound, as on Chick Corea's 'Waltz For Bill Evans' and mentor Miles Davis' 'Blue In Green'.

'My Goal's Beyond' is a classic recording, both a product of its time and timeless. It gives us a flavour of the psychedelic, mystical east fervency of forty years ago, but also has enduring tunes rendered with a simplicity to supplant fashion.

JBBlue