I really am not that good at bandying about technicalities. I sure can play it but when it comes to describing it.... Anyway, here goes:-

The Essential John McLaughlin

2 CDs of his stuff, although it is a bit too eclectic for any casual listener. Me, I'm disappointed slightly, anticipating the kind of shred-jazz found on "Trio of Doom" (see below) but finding an assortment of classical, flamenco, Indian classical and blues-rock. His licks are always tasty, from jamming with 2/3rds of Cream on Graham Bond's "Doxy", to the Spanish frenzy of The Guitar Trio.

Trio of Doom - John McLaughlin, Jaco Pastorius, Tony Williams

I love this. Absolute wankery but it's brilliant. Tracks from a one-off show and a subsequent single recording session. Shows all three at the peak of their powers although the live tracks can be a bit sloppy, as Mclaughlin put off releasing this until a few years ago. "Dark Prince" is awesome and they even tone down the virtuoso on the funky "Paca Oriente".

Brilliant Corners - Thelonius Monk

If I'm not mistaken, the most commercial-sounding of his albums. I like this better than his solo piano stuff, evoking the same kind of mood as Miles' "Kind of Blue". Nothing too taxing, though. Having an accompaniment also covers any deficiencies in his chording.

Invitation - Jaco Pastorius

Damn! I had hoped this would be more virtuoso wanking but it's his big band captured live in Japan. Some nice bass solos aside, and a marvellous "Continuum", the arrangements aren't really that clever and adds nothing much to the big band milieu. Maybe I got the wrong CD.