John McLaughlin: Human Element

Scott Kinsey / Matthew Garrison / Gary Novak / Arto Tuncboyaciyan.
Special Guest: John McLaughlin
Human Element

In the tradition of Weather Report and the Joe Zawinul Syndicate, two powerhouse pan-global bands that have greatly influenced generations of musicians around the world, Human Element is staking out a new corner of the musical map on its self-titled debut. Comprised of keyboardist Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), electric bassist Matthew Garrison (Zawinul Syndicate, John McLaughlin's Heart of Things, Herbie Hancock), percussionist-vocalist Arto Tuncboyacian (Al Di Meola's World Sinfonia, Joe Zawinul, Marc Johnson's Right Brain Patrol) and drummer Gary Novak (Chick Corea's Elektric Band), Human Element incorporates elements of fusion, funk and Armenian folk tunes into a potent 21st century brew that defies easy categorization.

Recorded at Gary Novak's Kronos Studio in Burbank and mixed and mastered by Kinsey in his home studio, Human Element travels from intense offerings like the 5/8 title track and "Bottom of the Mirror" to the Gnawan music influenced groover "Essouaria" and funky jams like "Crazy Girl" and "Shake It." Tuncboyacian's "Hi Lao" (featuring a cameo by guitar hero John McLaughlin) injects a Middle Eastern flavor into the proceedings while Garrison's two tracks, "Izzy" and Cut," showcase his remarkable facility on the bass. For a change of pace from the whirlwind intensity, Tuncboyacian offers transcendent vocals on the beautiful ballad "See With Your Ear" and the zen-like calm of "Onno," a touching ode to his late brother. Arto's son Seto also contributes some thoughtful spoken word passages on the solemn lament "Think About It," which tackles the grim topic of the Armenian genocide. buy

Human Element Music Sampler by abstractlogix.