Of the guitarists to emerge in the 1960s, few remain as innovative and forward-thinking as John McLaughlin, and The Vinyl District's review of Music for Abandoned Heights makes a compelling case for why his creative relevance endures. In a career that has consistently defied expectations, McLaughlin's latest release explores yet another musical frontier - a soundtrack album for a film that never materialized, yet one that stands powerfully on its own.

From London Blues to Jazz Visionary

The review places McLaughlin's career in sharp historical context. Like many British guitarists of his era, he emerged from the London blues scene, but unlike most of his contemporaries, McLaughlin rejected the traditional rock-star trajectory. Rather, he followed jazz-a decision that led to landmark collaborations with Miles Davis, several groundbreaking solo albums, and forming The Mahavishnu Orchestra, which would help define jazz fusion. The later work with Shakti would further expand the boundaries of global and world music.

Against this backdrop, Music for Abandoned Heights is framed not as a departure, but as the natural evolution of McLaughlin's lifelong search for new musical forms.

A Soundtrack Without a Film — And Better for It

One thing that really stands out in this review is how unusually the album originated. Music for Abandoned Heights was written as the soundtrack to a film about New York - a film that was never actually made. Inspired by the legendary Elevator to the Gallows soundtrack by Miles Davis, McLaughlin started writing back in 2019 when he read the script, long before a shred of film existed.

The result, as the review emphasizes, is one of those rare stand-alone soundtracks - listening music not relying on visuals to convey mood, narrative, or emotional depth.

Ensemble Playing and Musical Influences

Vinyl District review points out the makings of the perfectly chosen ensemble that brings the project into motion:

• Gary Husband on drums/keyboards
• Étienne Mbappé on electric bass
• Julian Siegel on saxophone
• Misha Mullov-Abbado acoustic bass

They all combine to shape an album that subtly nods in the direction of influences such as Ramsey Lewis, Bill Evans, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, and McLaughlin's own earlier work with Mahavishnu Orchestra, without slipping into nostalgia.

Instead of depending on a heavy, electrified sound from the fusion, the music focuses on an urban soundscape with a heavy keyboard presence and horn riffs fitting the city environment in the movie.

Music That Transcends Its Cinematic Origins

One notable aspect that can be derived from this review is that Music for Abandoned Heights triumphs precisely because it does not sound like a traditional soundtrack. That is, while it is immersive, it is also entirely self-contained, meant to be enjoyed as an album, not a traditional soundtrack. This, in itself, is a rare achievement within a long tradition of jazz-inflected soundtracks.

An Audiophile Release of the Highest Order

The Vinyl District also points out the exceptional physical aspect of the album, saying it is "one of the most bespoke audiophile albums we've seen in a long time." The album, by Impex Records, contains:

• A Stoughton gatefold jacket
• An archival inner sleeve
• A resealable flip top outer sleeve with a gold foil seal
• An 8-page booklet
• Featuring 180-gram RTI vinyl

The review praises the quality of both the sound and the craftsmanship of the release, stating that it is a great introduction to Impex Records for new listeners to the label.

Final Thoughts

As purported in The Vinyl District’s review, Music for Abandoned Heights is the product of an extraordinary collaboration of artistry, aesthetics, and musical excellence. Not only is the release a tribute to the continued ingenuity of John McLaughlin, but also arguably one of the finest audiophile-styled “soundtrack” oriented jazz-influenced releases of late, wherein the artist has reached the heights few other similar releases have achieved.

This is a disc that is likely to be savored by both vinyl enthusiasts, audiophiles, and McLaughlin aficionados.

Read The Vinyl District’s full review here: https://tinyurl.com/yw6e7ukp

Buy the album on 180g Vinyl: https://tinyurl.com/28w6hn7p

Buy the album on Hybrid Stereo SACD: https://tinyurl.com/4dxyr6u5

Shop all Impex Records: https://tinyurl.com/y4rzfmn9

Shop your local record store on April 18, 2026 for the RSD Exclusive version on Brooklyn Sunset Yellow & Red Swirl vinyl! Limited to only 500 numbered copies!: https://tinyurl.com/bdzhv5y5