Johnny, it's been a half a century since you did devotion.Its still the most majestic song I've ever heard. As Gurdieff would say, may you attain the kingdom of heaven!
I love his rig: No Amp, a tuner, a Twin tube, MXR Chorus, Carbon Copy all on a basic boss pedalboard. Proof that it's ALL about the player, and not the gear.
John McLaughlin is such a wonderful personable and kind human being that it's impossible not to like him. His playing is simply incomparable - it's no wonder he is so revered by the guitar playing community and fans. It's a lovely lesson for anyone to see how he puts a young guy like Jason at ease and gives so freely of himself. Genuinely touching to see and hear.
+James Russo When I was first learning to play, after a year or two I had a persistent problem with the pick rotating in my grip so that I'd wind up picking with a rounded end of the pick. My solution was to score the pick in the same manner John does. Although it cured my pick rotation problem, I felt like it was just a crutch to cover up bad technique or bad equipment choices. I always felt like I failed in some way for resorting to such a trick. Then I find our here that John McLaughlin does the exact same thing. HAHA!
Saw him last night with Jimmy Herring. It was ... almost can't put it into words ... other-worldly good. Amazing. He is at the top of musical food chain. Up there with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, etc.
I was fortunate to see Maestro John McLaughlin play with the Shakti on their Natural Elements tour, on his Electric Guitarist tour and with Paco and Di Meola. Every concert of JM's is phenomenal but the Shakti concert was one of only two times I felt as if I was transported outside my body, the other was a Weather Report concert on their Sweetnighter tour.
Rarely do I feel compelled to reply to a youtube message but David, I think it's in order to say, "Greatest comment of all time" my friend. That really made me laugh.
That's close to an epic putdown from way back when, used on someone trying to be a bit too " experienced hippy " : - I was in Baghdad when you were in your dad's bag ! ....................................
Had the pleasure of seeing John McLaughlin with Mahavishnu Orchestra - stunning concert. Odd pairing of the decade - the opening act was Aerosmith! Stunning guitarist.
Holdsworth was never that influenced by the MC, He was mostly inspired by John Coltranes saxophone playing, i actually think that it was more of the other case around as McLaughlin probably had to up his game when he discovered Holdsworths insane playing. Mclaughlin once said this: "I recall a concert of Allan in London some years ago, and after the performance I went to see him backstage only to tell him that if I knew what he was doing, I'd steal it!"
You know that Allan Holdsworth explained EXACTLY how he got to what he played on an old REH video? He took all possible note combinations with no more than 8 notes and no larger than a major third interval, came up with 10 scales. He considered all the modes to be of the SAME scale, BTW. SO his scales duplicated a standard major/minor, a symmetric, a wholetone, and then a variety of weird synthetic scales. But it had nothing to do learning from other people, just his own math. And he mentioned that it took about two years to work it up, and then FIVE MORE years to actually PLAY his own ideas. So the chords come from outer space algebra, not any other music or musicians! So here it is, now you'll sound JUST LIKE AL, with no effort whatsoever!. I promise! ruclips.net/video/4JjBdnGDuYM/видео.html But as far as McLaughlin "upping his game", copping licks or something? He has his OWN self-generated systems, as do Scofield, Stern, Macachek, etc. That quote was JM being polite for a _Guitar Player_ profile. These guys all play MUSIC, not licks.
John McLoughlin has been at the top of the guitar greats ladder for decades. Unfortunately, his music is so intense that his audience is smaller than his talent would indicate he should have... I heard him back in the 80's and was overtaken, really an uplifting experience. Other guitarists that live in his realm are guys like Jeff Beck and Santana... Again, there are thousands of incredible players out there making some really great music but when they want a reality check, they play McLaughlin, Beck. Santana, and a few others. These guys will humble anyone who's listening with their heart and not their ego. Much appreciation and respect, Sir!
My dad saw McLaughlin with Mahavishnu. He said that after the first thirty seconds he didn't know if he should start woodshedding or give up guitar entirely.
Johnny Mac is an incredible musician .Saw him in the seventies with Mahavishnu Orch. twice...and the Love, Devotion Surrender original tour with Santana.Talk about intense-I will always remember him wielding the big red double-neck SG and the Rex Bogue double through a 100 watt Marshall full stack.With Billy Cobham's powerhouse drumming, that was certainly one intimidating jazz-rock machine. One fine, fine guitarist who is respected by ALL the big boys. I really like his stuff with Miles and his first couple of solo albums just previous to Mahavishnu. I must admit to not keeping up with his more current output, which is an oversight I should really be looking at resolving.
My introduction to John McLaughlin was on "Birds Of Fire" and that just blew my mind! And later on it was the "Meeting of the Spirits" VHS with Larry Coryell and Paco De Lucia that confirmed his genius.
Me too-- I was in a Music+ decades ago and Birds of Fire had just come out. They were playing it in the store and my jaw dropped to the floor listening to it-- I had to have it right away. But the store turned out to be OUT of it so they stopped playing it right away :-( So I had them call another store to find another copy and drove across town to immediately pick it up. Still one of the greatest albums, much of the stuff on there remains incomprehensibly awesome. I did later pick up his "how I do it" DVD set, and it was a real mind expander as well.
I had the pleasure and good fortune to hear John McLaughlin and the Fourth Dimension this summer, they did a Mahavishnu tune from Inner Mounting flame, " You know you know" they were incredible !
John is an outstanding musician, no matter what gear he uses! I recently purchased a Godin xtsa and was thrilled to find out that one of my idols from when I started playing at 11-12years loves his too. I have owned Fenders, Les Pauls and my favorite of all my 69 Gibson Flying-V.....but the Godin xtsa is the most ALIVE playing...smooth and connects to my GR-55! Play on Mr. Mac!!!
I love McLaughlin, and his concert with the Fourth Dimension in Oslo lately, was just fantastic. The only thing I wish, is that he would reduce the chorus effect on his guitar sound. I love the more raw sound he used to have before going all digital.
thanks Im glad you said that about the chorus totally agree!,it will be exciting to see during the upcoming US Tour when he addresses his old Mahavishnu classics for the last time if he will push a "Old school" tone again covering that material,and having Jimmy Herring will probably also be good to get him "fired up" again in the way of good simple overdriven sound again
I agree i actually prefer him on the acoustic guitar..back with with Al and Paco ...particularly the duets with Paco ..he always seemed to do even better without Al around..lol
One cannot be all things to all people. John is a reflective individual and in some sense a seeker. His work with Mahavishnu Orchestra was rather incredible at the time in the early Seventies when he exploded into the consciousness of jazz and fusion musicians. He has a keen knowledge of jazz history as well as the capacity to create his own music. And he is still relevant today. Not bad...
Met him in '73 before a Mahavishnu show in Orlando. Really nice cat...I may have gripped his hand a little too hard...kind of winced. I've carried that shame for decades! lol. Devadip Johnny!!
JM is an innovator who has pioneered many extraordinary fusions of accents over the years. I'm sure there's an interview on RUclips where he does Italian with the Italian interviewer.
Pretty much. Cobham’s drums sound like they’re floating above the beat as he propels that song forward, and John’s tone is so in-your-face and raw. I imagine a Twin Reverb turned up loud. Classic stuff.
Mr McLaughlin is someone we can all learn from as Guitarists. He is one of the greatest of the greats. Thanks Jason for getting the interview. I wish I could of been there for the sound check. Keep up the great video articles PG.
Yes mrmusic248, I saw that tour in Indianapolis. He was still playing the Gibson double neck. Saw him four months later in South Bend and he had just gotten the Rex Bogue double-rainbow.
I find it fascinating that someone so genteel and soft spoken has played some of the most ferociously beautiful music I've ever heard. The dichotomy is strange. Same with Jimmy Page. They both sound ten feet tall on stage, but are fairly reserved and thoughtful people. Steve Vai, the same.
In music as in language, we don't need to know the origins and historical trajectory of the words/phrases we use, but some knowledge about them certainly makes the experience of language and music - whether "speaking" or listening - far richer and more fun. In a very real sense, we are what we say and how we speak, as people and as musicians. JM strikes me as someone who has thought long and deeply about who he is as a person and as a musician - as his music amply and beautifully attests..
Saw the Belo Horizonte tour, Mahavishnu reunion with Dan Gottlieb on drums, Trio with Trilock Gurtu and Jonas Helborg (in a small club), and Mahavishnu opening for Weather Update (post-Wayne Shorter WR).
I don't comment on videos, but I'm going to comment on this one. That was very cool. I thought I was just going to take a quick look-in and move on, but stayed 'til the end.
Great simple set up Just might have to check out one of those SDs I'm sure it would sound good with a good clean Fender amp Also stereo stage/PA type set up Very very cool 👍😎👌
This is great. From awhile ago but great. Brings Al's solo album opening tune The Wizard to mind. Fan since Inner Mounting Flame with Electric Guitarist being a fave. Saw John for Mahavishnu. Fan asked "Where's the synth axe ?" JM, "I think we're getting on fine now" to loud applause. He had a 'Paul and a Fender combo amp and the show was still amazing.
Great album. Yes, I think it was around ‘72 when I discovered it. I must admit to being more of a fan of his early playing (with Extrapolation being an example). Genius stuff to be sure.
Most excellent information here.... well-done interview with a true gentleman and artist. John's right about MXR's quality.... ultra-clean and responsive, durable gear. Pretty cool what he said about repertoire...... it's not just packing years of setlists into a night. Very few (bandleaders) have performed the breadth of style and mood of the music he's created with those virtuosos so fortunate to play with him. Best of all was his statement about complicity in a band......"it's not just to play the notes, it's how well you play together". A troop of monkeys can be trained to start and end a song at the same time....... it's when players can play with, to, off of, and for each other that makes magic. Shakti, the trio with Al di Meola and Pace de Lucia, all forms of Mahavishnu Orchestra, One Truth Band...... that interplay was so much a part of the experience in the audience. On topic, though..... I have at times wished he'd allowed more of the guitar's individual voice to shine through, less (at least in ratio) of the heavy chorus and other time-shifting effects. He's always been fascinated with that technology, though...... it is ethereal, after all :) good show. further unique thing is he's not just a phenomenal soloist, but his rhythm guitar work is equally exciting...... on "One Word" from Birds of Fire, for instance..... how many rhythm guitar parts out there can generate goosebumps like that one.... :)
Thanks for the insights. I totally agree with your thoughts about his rhythm playing. I was thinking that his playing on “Right Off” is really mainly rhythm guitar with all the crazy comping going on. I love it. Also agree with your thoughts about his tone, especially the overuse of the chorus pedal. It really blunts the emotional edge of his sound. Oh well, he digs it. 🤷♂️
It is hard to trace his early material but I can give a clue. Find recordings of the Graham Bond Quartet (1963) The line up was G. Bond on keyboards, Jack Bruce on bass, Ginger Baker on drums and John on guitar. The band manager was Robert Stigwood (Bee Gees, Saturday night fever etc.) With his contacts, John appeared on numerous obscure pop tunes of the day, Due to substance abuse, I don't think John himself could tell you the titles. Check Wikipedia with the G. Bond clue...cheers!
My favorite John McLauglin track of all those I have enjoyed over the years is his acoustic recording of Monk's Goodbye Pork Pie Hat. Just beautiful performance. But there are many.
Yes, that expression just floated through my head when answering you (so thank you for that!) - but it's doubtless been coined elsewhere. Strangely, one of the cornerstones of my own perennial comparisons between music and language has long an album with one of the best and most thought-provoking names I can think of: "Music Spoken Here" by you know who!
Wow JM is the first player who refers to the interviewer by name. What a true gentleman. I sure would love to find one of those guitar straps for my son. He loves John McLaughlin.
You're welcome - I have been puzzled about such differences between US and UK English for a while and etymology fascinates me. After all musical etymology would be like trying to identify the traces of say Miles, Coltrane and Bill Evans for instance in John's playing... the building blocks of his musical language as it were. it's great fun!
@AtanasovPetar While Carlos obviously doesn't have John's mastery of the guitar, it's a gross exaggeration to say he's horrible. While he's lacking in some areas, he really feels the music in a unique and passionate way. Sometimes that's more important than technical skills. That's why Miles asked Carlos to play with him and perhaps it the same for John.
Fascinating character and guitar super being indeed. Saw Mahavishnu 3 times in the 70's and Shakti once. I am interested in his really early stuff, recorded in the 60's, when he was a session man on the London scene. You can hear his outrageous playing on some really obscure records, many in the low numbers of the hit parade. His all out attack style at that time is unmistakeable.
Cool interview. I’m surprised I’m just finding it now. He’s the best, of course, but, to be honest, I haven’t really liked his tone for years. Too much chorus for my taste. Give me any of his sounds from before around ‘75 and I’d be in nirvana. Miles, Mahavishnu, Lifetime and even his early solo records (from the 60’s) are all incredible. Would using an amp make much of a difference? Probably not. As these musicians age they have to go with what feels right for them! I’m just glad that B.B. never changed, god bless him. I would bet most Cream fans were hoping that Clapton was going to be plugging an SG into a big Marshall stack when they did heir reunion, but that didn’t happen. Just not his thing anymore. Dang it.🤷♂️ This also had me wondering what happened to John’s English accent. I’m sure he had one at one point, right? Now it sounds vaguely New Yorkish, but I’m no expert when it comes to accents. It’s interesting though. Also, I was surprised see him drinking a Coke. I would have imagined him drinking only the purest mountain spring water, imported from Nepal or wherever. Anyway, enough of my rambling, thanks again for the interview!
why not ask about the shakti guitar, the scallop fret guitar, the double neck Rex Bogue, the 360 Systems synth on Inner Worlds - about the sickest thing I have ever heard - or the use of 3 Marshall half stacks with Mahavishnu?
@@enkiea8322 and he will NO LONGER TOUR AMERIKKKA, b/c our Govt is the LEAST FREE ON EARTH. (The bureaucracy alone became a dealbreaker for him, like VISA bullshit.) ("Amerikkka is NOT the least free nation on earth!" said the ignorant person. EX: name another nation that still forces you to remove your shoes to fly.)
@@dumpygoodness4086 I know what you mean. I'm tired of all the fascism here, the paranoia, the anger. Ridiculous. People need to chill out, get a life, dig some good music, then reassess this country and make it better from the ground up, based on hope, not fear.
I bought the mahavishnu music book, which explains all the 20 or so scales he used. I recommend it for the serious student. Also his website is about 25 % music, 75% spirituality. Check it out
Interesting how he sidestepped the question of the idea of ever "revisiting" the Mahavishnu Orchestra (e.g., reforming). But based on JM's answer I took it as a "no." As much as I'd love to see this happen, we have to realize that for many musicians this is like starting a [bad] relationship again with a former spouse.
![Run Away - Tzuyu(TWICE) ツウィ 쯔위 [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 240906](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KnHNNyAYiu0/mqdefault.jpg)
Johnny, it's been a half a century since you did devotion.Its still the most majestic song I've ever heard. As Gurdieff would say, may you attain the kingdom of heaven!
I love his rig: No Amp, a tuner, a Twin tube, MXR Chorus, Carbon Copy all on a basic boss pedalboard. Proof that it's ALL about the player, and not the gear.
no google plus sure papi
Amen
And, wireless, of course
Always has been. Knew that since High School Battle Of The Bands
One of the nicest (and sincere) musicians I've ever had the pleasure to meet.
Doctor President you met him? Wow that must be a cool experience
One of, if not, the sickest jazz fusion guitarist ever. Coltrane on strings.
I absolutely love John McLaughlin. Truly a unique voice not just in the world of guitar, but music and spirituality as well.
John McLaughlin is such a wonderful personable and kind human being that it's impossible not to like him. His playing is simply incomparable - it's no wonder he is so revered by the guitar playing community and fans. It's a lovely lesson for anyone to see how he puts a young guy like Jason at ease and gives so freely of himself. Genuinely touching to see and hear.
Mr Mclaughlin is what all guitarists should emulate...
Class and the way out
John is so badass he makes his own max grip jazz III pick lol!
+James Russo When I was first learning to play, after a year or two I had a persistent problem with the pick rotating in my grip so that I'd wind up picking with a rounded end of the pick. My solution was to score the pick in the same manner John does. Although it cured my pick rotation problem, I felt like it was just a crutch to cover up bad technique or bad equipment choices. I always felt like I failed in some way for resorting to such a trick. Then I find our here that John McLaughlin does the exact same thing. HAHA!
Nothing but respect for Mr. McLaughlin.
I know what you mean - there are a lot of ass-holes in this world, but John is definitely *not* one of them.
Saw him last night with Jimmy Herring. It was ... almost can't put it into words ... other-worldly good. Amazing. He is at the top of musical food chain. Up there with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, etc.
The public deserve a good sound delivery... Thanks for that ! He's absolute legend.
I was fortunate to see Maestro John McLaughlin play with the Shakti on their Natural Elements tour, on his Electric Guitarist tour and with Paco and Di Meola. Every concert of JM's is phenomenal but the Shakti concert was one of only two times I felt as if I was transported outside my body, the other was a Weather Report concert on their Sweetnighter tour.
John McLaughlin was tearing through the universe back when Jason was swimming in his dad's yam pouch.
Rarely do I feel compelled to reply to a youtube message but David, I think it's in order to say, "Greatest comment of all time" my friend. That really made me laugh.
🤣
haha
That's close to an epic putdown from way back when, used on someone trying to be a bit too " experienced hippy " : - I was in Baghdad when you were in your dad's bag ! ....................................
Listen Jason.....
It never ceases to amaze me how such an AMAZING musical wizard can remain so down-to-Earth. Such an incredible human being as well as a guitarist.
John is an Advanced educated player , above the heads of most players
Had the pleasure of seeing John McLaughlin with Mahavishnu Orchestra - stunning concert. Odd pairing of the decade - the opening act was Aerosmith! Stunning guitarist.
He is a huge idol for me. I remember seeing him in Boston. He is so fast. So classy and classic..
John McLaughlin is a living legend...pure genius
he played with miles davis in Bitches Brew album which is one of the greatest jazz albums, he is amazing...
I call him the Miles Davis of guitar
Quite possibly the best Guitarist of all time here folks. Seriously. ♥
nah
***** What's the title of your book?
It is not a case of the best, that is an impossibility. John is definitely in that group that sits at the top and enjoys good company.
Holdsworth was never that influenced by the MC, He was mostly inspired by John Coltranes saxophone playing, i actually think that it was more of the other case around as McLaughlin probably had to up his game when he discovered Holdsworths insane playing. Mclaughlin once said this: "I recall a concert of Allan in London some years ago, and after the performance I went to see him backstage only to tell him that if I knew what he was doing, I'd steal it!"
You know that Allan Holdsworth explained EXACTLY how he got to what he played on an old REH video? He took all possible note combinations with no more than 8 notes and no larger than a major third interval, came up with 10 scales. He considered all the modes to be of the SAME scale, BTW. SO his scales duplicated a standard major/minor, a symmetric, a wholetone, and then a variety of weird synthetic scales. But it had nothing to do learning from other people, just his own math. And he mentioned that it took about two years to work it up, and then FIVE MORE years to actually PLAY his own ideas. So the chords come from outer space algebra, not any other music or musicians! So here it is, now you'll sound JUST LIKE AL, with no effort whatsoever!. I promise! ruclips.net/video/4JjBdnGDuYM/видео.html
But as far as McLaughlin "upping his game", copping licks or something? He has his OWN self-generated systems, as do Scofield, Stern, Macachek, etc. That quote was JM being polite for a _Guitar Player_ profile. These guys all play MUSIC, not licks.
John McLoughlin has been at the top of the guitar greats ladder for decades.
Unfortunately, his music is so intense that his audience is smaller than his talent would indicate he should have... I heard him back in the 80's and was overtaken, really an uplifting experience. Other guitarists that live in his realm are guys like Jeff Beck and Santana... Again, there are thousands of incredible players out there making some really great music but when they want a reality check, they play McLaughlin, Beck. Santana, and a few others. These guys will humble anyone who's listening with their heart and not their ego. Much appreciation and respect, Sir!
My dad saw McLaughlin with Mahavishnu. He said that after the first thirty seconds he didn't know if he should start woodshedding or give up guitar entirely.
Johnny Mac is an incredible musician .Saw him in the seventies with Mahavishnu Orch. twice...and the Love, Devotion Surrender original tour with Santana.Talk about intense-I will always remember him wielding the big red double-neck SG and the Rex Bogue double through a 100 watt Marshall full stack.With Billy Cobham's powerhouse drumming, that was certainly one intimidating jazz-rock machine. One fine, fine guitarist who is respected by ALL the big boys. I really like his stuff with Miles and his first couple of solo albums just previous to Mahavishnu. I must admit to not keeping up with his more current output, which is an oversight I should really be looking at resolving.
My introduction to John McLaughlin was on "Birds Of Fire" and that just blew my mind! And later on it was the "Meeting of the Spirits" VHS with Larry Coryell and Paco De Lucia that confirmed his genius.
Me too-- I was in a Music+ decades ago and Birds of Fire had just come out. They were playing it in the store and my jaw dropped to the floor listening to it-- I had to have it right away. But the store turned out to be OUT of it so they stopped playing it right away :-( So I had them call another store to find another copy and drove across town to immediately pick it up. Still one of the greatest albums, much of the stuff on there remains incomprehensibly awesome. I did later pick up his "how I do it" DVD set, and it was a real mind expander as well.
coryell
Bill Wok Of course it is. I always get their names mixed up!
that birds of fire album, never heard anything like that before or since
On the Miles Davis album, "Bitches Brew". Track 2 on side 3, that album has a song called, "John McLaughlin". That was mine.
priceless honor to hear The John Mclaughlin sharing some of his aesthetics.
much thanx.
Such a gentle man for one the Masters of guitar worldwide....great interview!
I had the pleasure and good fortune to hear John McLaughlin and the Fourth Dimension this summer, they did a Mahavishnu tune from Inner Mounting flame, " You know you know" they were incredible !
I am astonished!! He does the same thing I do to my picks!! I have ONE thing in common with the Master
An extraordinary human being......And his his music......A true star.....
John is an outstanding musician, no matter what gear he uses! I recently purchased a Godin xtsa and was thrilled to find out that one of my idols from when I started playing at 11-12years loves his too. I have owned Fenders, Les Pauls and my favorite of all my 69 Gibson Flying-V.....but the Godin xtsa is the most ALIVE playing...smooth and connects to my GR-55! Play on Mr. Mac!!!
John Lupton just remember to go back to actual guitar periodically,unprocessed and natural.
I love McLaughlin, and his concert with the Fourth Dimension in Oslo lately, was just fantastic. The only thing I wish, is that he would reduce the chorus effect on his guitar sound. I love the more raw sound he used to have before going all digital.
thanks Im glad you said that about the chorus totally agree!,it will be exciting to see during the upcoming US Tour when he addresses his old Mahavishnu classics for the last time if he will push a "Old school" tone again covering that material,and having Jimmy Herring will probably also be good to get him "fired up" again in the way of good simple overdriven sound again
I agree i actually prefer him on the acoustic guitar..back with with Al and Paco ...particularly the duets with Paco ..he always seemed to do even better without Al around..lol
One cannot be all things to all people. John is a reflective individual and in some sense a seeker. His work with Mahavishnu Orchestra was rather incredible at the time in the early Seventies when he exploded into the consciousness of jazz and fusion musicians. He has a keen knowledge of jazz history as well as the capacity to create his own music. And he is still relevant today. Not bad...
Met him in '73 before a Mahavishnu show in Orlando. Really nice cat...I may have gripped his hand a little too hard...kind of winced. I've carried that shame for decades! lol. Devadip Johnny!!
JM is an innovator who has pioneered many extraordinary fusions of accents over the years. I'm sure there's an interview on RUclips where he does Italian with the Italian interviewer.
Thank you for sharing Premier Guitar Magazine
He is urbane, debonair, and a staggeringly talented musician.
beautiful man....jaw-dropping musician
greatest guitar player in history.
Technically nobody can top him and whats even more important he alwas stays emotionally true too. Very few people are able to do so.
Right off.the greatest jazz rock fusion song of all time.john and billy Cobham.holly shit
Pretty much. Cobham’s drums sound like they’re floating above the beat as he propels that song forward, and John’s tone is so in-your-face and raw. I imagine a Twin Reverb turned up loud. Classic stuff.
Mr McLaughlin is someone we can all learn from as Guitarists. He is one of the greatest of the greats. Thanks Jason for getting the interview. I wish I could of been there for the sound check. Keep up the great video articles PG.
So eloquent and the proof is in the music. His sincerity is refreshing.
Yes mrmusic248, I saw that tour in Indianapolis. He was still playing the Gibson double neck. Saw him four months later in South Bend and he had just gotten the Rex Bogue double-rainbow.
I find it fascinating that someone so genteel and soft spoken has played some of the most ferociously beautiful music I've ever heard. The dichotomy is strange. Same with Jimmy Page. They both sound ten feet tall on stage, but are fairly reserved and thoughtful people. Steve Vai, the same.
What a legend! God Bless You J. Mc. 1love
The humility he shows by the comments about not using an amp. Not many axe wielders would do the same.
In music as in language, we don't need to know the origins and historical trajectory of the words/phrases we use, but some knowledge about them certainly makes the experience of language and music - whether "speaking" or listening - far richer and more fun. In a very real sense, we are what we say and how we speak, as people and as musicians.
JM strikes me as someone who has thought long and deeply about who he is as a person and as a musician - as his music amply and beautifully attests..
What a cool cat. Great guy. Great musician.
johnny mclaughlin, you are a fucking legend mate. Love your work. great interview
Straight Up Legend!!!
Saw this guy on the Eric Clapton Crossroad DVD and he is amazing.
Saw the Belo Horizonte tour, Mahavishnu reunion with Dan Gottlieb on drums, Trio with Trilock Gurtu and Jonas Helborg (in a small club), and Mahavishnu opening for Weather Update (post-Wayne Shorter WR).
5:13 "but IF YOU LIKE, you've got a switch that gives you a virtual cable, Jason. Which is really cute!" lol He's such an awesome crazy old guy.
I don't comment on videos, but I'm going to comment on this one. That was very cool. I thought I was just going to take a quick look-in and move on, but stayed 'til the end.
"This band has been in existence since 1973 - probably before you were born, Jason!" LOL
"This band existed since 1973 Jason...probably before you were born" lol
Great simple set up Just might have to check out one of those SDs I'm sure it would sound good with a good clean Fender amp Also stereo stage/PA type set up Very very cool 👍😎👌
This is great. From awhile ago but great. Brings Al's solo album opening tune The Wizard to mind.
Fan since Inner Mounting Flame with Electric Guitarist being a fave.
Saw John for Mahavishnu. Fan asked "Where's the synth axe ?"
JM, "I think we're getting on fine now" to loud applause. He had a 'Paul and a Fender combo amp and the show was still amazing.
Extrapolation is my favorite album by John McLaughlin. Tony Oxley on the drums. Released in 1972 in the states I believe?
Great album. Yes, I think it was around ‘72 when I discovered it. I must admit to being more of a fan of his early playing (with Extrapolation being an example). Genius stuff to be sure.
Most excellent information here.... well-done interview with a true gentleman and artist. John's right about MXR's quality.... ultra-clean and responsive, durable gear. Pretty cool what he said about repertoire...... it's not just packing years of setlists into a night. Very few (bandleaders) have performed the breadth of style and mood of the music he's created with those virtuosos so fortunate to play with him.
Best of all was his statement about complicity in a band......"it's not just to play the notes, it's how well you play together". A troop of monkeys can be trained to start and end a song at the same time....... it's when players can play with, to, off of, and for each other that makes magic. Shakti, the trio with Al di Meola and Pace de Lucia, all forms of Mahavishnu Orchestra, One Truth Band...... that interplay was so much a part of the experience in the audience.
On topic, though..... I have at times wished he'd allowed more of the guitar's individual voice to shine through, less (at least in ratio) of the heavy chorus and other time-shifting effects. He's always been fascinated with that technology, though...... it is ethereal, after all :)
good show. further unique thing is he's not just a phenomenal soloist, but his rhythm guitar work is equally exciting...... on "One Word" from Birds of Fire, for instance..... how many rhythm guitar parts out there can generate goosebumps like that one.... :)
Thanks for the insights. I totally agree with your thoughts about his rhythm playing. I was thinking that his playing on “Right Off” is really mainly rhythm guitar with all the crazy comping going on. I love it.
Also agree with your thoughts about his tone, especially the overuse of the chorus pedal. It really blunts the emotional edge of his sound. Oh well, he digs it. 🤷♂️
THE GREATEST GUITARIST THAT EVER LIVED
It is hard to trace his early material but I can give a clue. Find recordings of the Graham Bond Quartet (1963) The line up was G. Bond on keyboards, Jack Bruce on bass, Ginger Baker on drums and John on guitar. The band manager was Robert Stigwood (Bee Gees, Saturday night fever etc.) With his contacts, John appeared on numerous obscure pop tunes of the day, Due to substance abuse, I don't think John himself could tell you the titles. Check Wikipedia with the G. Bond clue...cheers!
6:41 Is the golden advice in this interview. So many bands nowadays have a rotating door of members and the quality of the music truly suffers.
My favorite John McLauglin track of all those I have enjoyed over the years is his acoustic recording of Monk's Goodbye Pork Pie Hat. Just beautiful performance. But there are many.
Yes, that expression just floated through my head when answering you (so thank you for that!) - but it's doubtless been coined elsewhere. Strangely, one of the cornerstones of my own perennial comparisons between music and language has long an album with one of the best and most thought-provoking names I can think of: "Music Spoken Here" by you know who!
Cool, John takes a swig off a Coke. Down to earth, cerebral and as dedicated musician as you will ever find.
One of the MOST influential musicians of all time.
Wow JM is the first player who refers to the interviewer by name. What a true gentleman. I sure would love to find one of those guitar straps for my son. He loves John McLaughlin.
www.levysleathers.com/shop/woven-strap-mpjg-sun-blk/
incredible intelligent man, this john mclaughlin, very useful explanations
legend!
Word on the mean streets of Bend, Oregon is that he is quite good
lol cute.
I would love to hear 'Heart of Things' live again. Such a great album.
John McLaughlin and Steve Hackett...my two favorites.
You're welcome - I have been puzzled about such differences between US and UK English for a while and etymology fascinates me. After all musical etymology would be like trying to identify the traces of say Miles, Coltrane and Bill Evans for instance in John's playing... the building blocks of his musical language as it were. it's great fun!
Awesome interview
John Sir 😊….. ❤️🙏Love & respect always for you.
so much wisdom...
What an affable dude. Some really sage advice in there about playing with a group, and practical gear usage.
Such a wonderful and humble man. John Mac that is !!!!!!
"I know all the guitars" 😂
Lol I thought I misheard him
I “own” all the guitars maybe?
All
"I got a Jim Dunlop pick...." LOL! (2:52)
......and remembers the interviewers name, like any good job applicant. He has experienced a lot.
Johnny McLaughlin *Electric Guitarist* is one mighty mighty album!
Are You The One ?
New York on my Mind
My Foolish Heart. Giant Steps. and yes, Are You The One.
Great interview. Great Idea about not using an amp. Not sure it would work but if it did that's interesting.
Nice to hear he hasn't lost his Doncaster accent. When it comes to t'Tyke there's no'but best lad.
Claymor He sounds more Sth African to me.
what a cool man, made me smile :) He could have taken a jazz III max-grip, I love those picks, they just don’t slip at all
Fantastic!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
@AtanasovPetar While Carlos obviously doesn't have John's mastery of the guitar, it's a gross exaggeration to say he's horrible. While he's lacking in some areas, he really feels the music in a unique and passionate way. Sometimes that's more important than technical skills. That's why Miles asked Carlos to play with him and perhaps it the same for John.
Guitar, gig bag, modest pedal board, can of coke... oh and outrageous talent..! Way to go John....
Fascinating character and guitar super being indeed. Saw Mahavishnu 3 times in the 70's and Shakti once. I am interested in his really early stuff, recorded in the 60's, when he was a session man on the London scene. You can hear his outrageous playing on some really obscure records, many in the low numbers of the hit parade. His all out attack style at that time is unmistakeable.
Right. You play from the head, the heart, and the hands. John's got it down.
Miles runs the Voodoo down ..🎼🎺
Mahavishnu sound was Les Paul and a Marshall.. Superb!
***** Rex Bogue I believe was the luthier for the fancy pants double neck...
***** He did, before the custom double neck...
Isn't the double neck an SG?
Kev G. It is an EDS and it is a bit different than a SG.
Also GIbson Doubleneck and one only ever, Rex Bogue, that he dropped.And split. It was gorgeous.
Cool interview. I’m surprised I’m just finding it now. He’s the best, of course, but, to be honest, I haven’t really liked his tone for years. Too much chorus for my taste. Give me any of his sounds from before around ‘75 and I’d be in nirvana. Miles, Mahavishnu, Lifetime and even his early solo records (from the 60’s) are all incredible. Would using an amp make much of a difference? Probably not. As these musicians age they have to go with what feels right for them! I’m just glad that B.B. never changed, god bless him. I would bet most Cream fans were hoping that Clapton was going to be plugging an SG into a big Marshall stack when they did heir reunion, but that didn’t happen. Just not his thing anymore. Dang it.🤷♂️
This also had me wondering what happened to John’s English accent. I’m sure he had one at one point, right? Now it sounds vaguely New Yorkish, but I’m no expert when it comes to accents. It’s interesting though.
Also, I was surprised see him drinking a Coke. I would have imagined him drinking only the purest mountain spring water, imported from Nepal or wherever. Anyway, enough of my rambling, thanks again for the interview!
why not ask about the shakti guitar, the scallop fret guitar, the double neck Rex Bogue, the 360 Systems synth on Inner Worlds - about the sickest thing I have ever heard - or the use of 3 Marshall half stacks with Mahavishnu?
Not only is he the best Guitarist, but he plays Palestine for free. The best person as well.
Word.
@@enkiea8322 and he will NO LONGER TOUR AMERIKKKA, b/c our Govt is the LEAST FREE ON EARTH. (The bureaucracy alone became a dealbreaker for him, like VISA bullshit.) ("Amerikkka is NOT the least free nation on earth!" said the ignorant person. EX: name another nation that still forces you to remove your shoes to fly.)
@@dumpygoodness4086 I know what you mean. I'm tired of all the fascism here, the paranoia, the anger. Ridiculous. People need to chill out, get a life, dig some good music, then reassess this country and make it better from the ground up, based on hope, not fear.
@@angusorvid8840 I searched for enlightenment in this place of my birth, & it’s brought me to the verge of death.
@@dumpygoodness4086 Pretty much everywhere on this planet I have been to in the last few years. You need to get out more.
JM is a superhero.
I bought the mahavishnu music book, which explains all the 20 or so scales he used. I recommend it for the serious student. Also his website is about 25 % music, 75% spirituality. Check it out
Interesting how he sidestepped the question of the idea of ever "revisiting" the Mahavishnu Orchestra (e.g., reforming). But based on JM's answer I took it as a "no."
As much as I'd love to see this happen, we have to realize that for many musicians this is like starting a [bad] relationship again with a former spouse.
HOW DID I MISS THIS VIDEO?!?!?!?!?!
What an amazing guitar