Paul Reed Smith Interviews John McLaughlin | Shakti 50th Anniversary | PRS Guitars
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- Backstage, Paul Reed Smith sits down with legendary guitarist John McLaughlin before his performance with Shakti. The two discuss Shakti's 50th Anniversary Tour and all things guitar.
“If you find an instrument that becomes part of your body, as a musician, then you’re home. It takes time, it takes work - as with everything - but at a certain point, an instrument will become part of your body. So when you go to play, you’re one unit. You’re not like somebody playing an instrument - the instrument is playing you, music is playing both of you. You are united - where music, you, and the instrument become one. But to do that, you have to have no problems with your instrument, no problems with yourself, and great players around you…and at the moment that’s what we’ve got. But the guitar? Paul Reed Smith. It’s the greatest electric guitar. I can testify to it - I’m holding one right here, and I’ve been holding one for a long time.” - John McLaughlin
Tune in for fascinating conversation about the PRS Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition model, how John and Paul first met, John’s personal relationship to music and his instruments, and why he’s "given away" so many of his guitars.
For more information on the Private Stock John McLaughlin Limited Edition, please visit prsguitars.com/electrics/mode...
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro / How Do Guitar Players Gravitate Towards PRS?
0:22 - Shakti Soundcheck 1
2:48 - Parallels Between Indian Music & Jazz
3:23 - Shakti Performing “Joy” in 1976
4:11 - Meeting Zakir & the Origins of Shakti
7:15 - Amp Used at Jeff Beck Tribute Concert
7:54 - When Paul & John Met
9:25 - John’s Acoustic Era
10:37 - Getting Back to Electric Guitar & Paul Fixing Guitars
12:16 - Discussing the Private Stock John McLaughlin Ltd
13:18 - John’s Reaction to Playing a PRS for the First Time
14:02 - Being Connected With Your Instrument
15:51 - The Tone of the Private Stock John McLaughlin Ltd
17:27 - Interview Outro
17:50 - Shakti Soundcheck 2 
Видеоклипы
It's easy to forget that John is 81 yrs old.
He doesn't look a day over 70.
Because what he produces is timeless
Clean and spiritual living.
Everyone I know who has been doing yoga all their lives looks and acts about 20 years younger than their actual age.
Man has a great head of hair
81 yrs old and still killing it. Hats off!
I studied at the Mclaughlin School of Guitar.....have been a student since 40 years....will graduate in the after life.....
I'm glad that John McLaughlin is still with us, sharing his beautiful unique gifts and presence. A great!❤💫
FANTASTIC!!! And now, all we need is for Paul to get his hands on the old Shakti acoustic guitar, repair it for John, study it’s design, and create a PRS acoustic Shakti guitar SE edition at an affordable price for all of f us!! ❤
Paul immediately offering to fix up the Shakti guitar .. what a guy oozing with passion!!
That Shakti guitar HAS to be resurrected, and played in public again!
Just saw Shakti 50 live and blown away again. I’ve been listening to them for 25 years. This interview was great, thanks Paul!
I saw John headlining the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival with Jimmy Herring opening for him. I can honestly say I’ve never experienced something like it, watching two absolute MASTERS at their craft was nothing short of a privilege. And yes, both were playing PRS.
I was there too.. What a night
John looks incredibly youthful and vibrant at 81 years.
Mr. McLaughlin is such a gift, truly something else. Thanks PRS
Saw the John McLaughlin Trio at The Sydney Opera House in 1991. Can still feel it in every heart beat today.
I've played guitar for 35 years, and I have been a McLaughlin groupie for 32 of those years. Listening to the Shakti performance clips on here reminded me why.
Incredible and incomparible. John is a genious. I also do not think I have ever seen Paul so focused, self composed and interested during an interview. Its rare to see him restrained, he must truly be in awe. Gorgeous guitar as well!
John is amazing. If he is around you, in any way, go see him. You will be astonished by his musicality. I have been a fan since I discovered his work with Carlos Santana (in the mid-1980's.).
I was at this show. It was a sublime performance.
I recently watched the Jeff Beck memorial concert. JM's two songs, the Billy Cobham Stratus and JM's You Know You Know, were stunning. I usually pay more attention to the musician than his instrument, but I couldn't take my eyes off his shockingly beautiful blue guitar that was pouring forth amazing tones. It was the PRS JM Signature model. An amazing instrument for an amazing musician.
Saw John, Paco and Al D in a venue of theater in the round. À slowly rotating stage. I touched each of them as they walked down the aisle to the stage. It was beyond words.
I own two PRS guitars because they are awesome and I love supporting someone like Paul and the 300 ppl with him. God bless.
John and his playing are timeless!
Unbelievable! Love JM and Shakti!❤
My Fav Guitar Player.... John is a super hero to me.
John is great. Huge Shakti and Mahavishnu Orchestra fan.
Handful of Beauty one of my favorite albums from 1977.
I watched him live at crossroads 2023, yesterday.. it was amazing how well he plays. A gift to all of us.
Paul is such a wonderful dude. I love Shakti, so glad he did this! I think I'm gonna have to pony up for one! ;-)
An artisan observing a musician with his handcraft. A special moment...
Thank you PRS for this interview. Thank you for the music, Shakti.
I had the pleasure of seeing John and Shakti last month . I almost blew it off but I knew this might be the last opportunity to see him. So glad I did. The music was beyond this world. The other thing that occurred was getting a PRS that month . Guitars have come and gone, but it’s the first guitar that I’ve bonded with In a long time. I haven’t picked any other guitar up since I’ve gotten this one.
My first concert was shakti in 1977
All is bliss, all is bliss...thank you Paul, ( I got a John Mayer PRS SE 8 months ago, love it)
Paul, if you're reading this, I just bought a brand new SE Silver Sky with a maple board last week for my birthday and it is the guitar I had been searching for my entire life without even realising that I had been searching for it my whole life. My second PRS and I sincerely doubt I will ever be switching.
I listened to the inner mounting flame album in high school in 1973 , always loved all of John's music and spirit 🎉👏👌👍😃
the joy of playing. the joy of making. Thank you Paul!!
Such a lovely meet this was. Two old legends, appreciating the right stuff. How many such wholesome musical moments have we had recently? I reckon not many.
I'm proud to have 3 things in common with John McLaughlin: 1) playing guitar; 2) loving Indian music; 3) having been born on January 4th. God bless you, John and Paul.
Nice interview. Thanks for sharing. I saw their concert at Wolftrap that night. Wow, what a band. Great show. 😀
PLEAS come to Brazil, I will cross the country to see your concert!
Starting at 18:18-- John's pure fluid, lyrical magic.
Saw John and the OG Mahavishnu Orchestra live in November 1972 and along with everyone else in the audience my mind was exploded. We’d never seen or heard like it …them.
What could John possibly follow this incredible music and band with? A year later he and L Shankar showed us with Shakti. Once again impossibly amazing playing and music perhaps more so than MO (perhaps) bc it was all acoustic and equally precise and powerful. Magic.
Sometimes I feel like we, or at least I…still haven’t comprehended the magnificence of the music John McLaughlin and his bandmates made 50 years ago.
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Edit: like another commenter, I’m really liking the sound of John now playing electric with this acoustic music. Today’s gear (PRS guitar electronics and master volume amps etc) makes this kind of hybrid doable and wonderful sounding imoho
Amazing, unreal! thanks for this invaluable insight on one of the greatest bands and guitarrist mankind has ever witnessed. Legacy would live forever. 🎶🙏🎸🔥💯
One of the greatest musicians ☮️💕✨🏄🏻♂️
The Legend, if you can go see Shakti, John is playing better than ever.
The godfather of Jazz-Rock ! A TREASURE❤
I first heard of John from Mahavishnu Orchestra. My cousin turned me on to Birds of fire and i was like whoa what the hell is this... those dudes were completely badass... this was around 2000 and this stuff was feom the 70s...
Thanks for sharing the interview Paul!!!!
The last 3 minutes of this are very special. At 19:13, It's easy to see how special a moment it was for Paul. Whoever filmed this must be thrilled they caught that moment on camera.
Such a great sound! What a legend
Thank you John and Paul! I love Paul’s dedication to craft and music. What a wonderful feeling to provide a great instrument to a great musician.
Great interview, guys.
John, please take Paul up on his offer to fix the Shakti guitar.
It is truly a fascinating instrument of actual historical value in its uniqueness AND application . . . and Paul is THE guy to get the work done.
Been listening to you for many decades and love and admire your creative spirit.
Hope you are well.
May I say, Exactly! Sir, It literally felt to me ( a long time and still Taylor player) that I'd been waiting for the PRS SE SilverSky to get my first electric guitar - Thanks so much for your dedication to your craft
Beautiful interview and guitars, thanks Paul. My fave part is Paul saying he'll fix our guitars because he loves it. Game on!
Playing at such a high level at 81 incredible…
As an ex les paul obsesser...John sums it up in the first 20 seconds. I never looked back after picking up a PRS.
I am fortunate enough to own one of these works of art. It is easily the best playing and sounding guitar I have ever played!
I heard Birds of Fire in 1973, was dumbfounded, musically changed, and thereafter a huge fan of everything McLaughlin and all his cohorts have done. I bought my first PRS guitar only 8 years ago (Santana model), but wish I'd invested in one much sooner, as PRS really does feel like the pinnacle of "reasonably" expensive guitars to me. Mine was $3000 used, but well worth it! Paul and John both have done a very good thing for the world; giving voice to others!
I just love John McLaughlin. I feel like I’ve known him for 50 years. Great interview. He’s still like a little kid. With his enthusiasm
Bravo!!! John, a great musician & Paul, a passionate guitar maker. You are both awesome!
Hello John! 20 years ago you signed and sent an autograph for Artur, it is a picture of you sitting and holding uphigh a PRS in orange colour. now i took your adwise from this interview and will play my acoustic nylon more often (smile)
Thank you, Paul, for putting this all together. I'm so happy, this video found its way to me.
John McLaughlin is a musical treasure. We lost Jeff Beck not long ago. I hope we get to keep Johnny McLaughlin electric guitarist around for many more years. He is amazing. Yes he has great hair too!
A Legend ❤❤❤❤🥰 THANK YOU PAUL!
That is just such a classy interview. Stellar 👏👏
Making music is one of the most beautiful records ever!!
What a beautiful spirit. Beautiful players.
A players dedication and loyalty to that one guitar which means so much.....is seen here and so many times you hear someone playing a PRS.....
Right here right now ….this is the man that JB called the “Master”…..and who could contest that.
Dang, we're old! I saw John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1973 and I saw him later with Jean-Luc Ponty. Astonishing musicianship.
Saw Shakti in London recently, one of the best concerts of my life. Up there with Mark Padmore and Paul Lewis performing Winterreise, or the English National Ballet in Akram Khan's Giselle.
Marvellous music and John!!!!!!
Amazing thanks for your music John and Paul for making the marvellous instruments❤
What a wonderful interview!
Magical and wonderful. Soundtrack to my life and I'm 50 now.
Oh John! Thank you for the music!
John is fantastic and has been an inspiration. all my life as has zakir , very best wishes to you all !
what a beautiful interview and two great people!,
I am a absolutely a fan of PRS GUITARS I own two PRS , one CU24 CORE and one PRS Hallowbody 2 piezo, I love them so much Paul never stop to make better and better PRS, what a master, maybe one day I got one too
not even 6 seconds in and the man is speaking the truth. 10 years ago I started playing guitar and after a couple of months playing my first cheap $140 instrument I went looking for a decent guitar and I bought my first SE and I never looked back. Back then I didn't know anything about PRS except that Santana played one and I've tried Gibsons Ibanez and fender for a couple of minutes each till I picked up this SE strummed it once played one like on it and bought it.
I was at this show very close to the front like 3rd row. It was really magic IMO. I had seen them in 2004 which was amazing as well, but the new repertoire really moves a long with shorter compositions. You leave wishing it had never ended, too short.
I had the privilege of watching all the Shakti concerts till Mandolin Srinivas passed away. I have met all of these great musicians backstage after every concert. I have all the tickets in pristine condition with their inscriptions.
That is the coolest and most unique style that has ever consisted of a guitar!
The legendary Shakti guitar needs to be fixed up and played by Maestro McLaughlin again! It would be great if Mr. Smith can get his hands on it. What a labor of love that would be.
What can you say about John McLaughlin that has not already been said? He's simply one of the greatest and most unique voices that guitar has ever had... I've learned so much and have been so inspired by this man over the decades - a truly superb artist!
I’ve had the pleasure to know Paul rather close. He’s an extremely heartfelt man and it comes through in his instruments.
WHAt a GREAT interview. Love it. A TREAT to see some really great soundcheck footage too
Love John. He’s my hero!
Mega thanks always British gent John from this east Los Angeles guitarist. Witnessed you few times in Willisau Jazz festival whilst I was playing, recording, touring in Swiss progressive rock band Flame Dream.
I have to say I played guitar for 30 years before I was able to buy a PRS Custom24 Core.
Mostly I'd played a 92 Ibanez RG570 which I loved and especially loved the playability.
It took me a while to bond with the PRS but it happened and now it's my home guitar.
The neck is not as wide but has the same flat profile.
The whole guitar feels together and the sustain is brilliant and the tuning is as good as the Ibanez which is extremely rare.
The looks are something else. Mine is a 10 top in Emerald green which was my favourite by far.
All in all PRS guitars are amazingly jaw-droppingly good but it does take a while to bond with them. People focus on loveable flaws to bond with stuff.
PRS Guitars don't really have those. What they have is excellence in every department. It takes a while but you can bond with the tone and the look and the stability and the overall beauty of an instrument made to be the best it can be.
EDit: People complain PRS don't have personality. What they mean is a random PRS will sound as good any other PRS. They all pass a very stringent QA check. They all have personality it's just they don't have personality flaws.
Luv and Peace.
Wow!!! Just fantastic! Hats off to John McLaughlin and Shakti 50 years on!!
WOW, it would be awesome if PRS could glom onto the Shakti guitar and bring it back to life!
Wonderful post, thank you for sharing!
The day John will be gone I will sit down and cry.
Timeless beauty.
John is a legend
God bless(ed) you both. 🙏❤️🌠
I've always said if I was stuck on a desert island and only had one band to listen to, it would be Shakti
and whatever incarnations came out of that.
Really super special! Thanks for share.
Ho visto John con gli Shakti 40 anni fa a Milano al Teatro Lirico,fu impressionante il concerto.
When I was 16 I heard Lila's Dance, it changed my musical journey . Thank you Mr. McLaughlin.
😎👍💓🇺🇸🎸 LONG LIVE PRS!!!
RELIC FREE SINCE 1985!
As of now, I have commissioned Stefan at Stevens Guitars in Munich, who in 2014 built me a Nylon 7 String Version of the Royal Festival Hall Guitar to build me the a 7 string version of the Shakti Wechter Guitar…..! And yes, my workhorse is my PRS DGT which I loooove!!!!
John is one of the greatest Gifts for the World off Music.
The " One" the Killer( Miles Davis)big amazing,big greetings!
Great mix interview / playing
He is such a BEAST ! Change my mind
Still plays like the genius he is. The Mahavishnu Orchestra was an incredible group, Cobham was a monster, Goodman, Hanmer, and Laird. Talk about a super band. Saw them in NYC at least 5 times that I remember.