John McLaughlin has been a true master and at the same time a genuine seeker, for all of his 40+ years in music. For many years I have admired his adventurous spirit- pushing jazz to new heights by blending it with a wide range of other styles and multi-cultural influences. His technique is phenomenal, his phrasing endlessly inventive, and his spiritual commitment is deep. It is McLaughlin (along with Carlos Santana) who made me see that playing music can be a path to spiritual discovery. He balances stunning virtuosity with passionate emotion, reminding me to strive for excellence, but allow myself to get lost in the moment. His amazingly diverse body of work sends a message that there is no need to be limited by definitions or categories. Jazz, rock, acoustic, electric, Western, Eastern - all mingle and interact in his work, with tremendous positive energy and joyous spirit. This again reflects the spiritual quest, in which one aims to drop the illusion of boundaries between one's self and everything else.
Here's a great interview (audio only) done in 2009 by Andy Ellis:
http://www.theguitarshow.com/interview-johnmclaughlin.html
It includes wonderful insights from John on a wide range of subjects, and a superb selection of diverse song excerpts.
I wrote a review of his album "Live At The Royal Festival Hall" for my website; you can read it here.
Essential listening:
Mahavishnu Orchestra, Inner Mounting Flame
Shakti, Natural Elements
Friday Night In San Francisco
Live At The Royal Festival Hall
Time Remembered: John McLaughlin Plays Bill Evans
To The One
Also essential is the DVD: Remember Shakti: The Way of Beauty
, which offers a full concert of his most Indian influenced music, along with documentary footage on the history of the band Shakti, and John's remarkable lifelong friendship and collaboration with the amazing tabla player Zakir Hussain.It is so hard to pick one video clip to share. Here's one that's not like anything else you'll hear him do, but isn't that just like him...
UPDATE
Here's some links to some excellent recent articles/interviews:
Barry Cleveland: Lunch With John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin: Musical and Spiritual Connection
John McLaughlin - To The One
I remember seeing him at the Painters Mill Star Theatre in the early 80's. I believe along with Chick Corea, Al DiMeola and (I think) Pat Methany. Great show and your post gives me pause as to how long it has been since I have treated my ears to some good jazz fusion guitar.
ReplyDeleteBrian S.
I saw him at the Cellar Door in D.C.. He was with Ravi Shankar's brother (name escapes me). It was small, intimate and intense.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard anyone like him since.
Phyl