Exploring edge- Jeffrey and I were discussing John McLaughin before class the other day. I didn't want the whole class to miss out on John McLaughlin. John McLaughlin was perhaps most responsible for the sound of rock heard on the Miles Davis albums "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew". McLaughlin played in British rock bands as he was growing up, and the sound appropriate in those early groups can be heard in his later ensembles. In 1969 he made his first appearance in the American musical arena with Tony Williams "Lifetime". It was that same year that he also joined Miles Davis to record "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew". After Miles he formed Mahavishnu Orchestra and recorded several high-energy albums. McLaughlin was one of the first guitarists too use the volume and metallic sound from Rock-N-Roll. His innovation has influenced jazz and rock musicians of many generations. McLaughlin and Miles recorded a few great albums together, what would have happened if they would have stayed together??????? Wanna know more go to: http://www.johnmclaughlin.com/
Eric,
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. I've been listening to Mahavishnu since I was in high school and they're definitely still one of my favorites. They definitely embody the idea of fusion, as their music combines elements of jazz, rock, and Indian classical music very seamlessly. I recommend their music highly, especially the albums "The Inner Mounting Flame" and "The Lost Trident Sessions."
It's also worth mentioning that McLaughlin played in a group called "Shakti" with tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, who appeared in concert here at UK a week and a half ago. Also very cool stuff that's worth checking out.
A final plug for John McLaughlin. Check out the album "Friday Night in San Francisco," which features him with fellow guitarists Al Di Meola and Paco de Lucia. Three improvisational masters jamming on acoustic guitars. It's one of my five "desert island" albums.