Ahh, what a fine tribute. Jimmy Herring is spot-on, “life changing” indeed when speaking of Mahavishnu John McLaughlin. I saw the original incarnation of The Mahavishnu Orchestra several times in NYC and the musical power produced and lofty heights they reached were incredible and unforgettable. I think the greatest drummer I’ve seen may be Billy Cobham and I put John McLaughlin certainly among the top guitarists ever. The 2017 tour with Herring was a wonderful experience. I hadn’t seen Jimmy before and he indeed is remarkable.
Great article, Alan. I saw the McLaughlin/Herring show on that tour in Portland, OR. It was incredible. The show was almost identical to the one you write about. I looked around the venue and it was a veritable who's who of guitar players from Portland, Salem, Eugene, etc. And we all sat there with our mouths agape. Guitar porn, for sure. One of only times I've bought a concert T-shirt in the last 25 years. I wear it proudly.
I bought one, too. Need to find it. I buy them pretty often. Good way to support a band. Pick them up from smaller groups. It can be the difference between profiting and not on any given night.
Great remembrance Alan! I loved hearing about Jimmy’s reverence for the music of Shakti. I love the picture of the two of them…they both radiate joy. I first heard of McLaughlin and ‘Birds of Fire’ in an interview with Eddie Van Halen and I sought out his work. I listened to ‘In a Silent Way’ on which he played…or didn’t play. You can thrill to 28 bars of rest followed by him playing one note, the open high E string and then more bars of rest! But the Orchestra albums are what he’s really known for and there is much to enjoy there!
Ah! Great post. Saw Mr.McLaughlin at Tipitina's with AL Dimeola and Paco de Lucia.. phenomenal, Tip's also brought in Shakti...a aural wonder. Put me down for a couple of dem ABB books! Happy 2023..! Let the music flow...Rest In Power Walter "Wolfman" Washington 20Dec1943- 22Dec2022..
Now I'm thirsty for some Dr. Pepper!
How cool is that?
Ahh, what a fine tribute. Jimmy Herring is spot-on, “life changing” indeed when speaking of Mahavishnu John McLaughlin. I saw the original incarnation of The Mahavishnu Orchestra several times in NYC and the musical power produced and lofty heights they reached were incredible and unforgettable. I think the greatest drummer I’ve seen may be Billy Cobham and I put John McLaughlin certainly among the top guitarists ever. The 2017 tour with Herring was a wonderful experience. I hadn’t seen Jimmy before and he indeed is remarkable.
Amazing to have seen that original band.,
Great article, Alan. I saw the McLaughlin/Herring show on that tour in Portland, OR. It was incredible. The show was almost identical to the one you write about. I looked around the venue and it was a veritable who's who of guitar players from Portland, Salem, Eugene, etc. And we all sat there with our mouths agape. Guitar porn, for sure. One of only times I've bought a concert T-shirt in the last 25 years. I wear it proudly.
I bought one, too. Need to find it. I buy them pretty often. Good way to support a band. Pick them up from smaller groups. It can be the difference between profiting and not on any given night.
Great remembrance Alan! I loved hearing about Jimmy’s reverence for the music of Shakti. I love the picture of the two of them…they both radiate joy. I first heard of McLaughlin and ‘Birds of Fire’ in an interview with Eddie Van Halen and I sought out his work. I listened to ‘In a Silent Way’ on which he played…or didn’t play. You can thrill to 28 bars of rest followed by him playing one note, the open high E string and then more bars of rest! But the Orchestra albums are what he’s really known for and there is much to enjoy there!
Yes. I had never seen him live before this show and I am so glad I went!
Ah! Great post. Saw Mr.McLaughlin at Tipitina's with AL Dimeola and Paco de Lucia.. phenomenal, Tip's also brought in Shakti...a aural wonder. Put me down for a couple of dem ABB books! Happy 2023..! Let the music flow...Rest In Power Walter "Wolfman" Washington 20Dec1943- 22Dec2022..
You the man Stan.
Thanks -very interesting! I’ll listen to the Mahavishnu Orchestra this weekend- can’t wait for your book!