The John McLaughlin Interview

This episode features the iconic John McLaughlin discussing his history with Miles Davis, The Tony Williams Lifetime, The Mahavishnu Orchestra and more, as well as his album "Liberation Time".

[@jimsalman7257]

John got his big career boost from playing with Miles, and Vinnie got his from playing with Zappa. Two towering giants of 20th century music.

[@Invinciblebass432]

Mahavishnu, John McLaughlin, just gave one of the most universal explanations of what the hell is going on here on earth in just a couple of minutes. Not only is he a great master on the guitar, as we all know, he's a great spiritual master as well. God bless you, John McLaughlin, and thank you so much, Vinnie Colaiuta, for doing this interview. It's been amazing listening to you two great musicians have a conversation. Hope everyone else is enjoying it too.

[@mattdelany6799]

John said that after 70 years of playing guitar, that he hasn’t even scratched the surface of music.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Love to John. Love to Vinnie

[@SwampEye1]

Hey Andy, kinda expected you here .... 😄

[@johannhauffman323]

Do you think you could have Vinnie on your show?

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

@@johannhauffman323 I would love that. A huge huge influence on me. I used to watch Zildjian Day in New York every day

[@johannhauffman323]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I would love that too.

[@beamzappa6266]

Aaah! Makes sense I'd see you here!! Your videos are immense Andy!

[@ChuckSchickx]

I was introduced to John McLaughlin by my older brother...I seem to remember it was the John McLaughlin/ Carlos Santana album Love Devotion Surrender. Then I discovered the Mahavishnu Orchestra. My mind was blown 🤯 John plays on a totally different plane.

[@lennyharp]

I am a singer and harmonica player, but not at the same time. When I left high school in 1970 I listened to Jeff Beck and John Mayall. At 73 I still play harmonica and love jazz and blues. John McLoughlin and Vinnie Coluita are both great musicians. Keep on keeping on for the long haul. Thanks for the memories!

[@DavidGilden]

Birds of Fire - a classic ❤

[@JRM---516]

Iconic album!

[@kamks6054]

John McLaughlin is always a guitarist exceptionnal, I hope to see him in concert at Paris

[@KONAMAN100]

What a story teller JM is, Miles saying "is that a fact" had me reeling. Such a recall & memory for details. And the forming of Mavihashnu, after a bad gig, "John it's time you formed your own band", Vinnie was cracking up. Brilliant.

[@bernardlavoie6576]

I feel so privileged and touched to see you guys connect with love and admiration. Thank you for including us in this beautiful Koinonia, like when I see you guy play, I feel like I’m really part of the venue. Thanks Mr. Colaiuta, with affection, Bernard...

[@sdavidfreud]

WOW! John - my all time favorite guitarist and Vinnie - my all time favorite drummer. What a treat.

[@markfuller8047]

Superb conversation and an honor to listen in. Muy simpatico. The Dark Side is DOOMED!

[@1michaelricci]

Libration Time was released July 16, 2021. Even though this interview is a few years old, it is still pure gold!

[@PaulAxe]

I know him very well but, Belo Horizonte is the most beautiful album of all times from him. So I say. And I have said. Live long!

[@vangrosh]

I just discovered Belo Horizonte about 6 months ago and I think your right. I also really love Music Spoken Here. Another one that's very different but blew me away is Thieves and Poets! I mostly knew John from his work with Al Di Meola. I've been a fan since the 80's but for some reason never took time to listen to Johns other music till recently and It's been a blast!

[@recordmanjohn]

Stardust on your Sleeve is definitely a favorite. A modern classic. I can hear it now in my head. It never goes away

[@ericgendell8874]

Belo horizonte, Shakti, music spoken here, time remembered. While I love the old mahavishnu orchestra records, I find most of his more current electric recordings sterile and boring.

[@SlowDazzle11]

I missed the Mahavishnu Orch in the 70s- but made up for it by seeing John with Shakti which was incredible. Thanks for the music John.

[@alexanderednie1205]

I saw John and Jimmy Herring in SF some years back. It was one of the best nights of music I’ve ever seen.

[@bobpeeleondrums]

It was much easier to be 20 in the 70's than it is to be 70 in the 20's.

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

Two music legends having a brotherly chat ❤

[@lastdaysguitar]

Bill Bruford and now John McLaughlin, I'm just going to nickname this YT channel "MY HEROES CHANNEL"! Outstanding job with breakfast, Vinnie!

[@DaniloMarrone]

It’s spectacular to see one legend interview another legend! This is priceless! Thank you too much.

[@luizrodolforiccelligalante155]

Two music gods! And is incredible how humble you are. Keep elevating our lives with your playing.

[@selwyn77]

John's song "Devotion" and Mahavishnu's "Power Of Love" are simply epic!!

[@JotaOrtiz]

What an amazing conversation by these two GIANTS

[@rocketpost1]

Superb interview between two of the greatest musicians alive today. I love John imitating the way Miles used to speak and he's got so many interesting anecdotes from the past So much mutual respect between John and Vinnie. The philosophy section at the end was just so illuminating and thought provoking. The film was so uplifting that I'll be watching it again and again. Thanks Vinnie and I've now subscribed.

[@eirikasbjrnberg8753]

I saw McLauglin live recently (last year or the year before) as a gift to my guitarist jazz playing son . I was very positively surprised . It reminded me of Crimson but with more groove . MBappe was impressive on bass and the rest was great too. I will rank it with Prince and Funcadelice and Culture (The Reggea band) as the greatest live experience ever , for me.

[@7fusionnn]

thank you so much Vinnie. you and John ji are my mentors. amazing conversation!

[@chizmo7]

I'll never forget going on a summer-long road trip with two friends when we graduated high school in 1975. I brought "Visions of the Emerald Beyond". I listened to it constantly. I think my friends thought I was crazy. John's music INSPIRED me to no end. I saw that tour and the One Truth Band live. Amazing.

[@syn707]

VotEB is my all time favorite record. I cannot get enough of it.

[@ItayZ93]

the Five Peace Band album opened my eyes to Fusion. Period. I was 15 and i’ll never forget that car ride with my parents, unfolding this album for the first time 🤯

[@rigelloar7474]

I enjoyed this so much, thanks for sharing. McLaughlin was right about the 60s, that was truly an awesome time, for everything!

[@user-tb2qq3yg4b]

Vinnie, you are the greatest. From the greatest depths of experience, you reach for the highest highs just by talking. I've never heard most of the stuff John said here. It's amazing what you bring out of every conversation. What an absolute goldmine.

[@Babassecretchannel]

Did I just find Vinnie Colaiuta’s podcast!

[@anthonyscarano2417]

Great interview..

[@biorythmicshifter]

Two legends of the craft. What a great way to start my day. Teachers of the highest musical order…

[@bigfootpegrande]

A foresee a steep growth of this fabulous channel; You both shine, gentlemen.

[@javilalima]

What a beautiful interview and conversation. Thank you for making it happen!

[@ironcurtainsteve]

JM is a great. i saw mahavishnu 4 times in the 70's and even bought the album 'devotion' when it came out (even though that album freaked me out and gave me nightmares). i'm more into rock, but mahavishnu crossed-over to be a fusion milestone. and now he's got this new yauk accent! thanks for the nice interview!

[@Tristanrgreene11]

Vinnie your the only one that questioned the whole thing cov machine and seems like no one in show business had or still have the balls to question things. The gulag always seems to rule, it sickens me still. I’m a drummer rethinking my entire life at the moment,well for the past 4 years and I’m in no way near your league. Stick with being you cus really it’s All we know yet the hardest thing to be is yourself. I hate the way things have gone and the things people have been able to do to us. Anyways keep being you we all look up to you so much. Thanks always

[@breakfastwithvinnie7228]

Thank you. I have a Rumble channel specifically for those very subjects. It’s also called Breakfast With Vinnie!

[@Tristanrgreene11]

@@breakfastwithvinnie7228 glad to know my brother. Thank you so much for saying hello I greatly appreciate that. Continue being you, and being such a great listener to the music, and the people…great moment to be reminded of our inner voice, no matter all the flood of insecurities or the amount of outside noise, it’s that important to go with our gut instinct. You wouldn’t be vinnie otherwise. ♥️

[@marcelsiebers-carljohannes]

Thanks Vin (and guests conversations😏), you are still a truly great inspiration musically, rhythmckly, Human- insightful..I love the "nostalgic" expertise thaaanks👌👌👍🎶✌️🙏☯️

[@diegooliveraa]

this is great !!!! thank you for doing this interview , so much to learn

[@lagpressure]

Another wonderful and insightful conversation between two groundbreaking musicians. While many of these musicians are winding down their careers etc.. I do believe that reflection is as equally important and compelling as the origins of inspiration. Thank you gentleman....

[@prasslhutter6255]

Thank you again! Deep conversation. Hopefully music can contribute to a better society! Greetings from Austria

[@bertbecker7532]

Must be one of the coolest and most talented people alive. This interview is from the pandemic years before Jeff Beck’s passing. Would love to see a sequel interview. Saw him and Billy Cobham in separate groups as a double bill in 1978 in Morristown, NJ.

[@simonirvine1628]

The tune that made my mind switch onto McLaughlin has to be the track "Go Ahead John" on the fabulous Miles Davis LP Big Fun. What a fu*king top tune. It cruises down that runway and takes off and fly's, I do believe that John McLaughlin is far superior than the great Jimi Hendrix and I really mean that, no joke..

[@nedgrant918]

It’s also, “Go Ahead, Jack…” great drumming!

[@simonirvine1628]

@@nedgrant918 Sorry, I am confused with your comment, what is it you are referring to exactly ?? What is "Go Ahead Jack"

[@naderzekrya5238]

It's also, "Go ahead, Steve - you take the first solo, but you Dave, you stay where you are" Only joking, yes John & Jack are both on fire here - beautifully edited by Teo Macero!

[@Zedd5]

yeah Vinnie, your show is absolutly outstanding, thank you!

[@felixgerena7987]

"The promise" is one of my favorite albums and the first time I was exposed to Vinnies sound. What a pleasure to discover you also have a great voice and a very interesting podcast.

[@jedtulman46]

VINNIE / JOHN . Awesome. What a great interview/ exchange ....gave me hope❤

[@johannhauffman323]

Absolutely wonderful ! Thank you for this !

[@claudiosantoni2220]

Grazie Maestro JMC per amare l' Italia e la lingua Italiana!!!❤

[@dimitrispiobis8234]

Very very interesting, go on , thank you guys for your musics and your ideas ! Hi from Greece !

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

Vinnie ! Your voice is deep and amazing.

[@johannhauffman323]

Love it:” If I have a really nice idea and it comes out weird , I’d rather leave it weird and let it tell me how it wants to go.”

[@johnwashburn3793]

Thank you, I appreciate this!

[@RichardBaubau]

John M rode on the power of great drummers. Walden omg

[@_Mutineer]

Wow, I found your new channel totally by accident, I am obsessed with drummers, and while a lot of folk say that Neil (RIP) was the best, and I have seen Buddy Rich 5 times, I rank you higher (apart from Buddy - that would be sacrilege). It turns out that a LOT of my favourite music over the years had you on drums.. I had no idea at the time who you were, but with your Sting, Joni and Zappa work, I discovered my favourite drummer. The Ronnie Scott's gig is on my regular music playlist, thanks Vinnie for everything. I only wanted to say how much I love your work.

[@kjc4414]

I'm confused... This and the Bruford interview (always excellent to see/hear Bill speak) appear to have been done during/just after Covid - and Liberation Time was released in 2021...yet the channel seems to be fairly newly launched... Did it take you this long to get this all together and just recently decide to start this channel? I've been a "fan" of yours (you were secretly my Mentor since Berklee!), and I actually travelled from Boston to LA to audition for Zappa - when I heard you were leaving the band... Chad got the gig - but I was of the caliber to be in the running - because of your influence .... Thank You Sir!!

[@Riddim4]

Thank you both for doing this.

[@fernandoperdomomusic]

May I request a Gino Vannelli Interview! Your drumming on Nightwalker is life changing to me

[@hybrydsanity5857]

Awesome interview enjoyed the Bill Bruford one as well !

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

Thanks Vinnie! This was great!! I'd have breakfast with you any day, and then jam for the rest of the day! I will call you as soon as I can get myself out of bed before noon!!!🤪😜

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

Yes!

[@VisibleSoundVideo]

Another great one!😁

[@johnwashburn3793]

When I was a younger man, my father's best friend had the pastor play the song "Sanctuary" in our church as the offeratory.

[@johnwashburn3793]

It obviously made an impression 56 years later. I also bought my first guitar in 1970.

[@johnwashburn3793]

John, I do disagree with you on your philosophy. Most children learn the word "MINE" at a vary early age. We are both loving, but with a selfish nature. We must learn to change our thinking and our hearts and our actions. Align with our creator and become truly human. Our nature is flawed, but we can be changed and change ourselves into something better.

[@skidmarkjohnson8452]

This is a fantastic interview!

[@breakfastwithvinnie7228]

Thank you!

[@kleberveridianogoncalvesde6293]

Magician Musician! 🙏

[@ratiug100]

Idol. 🙌🏼

[@Hologhoul]

The crazier this fucked-up world gets, the more I seem to play those classic old Mahavishnu Orchestra albums.

[@michaelfaeth]

Vinnie, thank you for this great interview. If you get the chance, please post the original date it was conducted.

[@kjc4414]

I believe - based on the conversation - it was around the beginning of 2021... He said the LP was coming out in July - and it was released in 2021... So before then at least...

[@michaelfaeth]

@@kjc4414 Cool, thanks for your reply.

[@TALinTune]

Thank you…… thank you…

[@jeanjacquesschnell7191]

at lennie' on the turnpike the drummer ? jack dejohnette

[@mireksdroom]

Yesssss!!!

[@wolowolowolo]

I need restrains to find freedom...deep

[@elbib2446]

johnny mac,still going strong

[@pologallan7809]

I think John may have had a drink or two ❤️🙏🏻😜

[@lettherebemorelight]

23:19 🙌

[@naderzekrya5238]

Really? Al Foster with Bartz, Jarrett, Michael Henderson....Holland, Airto Wasn't it Jack?

[@killmoreturtles]

Vinnie., as a drummer, did you always used to say to yourself that you could be as good as any other drummer in the world? Not saying that you had to think that you're better than anyone else, but just if you felt deeply that you could be as good as any other drummer ? (while also wanting to retain your own approach of course )

[@Calbertone]

Is this interview 2 years old?

[@reidwhitton6248]

2021

[@DogCatchersBand]

Rick Laird passed away nearly 3 years ago: the comment about him being currently in hospice makes no sense.

[@D97Music]

Obviously, this interview isn't current.

[@pendleburyable]

Well not in2024 John,unfortunately,a lot of people in the world are rooting for the bad guys….play on.

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Yeah well...we now know it was a total scam. Those who fell for it, helped it along (as was the plan). Gonna fall for the next one?

[@vbassone]

It couldn't have been Al Foster on drums at the Lennie's On The Turnpike gig that John Mclaughlin refers to here because Keith Jarrett never was in a Miles Davis lineup with Al Foster; they missed each other by just under a year between the time Jarrett leaves Miles and Al Foster joins in 1972 for the "On The Corner" sessions. The drummer on that LOTT gig was almost definitely Jack DeJohnette. Basically it was still the lineup from the "Cellar Door" sessions; Miles, Gary Bartz, Keith Jarrett, Michael Henderson, Jack DeJohnette, Airto, and McLaughlin as a featured guest occasionally. Or to look at it from another perspective chronologically speaking, if it was in fact Al Foster on drums, then it was definitely not with Keith Jarrett on keys. It could be that John McLaughlin is not remembering accurately the exact personnel because it is so long ago which is understandable. Simply said, if it was Al Foster on drums it was almost definitely very very late 1971 or more likely 1972, and that would have been a very different MILES DAVIS lineup at that point from the "Cellar Door" lineup with Jarrett, Dejohnette, and Bartz. Lastly, it was almost definitely not 1972 because the Mahavishnu Orchestra was already putting out Birds of Fire by then, so McLaughlin would have been two albums into the MO by then. Tiki Fulwood, drummer most known for his playing in Parliament-Funkadelic, quit P-Funk in 1972 and actually played for one week in March 1972 with Miles Davis's band at Lennie's On The Turnpike. He was fired during that stint with Miles at LOTT in 1972 because he was obliterated on drugs and passed out on his drums during the gig.

[@vbassone]

@@user-tg5rk5pt5o Exactly, however "embellishes" isn't exactly the right word. I honestly think McLaughlin simply just doesn't remember accurately in many cases.

[@KONAMAN100]

Nice analysis man

[@vbassone]

@@KONAMAN100 Thanks!

[@vbassone]

I also read that in addition to Tony Levin, Gene Perla was asked before Rick Laird to join MO.