British guitarist reacts to John McLauglin's UNUSUAL toned technique fest!

[@billbernhard3582]

Six decades of musicianship does not a novice make ! John McLaughlin resides at the apex of a lifelong commitment to guitar innovation and collaboration, among many and differing styles and impulses. He is a master creator of the musical travelogue that is and has been his life's thrill and expressive impetus. His work beckons to all who seek the voyage with him.

[@chickentwisties2298]

John McLaughlin is a beast absolute beast! Top 10 greatest guitarists that ever walked the earth!

[@chriswilliams8849]

His skill level, technics, and mix of different styles and cultures in his playing is almost unapproachable. Mind blown. Again. He got me years ago with his playing in the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Damn....

[@Corilo91]

John Mclaughlin is amazing! one of my favorite guitarist!

[@Mikex0123]

John is so good. I wish I could see him play live again.

[@rushfanjames2112]

John’s mastery of the guitar seems spiritual at the very least.

[@kensod6034]

John is incredible. His patterns are enriching. Smooth as silk.. Up and down the fretboard. I'm hooked...keeps me going.mixed in a lil blues good ole' stuff. Thanks professor Rock 🎸

[@spookytoothable1911]

I love your comment at the end; it's what I admire most about his playing - his fearlessness, the desire to just go for it and the willingness to find out what happens when you take chances.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍☺

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I have the pleasure of seeing John McLaughlin through his career he is a true consumate musician. I have never tired of his interest of different musicality. He is a master of his instrument and direction. Thank you for this post FIL ,always look forward to your interest. Keep up the good work.

[@josemolina959]

I have never been the same since the night in 1972 when I saw John McLaughlin play at Wesleyan College in Meriden Connecticut with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Thanks Fil.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@goddessservant6669]

I've never been the same since I heard between nothingness and eternity when I was about 15. Changed my life... Phil, I love your channel 😁🤘

[@blainglenn7184]

Four years later, I also would enjoy you doing a review of Mahavishnu Orchestra.

[@guitardude4700]

He is such an amazing guitarist

[@AlexDeLarge77]

I can’t believe I’ve just found this channel. I love the positivity and enthusiasm along with the explication. Very insightful and I’m learning tons which is great. But more importantly I’m opening up to different music, now that is really cool.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@bzbzob]

Hi, he is using a synth system called the Photon on his guitar, a friend of mine installed it for him! It was not on the market for very long, but apparently tracked way better than the kind you had - I had one too, it was not easy to make it work without glitching out!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@careyvinzant]

The Photon was made by a company called Phi Tech. JM used it on Que Alegria, but not much on subsequent albums. I'm guessing that's because by 1994 or 1995 he had changed guitars. The guitar with the Photon was the Wechter "Marielle." By 1995 he was playing the Wechter "Notre Dame."

[@alwaysprepared]

Love how you really seem to give into all sorts of different artists with great insights! I'd love to hear an analysis of Birds of Fire from Mahavishnu Orchestra's studio album!

[@WilliamJones-sf5pt]

That was a Ken Scott engineered album. Also did Crime of the Century for Supertramp. I found Mahavishno Orchestra to be similar in style to King Crimson.

[@michaelhayward7572]

L e g e n d. Would be great to analyze some Mahavishnu. 3-4 of their timeless jazz rock classics that have stood the test of time and never been bettered.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@ivonsmith3095]

Wings of Pegasus Phil you’re doing a great job! That wonder on your face listening to john is what I’ve felt nearly 40 years. I’m glad you can share this with the world. Thnx.

[@fiddleronthecube7835]

I saw The Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1970 at the Whiskey here in Hollywood. When John got down on one knee and played by himself it was jaw dropping. Never have I heard such technique on a guitar before or since. I've heard that most guitarists are jealous of his right hand rather than his left. I wished the camera had zeroed in on his right in this video. Funny that I just watched the Glen Campbell doing Galveston and was going to ask if you can analyze Birds of Fire or Meeting of the Spirits, but maybe your audience isn't into fusion.

[@lessevdoolbretsim]

I saw him with Trilok Gurtu and Kia Eckhart in Memphis, then Little Rock in the same night. Went to 'em with Shawn Lane. Got to meet McLaughlin. Amazing night.

[@WilliamJones-sf5pt]

He forgot to mention that it is this fellow here that is believed by many to be the greatest guitarist ever. Incomparable age! So many great guitar players!!

[@ValueAudio]

While John is way down on Rolling Stone’s Greatest 100 Guitarists list, Jeff Beck, Pat Metheny, and Robert Fripp have considered him the best in the world.

[@guitarman6742]

Rolling Stoned doesn't know know Jack!

[@Tiubel]

He is the one and only!!

[@maryv4363]

For years I've enjoyed the mesmerizing John McLauglin. Thanks for the analysis!

[@chilipepers2134]

Another fun video! Thanks Fil. ROCK!!!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@michaelwilkinson7638]

Fil, love your expressions when these cats playing something interesting, that moves you...you can see how much you appreciate their talent. Yea man!

[@hericbagley8286]

what a gorgeous absolutely beautiful guitar, isn't that an ovation headstock similar anyway, John's playing is a spiritual exercise a meditation in fluidity he's long been one of my heroes

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@tomhazelton3070]

It's a custom guitar by Abe Wechter. That one may have been called Katia II.

[@phil2bfree]

I saw John at a Mahavishnu Orchestra concert decades ago & have been a huge fan ever since. John is truly one of the greatest guitarists alive. But don't take my word for it. I was listening to "Jeff Beck interview & performance" on youtube & then by coincidence or divine intervention, I saw Fil's analysis. Jeff & John have played together & Jeff says "if you think you are getting good, just listen to John or Django [Reinhardt]." Wow, it doesn't get any better than that.

[@sonnymaupin9267]

How on earth did I miss this? I blame utube! ;) I was fortunate enough to see both The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Chick Corea's Return to Forever at an outdoor jazzfest back in the day. One of my favorite concerts of all time

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yeah this video got blocked, but then unblocked by the copyright holders. It's a shame because a lot of people haven't seen this one!

[@ivonsmith3095]

Johns nylon guitar here was custom by Abe Wechter (ex Gibson); it has a Photon synth built under the saddle out to the synth box; not keyboard as such. He just blends the acoustic/synth sound via expression peddle and can hold chords for backing too OR run whole lines in loop mode to play over

[@donlofting4268]

Speed with the musical sacrifice beautiful

[@imabeliever85]

One of the best guitarists I’ve ever heard. Maybe the best

[@vmat1000]

John's a monster player. Saw the Trio II but dug the Keystone SF Mahavishnu date more. Sure, Inner, Birds, Between, Electric albums were great but this date meant the most. "Hey, John. Where's the synth axe?" "I think we're getting on fine here." was his response. Just a 'paul thru a combo amp in a quartet setting.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@robbyrob0723]

John saw Allan Holdsworth for the first time and met him backstage. He told Allan that he loved his playing so much that he would steal everything he does if he only knew what he was doing

[@Oneness100]

Just to give you a little background. On the MO Inner Mounting Flame album, I think they tracked it in 2 to 3 days, I believe they had to take an extra day because McLaughlin melted his Marshall amp. Maybe he pushed the volume to 11. :-) Bird of Fire was tracked in a couple of days too. They literally just setup, got tone, burned through each song and probably ended up with first or second takes. they mixed down in 1 day, so they were done very quickly. Same with Billy Cobham Spectrum album, the electric songs with Tommy Bolin and Janwere done in literally 2 days no real rehearsal, most were 1st and 2nd takes….

[@skiptrace1888]

You ought to do an analysis of John with the Mahavisnu Orchestra

[@johnmc3862]

Good man Phil!!

[@riclrk9947]

John has been blowing my mind since I first heard inner mountain flame in the 70s and proceeded to buy everything I could find and was blown away again.Incredible player....

[@oldschoolouterbanks]

Hidden on John's LOVE DEVOTION SURRENDER album with Carlos in 1973?? is what I consider one of Santana's best solos. 3:30 seconds of inspired playing no doubt. It is on Let us go into the House of the Lord, after John's opening nooddeling at 3:02. I'd love to hear you react to that gem!! Thanks. Did I mention Promise of a Fisherman on BORBALETTO?? Phil, keep on keeping on, with Dignity!! Greatly appreciated.....Chaz

[@oldschoolouterbanks]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5S7na2tfqtgd5o

[@Joshualbm]

It's interesting how his left hand is almost always at the same angle. He seems to keep his fingers very close together as if to carry his hand up and down the neck but using tightly articulated finger patterns instead of making wide reaches. I liken it to an IBM Selectric ball versus the standard fanned out typewriter arrangement. I could be wrong as well.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

This man is a total master and when he starts doing his Indian scales mixed with blues and Jazz its quite scary.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@jazzlefty]

Jon used axón synth ,system the transducer are down the bridge concected TO and 8 pin cable, míxed with the sound of the mic that comes out of the soundhole

[@michaelhayward7572]

Don't forget the Indian & Far East influence in his playing. Regards from NE Thailand.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@dennispfohl3004]

Yes you need to check out Shakti. @@wingsofpegasus

[@mkivy]

And u finally played my wife’s favorite artist. She saw him in Columbia SC...way back when 1970 I think 💭...I love playing my cat-gut classical guitar...wow plays those runs well...pull-offs, and hammer on! I use them all the time.

[@neilmadden625]

The latter part of John's noodling here is reminiscent of his guitar-drums duel with Billy Cobham on 'Dream' from the 'Between Nothingness and Eternity' album. Check it out!

[@xxxmikben]

Incredible guitar playing, amazing musician. John Mclaughlin GOAT ❤

[@arcaliasgiants9813]

Great to see this vid, love his solo sound here which I first noticed halfway through “Florianopolis”. I saw him live around that time at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach ... sad I was too young to see the Mahavishnu lineup with Cobham, Hammer and company!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@danielschaeffer1294]

Thanks! I've been a McLaughlin fan ever since "Bitches Brew." I saw four different versions of the Orchestra -- amazing. I'll check out the link and put it in favorites.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@frankbossert4050]

Also, in a silent way what a lineup on that album as well!!🎶🎼🎵🎸🔥🔥🔥

[@frankbossert4050]

How about analyzing mahavishnu birds of fire fil?

[@brianpatterson7332]

Since you express an interest in hearing how this would sound with keyboards, drums and bass - here's the original studio version of this piece, entitled One Melody. It's very different in mood, reminiscent almost of Weather Report. It's probably the last piece you'd expect to be used for a solo guitar performance! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZPEiXlthMiDes0

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@Costa_Conn]

The 'solo' is Dream from the B side of Mahavishnu Orchestra Live. The 'duel' between McLaughlin and Billy Cobham will blow your mind.

[@ivonsmith3095]

thanks for choosing John

[@elfcounsul]

Zappa was awestruck by him.

[@offbeatinstruments]

Some years ago I bought a Steinberger headless guitar in Bath and I wrote to the owner to see if the guitar had any history to it. He was a producer and the guitar was from his studio where people being recorded could noodle on it inbetween recording. One of those noodlers was John McLaughlin, but sadly it was never used on his recordings...

[@wingsofpegasus]

Cool!

[@skiptrace1888]

My #1 guitarist of all time!

[@richardtrotter6008]

There's a reason why he played with Miles Davis.

[@blainglenn7184]

Sounds a lot like One Word by the original Mahavishnu Orchestra lineup. Would love you to analyze a performance by that amazing lineup.

[@rexvisitor44]

Hey Fil have you analyzed Larry Coryell at all? Played with McLaughlin quite a lot. .

[@wingsofpegasus]

Not yet!

[@romaneberle]

isn't it a Photon guitar synth? pickup is in the bridge, i think. and i think he has a pedal to hold current notes. (sorry for being vague, these are just bits of information I picked up over the years, can't remember the sources.)

[@bearbryant3495]

Loved this guy since Mahavishnu. Drums, bass and some keys and you have jazz.

[@Varksterable]

In their case you'd probably only need one of those things. Hell, they probably did jazz just walking up the stairs. (John falling awkwardly back down was the weird counterpoint bit.)

[@AbstractMan23]

loved the video (and your channel) - but why did it end before the piece finished? i wanted to hear how the piece resolved, and then hear your conclusion. you left out the last 40 seconds! after all that tension he built, i think we all wanted to hear how he resolved it. ;-) cheers!

[@stevew585]

Incredible!

[@JFK1180]

With Shakti i think he is just beyond!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

magical

[@Bklynviathebridge]

He plays it like Ravi on the sitar.

[@AbstractMan23]

check out his album "Qué Alegría" which features this same acoustic/midi guitar tone, along with percussion and electric bass. i think you'd enjoy it. :-)

[@ivonsmith3095]

You mention background band whilst hes playing this: He DOES: On the Mahavishnu album Adventure in Radio Land he plays some of this on the nylon with full band

[@To.Si.Ma.]

The best.

[@PedroNord]

🦋

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

He mastered the waves of sound.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@mainsblanches8793]

One of is favorite guitars!!...

[@michaelwilson2340]

He kind of resembles Guy Clark now. The hair really does it. If he had lived, I think Nick Drake and John could have worked some magic together.

[@egraham1215]

he called it the photon - a pioneer of live looping.

[@egraham1215]

Photon Midi interface

[@johnunderwood3132]

Have you done one with Al DiMeola

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yes ☺

[@dan0711123]

Do you guys still use catgut guitar strings

[@countvlad8845]

If you have done John and Paco... Al Di Meola should be next.

[@wingsofpegasus]

He's here already ☺

[@tonymango1121]

Great intro

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@mcasualjacques]

could be fun to have a pointer or a highlighter pen over the video area

[@Oneness100]

His got all kinds of electronics inside and he's triggering an external box that does a B3 sound and others.

[@LuvHrtZ]

I can hear a loop playing in the background or there's a delay line playing a drone in back.

[@stevew585]

BREATHTAKING!

[@tonymango1121]

Damn it jamming

[@Bravohi]

Another great video. He has been one of my all time favorite guitarists since the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Could you analyze one of those videos? Also you have covered most of my favorite guitarists with one exception. I kind of hate to ask this when you just covered the master but Could you check out John Goodsall? Either from his Brand X days or when he was in the Fire Merchants? A really good song with the Fire Merchants is called Flame Keeper. I love your videos. Keep up the good work

[@perseapolaris9015]

Hi..fil.l apreciate John mc Laughlin,,especially with Paco de Lucia and his hispanics' accents.l like flamenco.because l have myself hispanics' origins..dear fil..l Dreams Always of you..we love you..and all together we love music...rock.!.very.sweet.kisses..have a Nice day .!

[@Lightmane]

I think all you guitar players came here from another galaxy, to blow our minds, just for fun : )

[@Varksterable]

My guitar teacher let me listen to MhO at one point. (Birds of Fire, I think.) That was possibly more of a lesson than anything about technique or sight reading or theory could ever have been. It was a vision. A fuel. But now I see why you can't really have one without the other. To realise that vision takes a lot of skill and dedication. Um. Just liked the reaction. Not quite sure why I felt the need to try and explain why. Shrug. #coopedupinabrickbox🏠

[@jackcockburn8259]

What kind of guitar is this?

[@wingsofpegasus]

It might be a Godin, but I'm not sure!

[@RodBolt]

🤘Interesting player.

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@billburchell8597]

Absolutely annoying camera work on John. Why do "professional" cameramen insist on showing his back or close ups of his face or of one hand, when all we want to see is a straight view of him playing the guitar WITH BOTH HANDS.

[@bosun1724]

have you ever analyzed a player that you didn't like or didn't impress you ?

[@wingsofpegasus]

I have analysed players whose playing wasn't my taste, but it doesn't mean I don't like them. They're just musicians making music how they want to, like me! I'll generally try to point as many positives as I can.

[@williamweir1547]

And most of the time his eyes are closed...yikes!!

[@Astrolavista]

Have you reacted to Sarah Longfield yet?

[@wingsofpegasus]

Not yet!

[@robertosolito1276]

You know A L E X M A S I ?

[@kensod6034]

A

[@robertmac7833]

I wish Fil was my brother.

[@robertmac7833]

Hey, we all love Fil. He’s a friend to musician’s everywhere!

[@duledule1127]

WHAT ARE YOU EVEN TALKING ABOUT?!

[@alexanderednie6185]

MAHIVISHNU!!!

[@philr5497]

Why does Johns work seem so real compared to a shredder like Tina S?

[@wingsofpegasus]

John's sound is more matured, Tina still has those years ahead of her!

[@mikebell4129]

I wouldn't even mention Tina S in the same sentence with McLaughlin, Di Meola, Holdsworth, Gambale, or any of those technical Jazz.Fusion monsters.

[@richardharris5577]

He always plays too fast for my tastes, though that first Shakti album is in my top 5.

[@bosun1724]

or how bout somebody you thought was over rated ?

[@wingsofpegasus]

I don't like to rate players 😅

[@user-mt9tn1ni4g]

I am a big fan of acoustic guitar playing and John Mayall is a in my opinion very talented musician but it lacks feeling there's no emotion just a series of quick notes there's nothing new about it no feeling nothing that makes you want to start stomping your feet or clapping it's clean it's technically perfect it's beautiful and it's pushed through effects they were playing this type of thing 80 years ago without the effects you need to do a long feature on Jimmy Page's acoustic when there's a guy sitting on a stool playing an acoustic guitar with no effects and he can get the whole stadium to stand up and start stomping and clapping no that's what I want to hear again it's just an observation or an opinion and thank you for all your videos love your analysis and input keep it up

[@owenhu9465]

Firstly, get the name right, John Mayall is a blues musician. Secondly, just because you dont wanna stomp your feet or clap to his music, doesn't mean that it lacks emotion. It's a very common opinion, and honestly an ignorant one, that fast players and technical players "lack emotion". It's almost a default fallback when someone doesn't understand or appreciate the music. The extreme dynamics and beauty in John's playing here show nothing but emotion.

[@blacksnow150]

@@owenhu9465 hi sorry but i don't feel it either ,, he is a brilliant technical guitarist and i am impressed by his ability ,,but that piece leaves me cold,, a soulless stream of musical masturbation ,, someone like Gary Moore or B,B King can put more feeling in one note than that whole piece had PS it's also a bit much to accuse someone of being ignorant and stupid because they don't share your opinion , especially when it concerns music which works best when it elicits an emotional response ,,, my response to this piece was "mehh" brilliant performance ,,,,,,,,,,, but,,,,,,,,,,, i aint adding it to any of my playlists ,, it's a personal preference thing not a lack of knowledge , for example i can listen to anything from punk, pop, country, classical, reggae, metal, blues etc and find something I enjoy but disco and jazz just rub my fur the wrong way ,, it's a personal preference thing ,, and anyway good music will create an emotional response regardless of whether you understand it or not .... death before disco! :) peace out

[@blacksnow150]

@Amish deviant with Herpes yes, yes i do,because it was soulless musical masturbation and i don't give a fuck who he has played with ,, like i said he is technically brilliant , but to be honest i would rather listen to a punk band thrashing 3 chords with passion than a clinical robotic performance with no feeling ,sorry but that's how i feel or how his performance made me feel , and getting a potted version of his life story from a butthurt fanboy aint gonna change that ,and anyway i was talking about this one performance not his back catalogue ,,which going by said performance i aint in a hurry to check out , it's all about personal taste and its not to mine

[@jackal59]

@@blacksnow150 Just keep on doubling down, man. Maybe if you use the word "masturbation" about five more times you'll convince all of those who are feeling a lot from this that we're wrong.

[@blacksnow150]

@@jackal59 look mate i don't give a fuck if you "feel it " i dont ,, music is like art totally subjective ,, not everyone has to like the same things and it doesn't mean ether of us is wrong when we don't , ,if that's how you get your groove on great enjoy blast it 24 7 if you want ,, but it's not my bag baby and that's all there is to it and you aren't going to convince me im wrong ether so get over it

[@lijosmiles]

From John fahey to Mc Laughlin.. From Soul to Speed... Real music missing in between

[@seanmiller7889]

1st!

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂👍