McLaughlin, Jon - Conversations Lyrics

9:12 John : " oh record.. yeah the record shops It was haven, wasnt it ? we grew up with that store and then you know you try a record with your friends, it was a place to hang out and listen and now its gone.. Isnt it sad ? and I miss it. but you know, life goes on "

John getting pretty sentimental and rightly so. This brought a tear to my eye and revealed for a moment that hidden scar in the heart. I truly miss those days, the camaraderie of hangin with friends in our respected basements, spinning that new record bought that day, playing it thru all hours of the night.

Awesome!!!

So tired of Indian religion, yoga, Islam and all these hippies telling us how great it is, and at the same time bashing anything related to Christianity. Same old crap, retold over and over.

Remember what Zappa once said about his playing?

He lets the guitar sing for him

He sounds like Christopher Walken at times.

Way to go dad

Lol. “I did it for ... 15months”

Number One

1979 - John McLaughlin and the 'One Truth Band' in concert - State Theatre, Sydney
This concert was a turning point in my life.
The experience - and it was an existential ' experience ' - showed me what I wanted to do in life. In some way - I didn't quite know how at the time - I wanted to recreate the experience that John McLaughlin had provided for us on that night.
http://www.inglisacademy.com/index.php/blog/582-mclaughlin-band-1979

"Poor and Happy" sums up this interview.. John knows that no one takes their money or popularity with them except their soul. Shame that the interviewer missed so many moments to go deeper with John... you can see the disappointment's in John's face.

what a great interview. the interviewer does an amazing job to coax the stories out of him, people could learn a thing or two from his techniques. Made me feel nice from start to end. Truley captivating

This interview ended far too soon. Johnny Mac blew my mind when seeing him perform on Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert around ‘73. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for sharing this.

I kept hoping the interviewer would ask McLaughlin directly if he was influenced by the Django/Stephane guitar and violin dynamic when he formed Mahavishnu and brought in Jerry Goodman.

Stop using auto noise reduction and tnx for all the knowledge giving away.

One of the Geartest guitarist/ compose, truely among the vanguards. After AH has gone hes the only one of a kind left now truely, a worlds treasure, through and through.

Flyest man on the planet

I want to see rick beato do some questions with John

That could get a bit more technical than this interview which is soo much in depth on how Johns minds thinks and where he was in the early days.

I was able to talk to John for about 20 minutes after a Remember Shakti concert in Kendal in early 2000, and I can confirm what a totally sound, friendly, nice guy he is. He, Zakir, Selvaganesh and Shrinivas (RIP) had played the most wonderful gig, but they chatted to me and a friend until they had to leave for the hotel. Thoroughly ok dude.

Thanks John for your inspiration, for your music that invited me to go to India to fulfill my karma 40 years ago. Mahavishnu Orchestra and then Shakti made me discover my spirituality. Jazz and Indian classical music are so similar, allowing infinite improvisations wandering so far away but always coming back to the closing (or beginning) point of the circle. No life without music & spirituality... Am in love with your beautiful personality and your music since the very first time I met you, at the age of 17, your sincerely Lotus Flower 🙏

Wow what an interview!! I think David Schroeder did a great job of unobtrusively asking some provocative questions and then just getting out of John's way and letting him answer and reminisce. I didn't know he was so deep into traditional jazz. I also never knew he was such a Coltrane fan. I mean we all are of course, but he appears to be deeply, deeply affected by him. The only way this video could have been better would be to show video flashbacks to footage of what he was talking about, but that's a whole other level of production :) 

I've also been curious about his Belo Horizonte years and what he was going through then. His technique was off the charts during that era. For example there's YT footage somewhere of him playing La Baleine with Chick Corea and it might be me, but Chick is looking a little blown away, a little daunted, something I've never seen before.
I was also curious to hear about the guitar synth years. The sonic tapestry on those albums is so rich-- I was listening to those albums every day, and each listen I'd hear something new. There's nothing kitschy or mickey-mouse on them, everything is so deep. I remember falling asleep listening to Adventures in Radioland and dreaming that I could fly-- I was flying over the ocean, then suddenly I dove into the water and continued to fly underwater, looking around... Strange days those.

I just watched an interview with Al DiMeola, and the contrast between these two personalities really couldn't be more obvious. John has no pretensions and no discernible ego, whereas Al just kind of seems like an arrogant jerk. I've met them both in real life, and the same holds true.

Al di Meola is a troubled soul, but that doesn't stop him being an outstanding musician. Johnny Mac has done a lot of spiritual work as well as working on his music. Al has mostly just worked on his music.

Sufi center in New-York!!...WOW!!...what a great "conversation"!!...OM SHANTI OM!!...

I would just love to give Mr.John a high 5, a hug and a wink, HE KNOWS.

Newsflash! Never try and have a verbal conversation with John....lol

Bill TK, radiant soul , Bill knows... from John mclaughlin. Tama .. phhoooaaoo.

So Beautiful! My Infinite Gratitude...AUM...AUM...AUM...

I had the honor of meeting John 25 years ago in his dressing room after his show.I told him he was my hero...he shook his head,scoffed at "hero",then said no... he's not a hero...he was gracious,shook my hand,signed an autograph...thank you,Sir John.

56:28.....I would have loved to hear that version of Dance of Maya with Miles soloing on top of it!

I would have loved to hear that version of Dance of Maya with Miles soloing on top of it

McLaughlin sounds so much like a much more relaxed Christopher Walken. Great Man, McLaughlin.

What is the opening song??

Birds of Fire was my musical awakening. From then on, everything John did, I absorbed.

Historically important interview.

honesty

Amazing accent for someone from Doncaster . Its further away than i thought

THe interviewer looks like a giant! haha

I got into indian classical and quallali folk music and saw john maclaughlin cassettes for sale in Delhi and yehudi menuhin too and they did many collaburations with great indian musicians like zakir hussein. I heard rivers deserts mountains with Ravi Shankar harrisiprad chaurrassia flute bismillah khan shennai which snake charmers play. wonderful musicians and also the great pakisyani folk singer Nusrat Ali Feteh Khan who was world famous and sadly died when I was in Chitral just after the 50th year of pakistans independence. Lady Diana died the same time in paris and I had no idea how loved she was in Pakistan because they told me the sad news as Im British. yes john is so famous in India more than in the UK.

Totally amazing. What a beautiful man and what it means to be a REAL musician. thank you John.

YEAH...¡¡¡

What a lovely human being. What a musician. What a life!

One of the greatest guitarists in music history and a wonderful person as well, cheers John, you changed my life!

God bless John and many thanks for your music which has always inspired me.

I switched from Death Metal to Mahavishnu Orchestra, as in, for the past week as of now, i have been listening to Mahavishnu Orchestra every time i listen to music. It is really touching. Thanks John (and the rest of the members). I literally feel like a different person. You kinda opened my eyes, man.

Death Metal can feel a bit too constrained sometimes by the almost obligation to be heavy. I still listen to death metal but I just wish the death metal were not constrained to the ideas of what constitutes as death metal because I frankly find it too constrained.

i think so too. i think alot of it has to do with the culture that surrounds it. the clothes, the mosh pits, the imagery, the standard licks, etc... its like, Fusion guys like Mclaughlin really went out of their way to realize a creative vision using music as a vehicle, whereas Death metal guys, Metalcore guys, Hardcore guys, even Thrash guys are generally more concerned with capturing a specific aesthetic. y'know, its funny, it took a Rockabilly guy and me showing him some death metal for me to realize this, i had him listen to it and he said, "y'know when they arent doing the death metal thing, its like they're doing Jazz Fusion, I bet you would really like Mahavishnu Orchestra." And I do!

Thanks for the upload. Wonderful player. I especially like John's playing on the "In A Silent Way" album.

It's tragic that John fell for eastern religions and that "meditation" stuff. He came from atheistic England, where hardly anyone knows the truth about God and most don't care. That made him easy prey for the devil's religions. These phoney setups sound very impressive to one who does not know God. Think of the title "My Goal's Beyond". It grabs you. It sounds deep and important. Likewise, "A Love Supreme". Trane didn't know the Lord either, but the essay on the cover is quite impressive.

So, how does one get to know (the only) God? His name is the Lord Jesus Christ, and he says "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) So, Jesus (God in a human body) is the way to God, not Hinduism or Meditation or Shri Chimney. The Bible says "Without shedding of blood is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22). This means that Jesus's sinless blood is the only thing that can wash our sins away. No religion of any kind provides this. It is the gift of God for every believer. How do I get in on this? Read Acts, Chapter 16. Verse 31 says "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." That's all you have to do: believe.

Without Jesus, whatever you claim your goal is, you will go to the flames of hell when you die, and God doesn't want that.

Bullshit!

I appreciate your perspective. However, the Jesus and God you seek professes that no man shall judge another, but accept and love one another. Try that and you'll be more at peace with your religion and relationships to everyone you don't understand. We agree on one thing, John M. is a great musician, compassionate human, and the music world and humans are better for his presence.

Tommy Black you are brainwashed.
Religion means “to bind”. These so-called “religions” have NOTHING to do with TRUE spirituality.
Your man Jesus knew that, but apparently YOU don’t

Total piffle

I just couldn't switch this off....fascinating interview with a truly original musician.

Jazz derived or owes a debt to  classical music MMnnnnn.

thanx for posting this .It is a great interview and the final words of John are wonderful.....

One of the most interesting interviews and one of the most amazing musicians...

Totally captivating listening to John... I now have a better insight into what's driving his creativity.  Thank you!

Beautiful!

The old dude on the right is a walking Valium.

lessevdoolbretsi

Ole Johnny Mack has become a testy old codger.

Shut your yap freak

camera setup could have been better

best guitar solo ever on mahavishnu track nightriders.....The guy is on fire right there

tremendous human being

Thank you, Dave for this superb interview. thank you John for your beautiful talk. John speaks from an age that has long gone by now, yet of recent historical significance. The trajectory of jazz to modern improvised music was a unique phenomenon in the history of music and to listen to someone who was at the centre of great changes in the music, itself is exciting. If only the impulse that propelled the musicians, the society, the consumer, the passive and active audiences could continue unhindered, the music would still be on a path or multiple paths relevant as ever. John speaks to relevance by being true to himself and to the audiences he plays to. Refreshing as ever.

damnit he doesnt confirm if it was Chick Corea or not on that recording with Jack DeJohnette

Coming from a guy who composed "Guardian Angels"....

G.Gorrell my all time favourite pieces of guitar music. So many great things to say but Johns solo on that track staggers me on so many levels beauty being the utmost.

The untouchable down to earth. Fabulous!

more cow bell

wow! what a beautiful person, there are some parts so profound it's incredible the interviewer isn't just blown away, great job keeping up with this amazing human being

And... take away all he extras (and the chops) John is still a guy who loves the instrument, just another #$%^$@ guitar player! Pedals, strings, scuffling for $$ while keeping the idealism intact.... beautiful.

Wonderful interview, John still has the wonder and enthusiasm of youth, a lesson to all us "older" musicians... never forget why you picked up the instrument and your love for music.

16 bars of D minor......

I agree great interview...john is the best..

Fascinating interview. He is more fixated on praising others than himself. And what a memory. Beautiful soul

He's brainwashed

What a wonderful interview it would be If I could find - at least - english subtitle... Ciao from Italia!

I remember listening to the album, "Making music" with a friend. After the piece called Zakir the thought came to me "Music doesn't get any better than this". J MLaughlin just embodies everything that is wonderful about music.

A life changing event, this interview. You never know where these things will drop in from. Amazing!

Took me hours to watch, had to keep finding all those tracks John kept referencing as influences I hadn't yet heard.

from 10 years old I grew up studying the blues. For me, Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Lemon Jefferson are totally unique...My favs. Saw John, Paco, Al  in '85. Unforgettable...

John McLaughlin a gracious and humble man and one of the greatest guitar players you'll ever meet anywhere

Thank you so much for this Higher Learning conversation

John is an explorer. And through his music he has connected us all on his journeys.

John McLaughlin is hands down one of the best 5 guitar players ever. That man is sharp as a razor. He knows a thing or 3 about life. Respect. Wonderful interview.

Dear Dr. Schroeder, please take note:

transcend
verb [ T ]
uk ​ /trænˈsend/ us ​/trænˈsend/ formal

to go further, rise above, or be more important or better than something, especially a limit: The best films are those which transcend national or cultural barriers.The underlying message of the film is that love transcends everything else.

Wonderful interview!

unbelievable deep and honest... a wondeful, inspiring and encouraging interviw!!! thanks so much...

Bomboclaat McLaughlin is now trying to white wash Jazz Music. Just saying.

I'm a teacher. Listen up, young people! Skip school when necessary.

Very god interview. It's a pity though, that he misunderstands the Swedish critic who interviewed Coltrane after the Stockholm concert in 1960. Actually Carl-Eric Lindgren was the most progressive of the Swedish writers at that time and he liked Coltrane very very much. In the interview he is quoting other writers, saying "some critics say you are angry, are you really?" And Coltrane answers "no."

Awesome.

dr david knows the sound great interview

John is a life-long student, wonderful life and results galore. Great interview, thanks!

Wow! Listened straight through the whole interview. Amazed by JM's story (and music).

John McLaughlin never fails to be erudite, stimulating, polite, giving and charming in interviews. Great man, great musician.

Beautiful interview. Thank you!

With all the SPEED he always shows SOUL....one of the Best...easily...

who screamed play marbles johnny at the house of blues in chicago 2008 lol

Fantastic interview. McLaughlin's path is definitely something to think about; the world is lucky to have had such an open, receptive, and talented being who was encouraged from such a young age and exposed to so many styles of music and able to absorb so much. I started listening to McL in the late 60's, with Miles Davis and didn't especially come away that impressed. But Inner Mounting Flame/Mahavishnu was like getting blasted by cosmic rays from another universe. That was just the first of many times over the past (almost) 50 years of following him that McL showed up playing like utterly nobody else on the planet.

Seriously,and live they even outdo there studio albums,I have herard them take a song thats absolutely great like you know you know the studio version,play it live and make it literally 50 times better,the live version of you know you know just everything from all of them especially Mclaughlin and Cobaham and the very underrated Violin player-Jerry Goodman_ I believe just take it to the absolute extreme next level live.

that interview was beautiful! john always strikes me as wonderfully child-like. such an amazingly gifted and hyper-motivated guitarist--but absolutely so egotistic swagger- he celebrates all the people ans situations that have fueled his musical experience-this is the man who put the group together that did "Inner Mounting Flame" he deserves a medal of honor just for that

Fantastic! Such depth, such passion, such insight....

great great great!

this is the best interview I've ever seen...I'm obviously biased by a profound love for John McLaughlins music...and what's not to love.
This is of historical significance.

CUMBERSOME interview, interviewer doesn't seem to understand who John is.......Django? ?? really dude...........

phil weaver Django was one of John's biggest influences​

Maybe a grammy award for the best musician of all time , should be given to this soul before he leaves the world.

Listen to what he says, his final thoughts in this interview. In the past John has said himself He doesn't want or need rewards or statues or medals etc " I've been blessed to live a full life in music. Being able to give and receive much happiness thru that. This is the blessing in life that is far greater than any award"

one of the greatest enlighten guitarist that i will treasure for my lifetime and from his experience in music and spiritual , he is a great GURU for me .
love u GURU