On 16 October, John McLaughlin will release his 24th solo album, Now Here This, a stunning set of originals that finds the world-renowned guitar legend playing with the kind of unbridled musical spirit that prompted even Jeff Beck to declare him to be « the best guitarist alive. »
« It’s a very special album, and I’m so proud of it, » says McLaughlin, brimming with good-natured cheer as he kicks back in his hotel room just off Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. « You know, I’m 70 years old, and I still feel like there’s so much I have to do. There’s a lot to discover, so many questions to answer. »
On the subject of questions, we came armed with a bunch of them – from MusicRadar readers, no less. Plus, we threw in an all-time favorite of our own, one which has been known to break up bands, friendships and marriages for the past five decades. « Go for it, » McLaughlin says with a laugh. « I’m feeling good and ready. »
I would have liked to asked about a future Shakti recording. The discography is in some need of a strong studio recording from the Remember Shakti group. I think they are touring in 2013 maybe a recording is already in the bag…sorry to be just another greedy fan who’s always looking for the next new thing. BTW, Its been a wonderful journey, thanks John!
John –
You are 70 years young.
Peter
John – you are such a tremendous inspiration and have been since the ’70s! It’s great to see and hear you blowing on your guitar with such fire and gusto today. I have three questions for you maestro:
1. Do you pick in the strict alternate style or do you include some sweeping?
2. Do you have to contend with any arthritis in your hands? (Of course 70 really isn’t very « old » these days but a lot of players get a touch of arthritis in their 50s. Yet you sound and appear to be utterly unfazed/ageless.)
3. Will we see you in a USA tour anytime soon? We saw you in 2010 and look forward to catching you again.
Thanks, and all the best!
Hello John, alias « Corta Cabezas ».
I would ask you when are you comming to Cleveland, Ohio.
Also, how many PRS guitars do you have?
Do you still have the one you show on « this is the way I do it »? Can you sell it to me?
Thanks!
Pablo Rocha.
Dear John,
9 months ago I published a tune on Soundcloud.com called East of Here (you can hear it at http://www.soundcloud.com/balikpapan/east-of-here-remix). This was composed as a tribute to you and the pleasure and inspiration I have had from your music ever since I picked up a copy of Inner Mounting Flame in 1973.
Last night Abstractlogix emailed me your new CD (which is odd as I haven’t ordered it yet! Better ask them to check that out) and I am loving it, a worthy successor to To The One. Imagine my delight when I read the song titles (Echoes from Then, Not Here Not There) and, above all, the opening chords of Guitar Love! You must have been giving off very strong inspiration-waves when you were recording this album in Antibes, for me to pick them up here in Bordeaux!
Speaking of which, I am so looking forward to seeing you here on the 28th! Shall I bring you a cheque for the CD? :-0
Colin (« Balikpapan »)