John McLaughlin is a seminal figure in the fusion of jazz, rock, and world music, renowned for his virtuosic guitar playing and innovative compositions. Born on January 4, 1942, in Doncaster, England, he was a prominent figure in the London music scene before moving to the United States in the late 1960s. McLaughlin's influential work with his group the Mahavishnu Orchestra in the early '70s set new standards for electric jazz, where his lightning-fast runs and complex rhythms helped define the genre. Over the years, he has collaborated with other legends such as Miles Davis, contributing to the legendary "Bitches Brew" sessions, and Carlos Santana, with whom he recorded the acclaimed album "Love Devotion Surrender."

Throughout his career, McLaughlin has been recognized for his evolving musical styles and his exploration into different musical traditions, including Indian classical music, exemplified by his work with Shakti. As his discography expands, albums like "Liberation Time" and "Is That So?" demonstrate his continual quest for musical growth and spiritual expression. His live performances, such as those captured in "Saturday Night in San Francisco (Expanded Edition) [Live]" and "John McLaughlin: The Montreux Years (Live)," showcase his remarkable skill in improvisation and his ability to connect deeply with audiences. John McLaughlin remains a towering figure in the world of contemporary music, celebrated for his pioneering spirit and the breadth of his artistic output.

Genres

British Jazz

Contemporary Post-bop

Jazz

Jazz Fusion

Jazz Guitar

Related Artists

Al Di Meola

Paco de Lucía

Pat Metheny

Chick Corea

Miles Davis

Carlos Santana

Herbie Hancock

Larry Coryell

Mahavishnu Orchestra

Wayne Shorter

Allan Holdsworth

Tony Williams

Latest Release

Red Wonder

John McLaughlin

Single - Released June 16, 2023