John McLaughlin

With protean guitarist, composer, and bandleader John McLaughlin, a trailblazer in multicultural jazz fusion, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of one of his most lauded groups, Shakti, by touring the world, itâs a true boon to have jazz expert Phillipsâ thorough and impassioned chronicle. Phillips covers McLaughlins ravishingly complex acoustic-guitar techniques and sophisticated electric innovations, along with his diverse influences, compositions, bands, recording sessions, and concerts.... Proceeding album-by-album and portraying the exceptional musicians who worked with McLaughlin, Phillips is the first to fully illuminate âthe least-appreciated, least-documented periodsâ in the extraordinary career of this wondrously free-spirited, prolific, perpetually questing artist.
â" Booklist

John McLaughlin is one of a kind. What he has contributed to the world of music will never be duplicated. Itâs the reason why a book reflecting on his musical career should be a must-have in every aspiring musicians personal library.
â" Billy Cobham, drummer, Mahavishnu Orchestra, inductee, Modern Drummer Hall of Fame

A wonderful insight into a true innovator and colossus of the guitar. I feel blessed to have lived in his time.
â" Mark King, lead singer and bassist, Level 42

For those of us who came of age with Jimi Hendrix, mourned his passing in 1970 and subsequently immersed ourselves in the fusion movement, Phillipsâ book is a revelation. A comprehensive and thoroughly researched look at that era through the landmark recordings of guitar avatar John McLaughlin, it traces in great detail his rise through the ranks of London session work in the â60s to his place atop the six-string Mt. Olympus. A must-read for guitar aficionados and McLaughlin devotees.
â" Bill Milkowski, author of JACO: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius and Ode to a Tenor Titan: The Life and Times and Music of Michael Brecker