Matt’s new book ‘John McLaughlin: From Miles & Mahavishnu to The 4th Dimension’ is available now via the links below.
Drawing on hundreds of sources and interviews with key collaborators, ‘From Miles and Mahavishnu to The 4th Dimension’ is the first major book about John McLaughlin since 2014 and the first ever to illuminate his 1980-2020 output. It features never-before-seen photographs and an introductory note by Robert Fripp.
‘A must-have in every aspiring musician’s personal library.’ Billy Cobham, Mahavishnu Orchestra drummer
‘A wonderful insight into a true innovator and colossus of the guitar.’ Mark King, Level 42 bassist/vocalist
‘Scrupulously researched… A fluent career overview.’ **** MOJO, December 2023
‘Brilliant’. Gilles Peterson, Brownswood Basement on Worldwide FM
‘The most comprehensive overview of McLaughlin’s career to make it into print thus far.’ **** Shindig!, January 2024
‘Phillips is the perfect guide through McLaughlin’s byzantine discography, his training enabling him to keep pace with the guitarist’s baffling mastery of time signatures, his passion earning to the trust of anyone still reeling from the early Mahavishnu Orchestra.’ *** Record Collector, December 2023
‘Comprehensive and thoroughly researched, Phillips’ book is a revelation. A must-read for guitar aficionados and McLaughlin devotees.’ Bill Milkowski, author of ‘Jaco’ and ‘Michael Brecker’
‘Riveting… Meticulous storytelling… The book is not just a narrative, it’s a visual feast.’ Jazz In Europe
‘Paints the fullest picture yet of the guitarist’s life.’ Jazzed
‘Thorough and impassioned… The first book to fully illuminate the least-appreciated, least-documented periods in the extraordinary career of this wondrously free-spirited, prolific, perpetually questing artist.’ Booklist
UK orders:
Rowman & Littlefield (Enter discount code RLFANDF30 to save 30% off the list price)
USA orders:
Rowman & Littlefield (Enter discount code RLFANDF30 to save 30% off the list price)
It’s an exhaustive look at John’s catalogue, live career and spiritual life, with an introductory note by Robert Fripp, testimonials from Mark King, Billy Cobham and Bill Milkowski, interviews with key collaborators and lots of exclusive photographs. I cover John’s early sessions with David Bowie and Donovan, his remarkable sideman work with Tony Williams and Miles Davis, the fabled solo career fronting The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti and various projects alongside the likes of Sting, Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock and Carlos Santana.
Sounds Of Surprise 