John McLaughlin

McLaughlin didn't disappoint, I've been a fan since his Miles days and he still is the best. IMHO he is in the top 3 living guitarist and top 10 all time guitarist and arguably number 1 in both.

Excellent show from start to finish. Jimmy opened with a nice mix of jazz/funk/rock. John McLaughlin came out for a solo site and performed in amazing fashion. The grand finale was a combined sat with both artist, an excellent flashback to the great jazz fusion of the early 1970s. The base in violin players were absolutely amazing.There could not have been a better send off for John McLaughlin!

These two bands gave us an amazing night of innovative music. Incomparable guitar players, bassists, drummers and keyboards.

Excellent show given by both Stars , John Mclaughlin and Jimmy Herring topped off by yet another Excellent set by the two combined. Jimmy Herring gave a superb opening performance and he clearly showed he has the chops to play with a Giant like Mclaughlin and I hope to see more of him in the future. John blessed the audience by doing an overview of his career in the final set,. This was my first time seeing John live , even though I have been a fan since my teenage years and I am now in my mid fifties.

It was a fitting tribute to his life-long contribution to jazz music in various genres. These final shows focused on the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the group he had formed at the urging of Miles Davis ( Miles was really forceful John said at the concert). After the opening set by Jimmy Herring, John and his current band The 4th Dimension kicked off things with Miles Beyond . After a set of old and new music, they were joined by Herring and his band and ran through a Mahavishnu catalog. For me, it was a culmination of my devotion to the work of my hero who I have deeply admired since childhood, a long way from my first concert at 16. Now at 50, I have to thank John again for the opportunity to be able to hear the music made by a band that had disbanded before I joined first grade, at what was the last of his live shows.

From the birth of fusion till today both McLaughlin & Herring have been exemplars. Playing for 3-1/2 hours, the sum of the whole was even greater than its parts.

When I saw that this concert was coming to Durham, I knew that I was going to witness something special. Jimmy Herring came out first and was amazing!! Next, John Mclaughlin was just as good if not better. But the final set was best when both bands came together and played the songs of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. What an unbelieveable night!!!!

Awesome show - my two favorite guitarists and John my favorite musician playing my favorite music of his career. Have gone to 3 of these venues in NYC, Newark, DC, and will be attending Indy next Sunday. Each time they got even better. An epic event.

Great concert and excellent venue. The sound and acoustics in DPAC was incredible. You could hear every nuance in the performance.

Jimmy Herring and his band Invisible Whip is great. He is arguably the most under-appreciated guitarist and musician today. John McLaughlin and band - it goes without saying how great. The two of them combined, doing classic M.O. - priceless!

Excellent display of individual talent from many incredible musicians. But, as great as they were, it got tedious after awhile. Every song drifted into solo displays of technique that were impressive, but usually got so far away from the respective song's flow that I lost track of what they were actually playing. Again, amazing musicians, but I was ready to leave before they were. Also, being 6'2" tall, my seat in row 4 of the mezzanine at the Wilbur Theater was very uncomfortable - zero leg room. Saved by having an aisle seat, but I watched the entire show over my left shoulder as my legs found some room in the aisle.

NJPAC offered better acoustics and they worked on the sound and material improving on the amazing show at Town Hall in NYC. John gave all he had and was stronger than or as strong as on the original material in the early 70's. Jimmy Herring is amazing and he and his band made the whole thing work. Great material selected and a wonderful send off to the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Great playing and soloing makes this show a must see for fans. Strange to see ABB fans at a McLaughlin gig but that band and music did inspire the jazz rock movement. As a fan of both back in high school it worked beautifully for me.

John McLaughlin / Jimmy Herring - each band alone were great but when you had both bands on stage together the firepower was just unbelievable. This was one of the best concerts I have been been to ever, and I have seen most of the great rock bands!

Great Show - Great Jazz&Fusion took me back to my 20's - Also the Most incredible drum solo's ever. Who was that guy?

I was there when he began Mahavishnu saw every show in LA. Now I m here for his touring finale he was and has always been an inspiration to my playing. Not impressed with Herring. Herrings band pedestrian about an inch away from southern rock. Didn t know who he was will try to forget ASAP. His band, though they looked like they slept in their dirty clothes were good players in their own right. JM was still able to play like JM though for shorter stretches. Definitely go see them. Arrive late.

I attended this show on Friday evening. this was my first time attending an event at NJPAC and the facility is extremely impressive! The event was spectacular with two of best guitar players in the world performing. The sound is second to none at this venue and I will definitely return for other shows in the future. Having attended shows at Carnegie Hall in the past I believe that NJPAC has superior sound and is a much more modern facility. This is a world class venue for concerts!

JOHN McLAUGHLIN / JIMMY HERRING was the show I have been chasing all year, Guitar gods!

It was absolutely electric. Both bands were really on fire and at the end of both sets they came back out in order to play together. The energy was great, the musicianship superb. I only wish it wasn t John s farewell tour.

Place and show were excellent, only dissapointment was my friend is handicapped and the lots were full cause we were running late and had to park far away and walk far to the show. They need more handicapped parking spots in the lot closest to the Theatre

We should have let these sleeping dogs lie! The power we felt in the 70's is gone, now every tune by both bands sounds the same - close your eyes and you have no idea who is on stage.

This was a bucket list event for me and I was not disappointed- if you can see this show do it - you will be very glad you did.

The guitar playing of both Jimmy Herron and John McLaughlin was excellent. However, the seating was packed too tightly making it very uncomfortable for a 3.5 hour show. Also, when Jimmy Herron was performing his own set, he stood to the far left side of the stage, rather than front and center, such that fans seated on the left side of the theatre could no see him. As the band leader, he should understand that fans are paying a significant amount of money to see him, not his sidemen, all of whom were positioned at the center of the stage..

Very fortunate to catch this master on his last tour ever in Boston ma.

for a man who says this is his last American Tour , the energy and dynamics that he brought to the stage says there is nothing tired about his effort and there could be a lot more to be had ..If he so chose.John McLaughlin concert is inspiring and spell-binding...catch him while you can. for a

What an amazing evening!!!!! The VENUE was spectacular, the musicians mind-blowing, the crowd respectful and in awe....... The guitar talents of John McLaughlin and Jimmy Herring are well known and decades old- but to SEE these guys oh these 45+ years later was simply awe inspiring! Their individual talents, and fluidity and mastery of their guitars is legendary- up close? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! I would also like to give a HUGE shout out to ALL the members of BOTH bands! The first time I ever saw TWO drummers playing together on stage was the Dead (circa 1974) - I couldn't believe how they made it work! And Wednesday night I again witnessed the beauty and harmony of 2 drummers, 2 lead guitars, 2 bass guitars, a keyboard and a violin.... It was like watching a Shakespeare play, using the instruments to "talk amongst themselves"..... And the audience was totally absorbed in their dialogue! What an AMAZING gathering of musical talent on that stage!!! Tho MY musical tastes have changed somewhat over the past 5 decades, my appreciation of really rare and unique talent has grown. And seeing BOTH John McLaughlin AND Jimmy Herring on-stage, TOGETHER with their bands, was a truly UNFORGETTABLE experience!

Unfortunately John McLaughlin is retiring from touring USA. So if you live in the States I suggest you check them out. They were all amazing and yes John still has it at 75. What an amazing show. I couldn t get enough of this fabulous music!

Show was Awesome, beautiful venue , staff very helpful with ease of finding your seating

Jimmy Herring's band set the tone with some tasty takes on a genre jumping first set. McLaughlin's wizardry left everyone slack jawed for the second set, only to be followed by Herring's band joining the stage for a mind blowing ride through John's early 1970s masterworks

John McLaughlin has put together a whopper of a send off tour, linking up with fellow guitar guru Jimmy Herring. This is not music for the faint hearted. It is harmonically complex and rhythmically intense. Both bands struggled a bit with the cold venue but it wasn't obvious in the music. Herrings set alternated between funky numbers and soaring ballads. McLaughlin stuck to his own brand of contemporary jazz. The bands were great and easily navigated the complex music. Even Johns guitar tone was good! My one complaint about the show was the table service. I was over charged for already absurdly expensive beer. Other than that it was amazing and I'm psyched to have seen McLaughlin on his final American tour. It was a guitar nerd-fest of the highest order!

Royce Hall UCLA CAP presented the greatest concert that I have ever witnessed and heard. John McLaughlin and Jimmy Herring with each band members were awesome. The Royce Hall is amazing to see such a event! Sound was great UCLA staff was very helpful and friendly as well. Thanks to UCLA staff and John McLaughlin, Jimmy Herring for staging this event. Best of the best! 10 stars!

Having seen Mahavishnu orchestra in the early 70's I wanted to see his current version of the band. The first time I saw them my jaw dropped and the concert on Saturday was even more impressive. Jimmy Herring opened and has a fine band and his guitar work is expressive and innovative. John McLaughlin played a set with his band fusing jazz, rock and East Indian rhythms. It was so creative and the musicianship of everyone was second to none . They connect with a musical energy that is astounding. Then Jimmy and his band of excellence joined John and the 4th Dimension for an expanded Mahavishnu Orchestra. He played selections from different albums that took on a whole new expression with the two bands playing as one. This was truly an unbelieveable concert event.

Seeing John McLaughlin perform his last concert in the U.S. was an experience I will always remember and be grateful to have experienced. He played his heart out\u2014as he always does. The concern lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes! The opening set by Jimmy Herring's band was fine enough, but the reason to be there was to hear McLaughlin's set with his working band, The Fourth Dimension. The final set in which Herring's band joined McLaughlin's to play classic Mahavishnu songs was a powerful way to bring the farewell concert to powerful closure. I was fulfilled yet sad. I will miss the live performances from the Maestro. May he produce studio recordings during "retirement" that will we may continue to inspire what his music stands for: passion, peace, love, and understanding.

This was a great show. It started with an enjoyable set by Jimmy Herring s band. It was in the Southern Jazz/rock/RnB tradition of the 1970 s. Fine musicians, tight band. Following an intermission, John McLaughlin came out with his Fourth Dimension band. With the exception of a wonderful version of \u2018Lila s Dance, from the Mahavishnu Orchestra album, Visions of the Emerald Beyond, they played material from the more current repertoire. McLaughlin has led many excellent ensembles throughout his career, but for my money, this is the best. It is hard to imagine retirement when you have such a great band, playing some of your most enchanting material. Though it may be a bit sacrilegious to say, this was my favorite set in the show. I will miss this group. The next set was pretty awesome, too! I have waiting forty five years to see and hear these iconic Mahavishnu pieces played by the original artist and composer. It did not disappoint. Arranged for the combined McLaughlin/Herring ensemble, we were presented a well selected set of classic Mahavishnu jams, leaning heavily on the first and fourth albums, An Inner Mounting Flame, and the aforementioned Visions of the Emerald Beyond. One of the surprise highlights, was a mesmerizing version of \u2018Earth Ship. Even at 75 years old, it seems Johnny still has a Trick or two up his sleeve. Caveats I have a few, but far too few to mention. Overall, a thrilling and emotional experience. Let s hope he reconsiders those retirement from the road plans. If not, he s certainly going out with passion, grace and fire. Thank you, John.

Once again blown away by Johns incredible fret work.

The Meeting of the Spirits show was incredible. Two master guitarists and there bands playing great music. Sound quality was good and the audience was there to pay attention and appreciate it.

Unbelievable collection of virtuosos and experts. Terrific reprise of great fusion music. Jimmy Herring and Andy Husbands were fittin accompaniment to the great John McGlaughlin. Also a very long concert - everyone got their money's worth.

All the musicians in both bands were great. The highlight was when they got together as the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Birds of Fire was amazing and every bit as powerful as it was in the seventies.

I saw Mahavishnu Orchestra 45 years ago at Winterland. Great to hear some of the same material performed live again. Biggest difference was how much Billy Cobham added to the show back then. Most incredible drumming performance I ve ever witnessed live to this date. Nice to have discovered Jimmy Herring, Never heard of him before, now I have to say I m a big fan and will be checking him out with in his other musical projects biggly.

Fantastic show. I and my friends has a wonderful time. An hour after the show we were still keyed up. Jim Herring and his band were on their own worth it but adding the incredible John McLaughlin and his incredible band then it was amazing.

Jimmy Herring is a talented guitarist but, his tone is too processed and he sounds like a synthesizer. Lacking a guitar tone made his band sound awful (!!) as his keyboardist are subpar and at times his band sounds like MUZAK and it was hard not to boo. Mahavishnu when doing his 70s stuff was fantastic and when they got into a groove vs. senseless soloing- it took you there. His drummer's jazz vocals was a joke and laughable. Why a PRS guitar vs Gibson? I don't know but John's tone suffered. John needs to understand what in his catalog that people want to hear - for me its Birds of Fire and Visions of the Emerald Beyond. I am spoiled though as I saw him in the 70s.

Show was great. I love both guitarists especially being one myself. And to see John McLaughlin at 75 still blaze was amazing and gave me hope to play late into my years. My only complaint was the venue. I was skeptical about seeing a rock type band where they have the symphony and I wasn t surprised. It sounded like they were playing in a big gym. I think the venue is really equipped just for a symphony.

Jimmy Herring's set started off sounding like they had skipped the sound check but got better a few songs in. John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension's set was nice. The highlight was the 3rd set when both groups played songs from the early 70's Mahavishnu albums and it was stunning. I reckon it will be the last time we'll get to see something like that so it was much appreciated. The sour note was after the encore when all the musicians held hands and took a knee. I'm not sure exactly what they were trying to say but if it was some sort of social justice crap then my comment about that would be shut up and play music.

Good Concert Both Herring and McLaughlin are outstanding musicians

Star of show shows up over an hour into show. Plays three or four songs. One with an endless and boring drum solo. Than reunited with opening band which was far better than McLaughlin. By the time both bands played together everything sounded the same. Loud but mostly boring.

Great show, well worth the money. 3hrs-10mins later was stunned by the incredible talent from all on the stage

Can't find 2 more accomplished guitarists who played so impeccably together....Thank you for the memories Jon and Jimmy

I have Three things that made this performance stand out as maybe one of the best shows I've ever seen and heard. Here they are in no particular order: 1. Musicianship - first and foremost, this one is a given, however in this situation it's probably the difference you might find between a $20 bottle of Pinot Noir and and a $300 one. Most people can not really tell the difference unless you are a wine connoisseur or in this case, a musical one. Mahavishnu could have selected any musician (guitarist) on the face of the planet - and he chose Jimmy Herring! One of the few guitarists that has the technical capability to play at the level of Mahavishnu was only the beginning. He also is able to honor the music and more importantly, develop solos that have something to add. Jimmy always has something to say, and that's saying something! Maybe the 'Most Valuable Player' award goes to Jason Crosby (David Crosby's son) for the incredible work he did recreating the impossible violin solo's of Jerry Goodman. Also, his piano skills are out fu*king-standing! Then there is Etienne MBappe on bass. I know great electric bass players, from Phil Lesh, to Jaco Pastorius, to Jack Cassidy to Stanley Clarke. This man played some of the craziest, but also lyrical, and warm solos that just stole my heart. His ability to channel his experience, life and soul through his bass was transformational. He captured the essence of what Mahavishnu was recreating from a time that caught 'lightning in a bottle'. I have to give a special 'shout out' to Apt. Q258 - Jeff Sipe. This man may be the single best drummer I've ever had the pleasure of seeing and meeting! As Carlos Santana once said about Narada Michael Walden, I'll steal this and apply it to Jeff Sipe: Jeff "Is a 'Ballerina among drummers'. and he IS! 2. Historical Significance - I'll be the first one to admit that I know I'm late to this party, but like I like to say about myself: I'm a slow learner, but I CAN be taught. The importance of John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra to jazz fusion and contemporary jazz and world music is second to none. If you've never listened to Inner Mounting Flame or Birds of Fire, shame on you. If you don't know Shakti and any of their records, then you should by all means run (don't walk) and get one (if not all of them). You'll never listen to music the same way - ever again. 3. Live Music - The format was: Jimmy Herring and the Invisible Whip do the first set. Then Mahavishnu and the 4th Dimension do the second set. Finally the two bands do a 3rd set together. This is where the magic happened! They played some of the Mahavishnu Orchestra's most iconic and influential tunes. I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't know them well enough to able to list them out, but I'll say this: Mahavishnu played in spirit and vitality of what they were doing some 46 + years ago. As I've become familiar with this music, I'm in awe with what they created and now, what these musicians recreated. What they did was akin to catching 'lightning in a bottle', and they did it with authenticity, creativity and aplomb. And My man Jimmy Herring was so in the pocket I cried. Numerous times. I cried. Tears of ecstasy and joy.

I never thought I would hear music from the Mahavishnu Orchestra live. This show made that dream possible. Jimmy Herring and John McLaughlin assembled some great musicians for this show.

"Meeting Of The Spirits" / A Night With Jimmy Herring and John McLaughlin. A life long dream came true on the 22nd of November at The Atlanta Symphony Hall. John McLaughlin amazed me with his stage presence and other-worldly talent. I had waited since 1971's "Inner Mounting Flame" release to witness this master. Jimmy Herring and The Invisible Whip opened the show with a collection of wonderful jazz fusion including one Allman Bros. cover. Tight group, incredible talent. Nearly an hour of joy and pleasure. After a welcome break John McLaughlin and The Fourth Dimension took the stage. It is, after all, John McLaughlin. Need I say more? Well, allow me this much, I was stunned with music that I was mostly unfamiliar with, but, enthused nonetheless. McLaughlin left nothing to be desired. As incredible a talent as I've always known. Nearly an hour of musical bliss. Without a break Jimmy Herring and The Invisible Whip joined McLaughlin's Fourth Dimension with the purpose of revisiting the Mahavishnu Orchestra years of "Inner Mounting Flame", "Birds Of Fire", and "Apocalypse". Stunning.....incredible.....other-worldly....simply amazing. McLaughlin now had the 'orchestra' necessary to perform the most intricate pieces of music that I've witnessed......sorry FZ! All in all...magnificent moments were enjoyed by all. Jimmy Herring's talent surprised me and made it possible for McLaughlin to revisit the Mahavishnu era,,,,,which is the main reason for my attendance. Nearly speechless............... The only drawbacks that I have may surprise some friends who know of my 49 year career as a stage and studio drummer. I love a well placed drum solo, but, 5-10 minute solos went out of style long ago. One solo per section was a bit much, three in all. On top of that, McLaughlin's drummer was a crashing, splashing, diddlee-doo-dah, mess of unintelligible time measures for the most part. The guys vocals were beyond annoying........"dica-dot-dot-dicki-doo-dat-dik-dotta-dooka-" nonsense that resembled some African tribe's language. But, all in all, I would not have missed it for anything. John McLaughlin was the most gracious artist that I've seen in many.....well...maybe ever. Simply an incredible evening with friends and all in attendance. Thank you, John McLaughlin for stopping in Atlanta. Bless You, Too.

What a great show. Never in my wildest imagination would I have thought that I would be seeing Mr. Mclaughlin performing Mahavishnu material. And with such a phenomenal band. Every single musician, and Mr. Herring was a standout both on his own (breathtaking) and in the combined group, was a pleasure to behold. Just WOW!

McLaughlin is simply the greatest! Herring a worthy disciple.

The farewell tour lived up to and exceeded all expectations. They will be missed, but what a way to go out!

This was one of the best concerts I have ever seen!!! Both Bands incredible, Mahavishnu tribute incredible music! Will remember this forever!

Great venue and concert. Amazingly there were many empty seats. 2 bands with 3 distinct sets. Both guitarists are virtuoso's in their own right and their bands were superb. If you like jam bands, rock, or jazz do not miss this concert.

Fitting swansong for a legend. Great hearing material from the Inner Mounting Flame.