John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension

Awesome show with two amazing guitarist I got to hear some of Mahavishnu music that i thought I would never hear performed live by mr. Mahavishnu himself. I've also seen Jimmy Herring perform with his band Widespread Panic. awesome guitarist. John McLaughlin is a must-see for any music fan. Show itself was a five-star show I gave the 3-star rating because of the obstructed-view seats we were sold at the same price as everyone else's

John McLaughlin was at his top level self and Jimmy Herring was dynamic in his performance. The Invisable Whip were very tight and had a dynamic sound themselves. They also mixed very well with John's 4th Dimension band.

It was a grew treat to be able to see the man who may be the "World's Greatest Living Guitarist" from up front and close. The band was awesome and John was in awesome form!

For an "old hippy", as he described himself, John McLaughlin is still a virtuoso on the guitar.

John McLaughlin was amazing. A true master that every guitar player bows to. It's been close to 30 years since I last saw McLaughlin, I may have to take a trip to catch him while he's still on this tour. His new band is amazing. As is his new album, which for the most part was pretty much the set list for this show. I was surprised how low a turn out there was. I'm not sure the House was half full. In a way I'm a little disappointed with my fellow Bostonians. Usually when a musician of this caliber comes around, the place is packed with Berkley College of Music students, and faculty. On the other hand it was very nice to be able to leave my spot right up front, get to the bar, and back to my spot without missing a thing!

The band played forever- much more than I could imagine. HIgh energy, soulful- wanting to please. Great show.

After listening to and watching John Mclaughlin perform for 35 years I have finally come to an understanding. His recordings have nothing to do with his performances. Both are awe inspiring. However, it appears that when perfoming in front of a live audience, he is forever presenting something that has never been heard before. Yet always an interpretation of the moment. We are all moths unknowingly fluttering about a light. A light here that will not singe our wings, instead render them useless on our unexpected journey when too close. All recordings a life of study, each performance a celebration of life.

Seeing John McLaughlin live was a real treat. He has been providing decades of musical entertainment to many. At his age, he can still shred. He was very high energy and even came out to do an encore. The only downer to this concert was Daryl Sturmer opening with Kostia (keyboards) and a laptop. Kostia was awesome, but Daryl could have put more energy and passion into it.

This was a truly magical performance. The Band was tight, and on par with the other worldly talented "Mahavishnu". I felt lucky just to be there! And to top it off the sound was about the Best I have ever heard, sound quality wise. 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely stunning performance by a master guitarist and his superb band.

All in all, a pleasurable experience, but disappointing if you were expecting the old Mahavishnu. Set was entirely new (past couple of albums) material, he can still blast through the riffs, but... Last concert (Five Peace Band) with Chick Corea, Christian McBride was better. New band was enjoyable with dual drummers at times. This was probably the last time I would see him unless he brought some incredible names with him.

I live three hours outside of Boston, but the effort to hear John McLaughlin was worth it. He is always so amazing in whatever context he is playing, jazz, Indian, classical, flamenco, it really doesn't matter. He has filled my musical life for forty years. Thanks...

Best electric John I have seen, band was tight john was amazing.

As usual, John McLaughlin was impeccable and the bans was awesome. The security team is a little bit TOO active and distracts you from concentrating on the show,

I felt like I was getting a unique education all over again. the Drummer Mark Mondesir was the star of the show. My eyes were on him most of the time! All of the musicians did not fail to impress.

Other than Miles Davis, John McLaughlin likely is the most important fusion musician of all time. With his contributions to those late 60's/early 70's Miles classics (especially "A Tribute to Jack Johnson"), along with his role in Tony Williams Lifetime, McLaughlin invented the sound of the electric guitar in that new and exciting music when it was great. And, of course, Mahavishnu Orchestra was the first fusion supergroup that actually made money, selling records and filling coliseums along with rock giants like Santana, the Grateful Dead and the Band. He, like fellow fusion pioneer guitar god Larry Coryell, switched to acoustic guitar later in the 70's and left jazz rock to be diluted and destroyed by the likes of Spyro Gyra and Kenny G. But the other night at the Birchmere, I felt like it was the old Johnny Mac. Playing a solid body electric guitar, he played with a flair and intensity that reminded me of his solos on "Birds of Fire" and "The Inner Mounting Flame". As a matter of fact, one of the songs on the new album actually quotes music from the latter 1975 classic, perhaps to confirm for those of us who love those records that the master is back. As incredible as McLaughlin was, his band managed to match him on their respective instruments. The main drummer (Mark Mondesir I think) reminded me of a young Billy Cobham - "athletic" playing, stunning in its overall virtuosity and speed. The keyboard player, Gary Husband, was also excellent, although he took the concert up several notches when he swithed over to the other drumset and exploded. He was Tony Williams to Mondesir's Cobham. And last but probably not least, the bass player (Etienne ?) was badder than bad (and not just because of his very cool look and the fact that played while wearing gloves!). It was the best fusion show I've seen since catching the Return to Forever reunion (with Coryell and the Eleventh House opening) a couple of years ago. And that's high praise.

Amazing concert! Wonderful musicians! Recomend it to anyone who loves music.

Honest to God, I've seen John McLAUGHLIN 4 times now (beginning in 1974 with the prodigious Mahavishnu Orchestra). Of course, he's always been a guitar virtuoso but, back then, he was 31 and still wildly-egomaniacal about simply playing at break-neck speed in order to keep pace with his equally hyper band-mates [Billy Cobham, etc]. Over the years, I've seen him, while still lightning-fast, grow more connected with the essence of his tunes, and surrender ever more space to his fellow musicians. At the Birchmere concert [which was, scandalously, nowhere near sold-out], he came full circle, retaining every bit of his virtuosity but -like never before- stepping aside so as to allow his great musician-mates their time in the spotlight. Although they were all great, the unquestioned star was Marc, the St.Lucian drummer who performed in an effortless and impeccablyy-solid fashion such as I -a former percussionist myself- have not seen in, say, 20or so yrs. What a Show; thank you so much, Birchmere. I took my 17yr old son, ALEXANDRE, an aspiring guitar-player [but ever skeptical of jazzified players] who -much as he might have wanted to 'pooh-pooh', instead came away totally blown-away by the "Ole Guy's" prodigious performance!

Loved it! Fantastic show. He's definitely still in his prime.

A wonderful night of music. JM and Band were very relaxed pieces included Fine Line, Senor CS, Highjacked show cased the talents of the new bass player. A rare performance of what sounded like Resolution, from the Birds of Fire recording. Sound IMO was better that last time here. And Gary, and Mark were unbelievable when both were playing drums.

the band was very tight! mclaughlin was simply amazing on guitar.

John McLaughlin, a self-proclaimed "old hippy," proved on Saturday night that the gospel of fusion is still alive and relevant, at least in the eyes of white men from the ages of 18 to 70. Appearing with fellow instrumental giants Mark Mondesir (drums), Gary Husband (keyboards and drums), and the begloved Etienne M'bappe (electric 5-string bass), the group turned out 2 hours of pulsating, pyrotechnical polyrhythm. Playing mainly tunes from his last three albums, the musicians quoted everyone from Coltrane to fusion icons Pastorius, Cobham, Weather Report, Corea, and more, ending with a Pharaoh Sanders cover. Age has done nothing to diminish McLaughlin's electric wizardry, explosive technique, and command of a unit. The supporting musicians spoke as fluently and expressively, each with a technical command that dropped jaws throughout the house.

They played great, Mclaughlin is better than ever! I also sticked around after the shiow and got to meet every member of the band.

2 HOUR PLUS NON STOP INSTRUMENTAL STRAIGHT AHEAD MUSIC - EXCELLENT! CLEAN NO GAME MUSIC, SIMPLE LIGHTS, NO NONSENSE, JUST PLAY AND THEY DID!

Though not a musician, I still know when I'm amazed and entertained by the greats, certainly those who are also amazed and revered by other great musicians. I've enjoyed John McLaughlin since the Mahavishnu and Shakti days, and have never left disappointed. Always a special show that is psyched about. There was a long period when we didn't get to see him, but in the last year and a half or so, have seen him with Five Peace Band and again last Saturday. I don't think I'd get tired of seeing him more often, that's for sure.

Yes - there were plenty of people giving John McLaughlin a standing ovation every time he went into one of his famous riffs, but for me the concert was a bit of a "blah".......way too many mellow, moody songs - not nearly enough uptempo pieces - maybe I was expecting to hear Mahavishnu John McLaughlin - what can i say - his drummer was awesome - the bassist solid - JM was engaging, but he never really took off - his keyboard guy's sound was buried - hardly heard him at all - overall 2 stars.

While not my favorite line-up for JM, this band transcends. Mclaughlin started out the evening a little choppy and then proceeded to play amazingly well. I thoroughly got swept away with his indian melody lines and explosions. Mark Mondesier was smooth and effortless. The new bass player was excellent, but could have shown some more variety in his playing. Overall, a must see show.

I agree with Jeff Beck, John McLaughlin is the worlds best guitarist ! This was my first live performance seeing John play it was magic. The entire band was fantastic, great chemistry and virtuosity He is the kind of musician you learn from by watching and listening there is no place for objective criticism because if you find any in the process you will miss so much value that it isn't worth the effort. Have a great day

Beyond terrific! A band of power and grace. Flurries of meaningful notes and tones, evocative solos, rhythms and time signatures keeping one's heart pumping . . . this is music that reaches further into our abilities and seeks to give us more on every level. Do I recommend that people of all ages run to the ticket store to get seats? You bet I do. The interplay amongst these players is as sophisticated and skilled as it gets while simple beautiful melodies that can be enjoyed by all are woven throughout. For guitarists yes, John's playing is a perpetual treat. But more so, the song writing (yes, he refers to himself as a song writer) is superb and super gravitational and calls on us when reflecting later after a show . . . beyond all words. One must listen, be open and simply be a part of the greatest show on earth.

These guy's are incredible. The band was tight! at times had that good old Mahavishnu feel. They all make it look easy. You can see and hear the y are really enjoying them selves. I think John now understands it takes two or more to create One.Can't wait for the Mclaughlin/Santana Reunion Thanks John, I think your you're even Cleaner Now,as an old HIPPIE!

The concert was amazing --my husband & I enjoyed it tremendously

John's playing Saturday night was exceptional! I thought the best I've ever heard from him, and I've seen him since the mid 70's. The drummers were explosive! The bass held the bottom all together.

John McLaughlin and the band were as great ever but I have a comment. We were in the loge at Town Hall, NYC. There should be more speakers for the upper sections there. Also JM should have been playing through his own amp and have that miked. I have seen him probably 30 times over the years and I have never seen him playing only through the PA. He should have been louder.

I remember seeing him 30 years ago and he was extraordinary then. So add years of sophistication, experience, professionalism, passion and an super incredible band and you have the 4th Dimension. Absolutely not to be missed!

It is an unforgetable experience to see such an extraordinary musician live. McLaughlin and the band hung out in the lobby after the show and took the time to speak with everyone who wanted to talk to them. It is good when who you thought they were is just who they are; a good soul who is an amazing guitarist.

John McLaughlin has a virtuoso band and the new CD is going to be phenomenal. Live, he is backed by some of the best musicians ever. These guys play at some extremely high level where music is like some kind of vapor trail to flow through. I must admit I got a little stupified by the sonic barrage during one period, but you can't win them all. It is jazz, after all, at the bleeding edge of the musical spectrum. The sound level was perfect for my ears, not too loud, but powerful and with good separation of the instruments. I've seen a lot of iterations of John McLaughlin's bands, with all his different guitars, and he's still challenging the world. Incidentally he has two 2011 Grammy nominations for two different albums in two different categores, contemporary jazz and crossover classical.

Fantastic show overall, John Mclaughlin playing is still stellar and unbelievable and always brings best musicians! Sound was a bit off sometimes, guitars and mix a little low and compressed, view was blocked by keyboard on left side of stage and Jimmy Herring should be standing up front not in background! He's one of the lead players!

Excellent theater, good seats, great sound. Both bands were superb!

All of the musicians at this show are virtuosos. Both bands were excellent and the 2 bands playing Mahavishnu Orchestra music together was magical. I'm going to see them again this Thursday and Friday, and I just purchased 4 tickets for their Clearwater show later this month. If you love Guitar playing at it's finest you owe it to yourself to see John McLaughlin, and Jimmy Herring is no chop liver!

This was one of the best concerts that I ever had the fortune to attend. John Mclaughlin and his band were incredible in their playing and flowed as one unti in total harmony. John is one of the best guitar players in the world and plays incredibly fast jazz fusion. The 4th Dimension band has to be one of the greatest jazz fusion bands of all time, hands down. The Howard theater which has been beautifully remodeled, has superior sound quality and the bands stage presence kept the audience of serious jazz lovers, captivated all night. They played material of off their latest album, as well as a little of A Love Supreme by Coltrane. John had a beautiful guitar hand made for him and built with the skyline of Manhattan on the fret board at his request. I met his 16 year old French son who was selling cd's and merchandise and was amazed to learn that he plays drums and not guitar. I guess it would be nearly impossible to fill the shoes of his father and be compared to him. After the concert, there was a meet and greet with the whole band and I was able to thank them all and speak with John about my travels in India,his drummer is from India. He told me that he played for the Dali Lama which is not widely known as i searched for it through google later to no avail. They signed 2 cd's for me and i went home very, very happy. Thanks Howard theater and thanks to Ticketmaster for their great online system which reminds you via email of the event as it nears. It was so easy just to print my tickets from my email.

I started listening to John McLaughlin more than forty years ago. He never ceases to amaze. He has a very simple plan... surround oneself with virtuoso artists for whom the instrument is the inner voice. Hope I get to see him again really soon.

Outstanding show, great Fathers Day show with my son. Great venue. Sorry I missed the CD signing.

Saw him 36 years ago with my wife, then my girlfriend, at our first concert date in Indianapolis. In talking after the show he remembered it because its the only time he's been to Indiana He is still one of the worlds best guitarists ..NO DOUBT.. a very smooth show a little more towards center and not as far out as some of the Mahavisnu Orc hestra was ...very pleasant...still very energetic and the band was tight....

I have listened to John McLaughlin for almost 40 years, and I am still not sure how to define him. I have this lingering notion that he is the Timothy Leary of guitar. I think this visit finally convinced me that he is best enjoyed live. His virtuosity and the incredible tightness of the band can be appreciated much better as you see them interact on stage. You don't dance to his music, nor hum along. It is cerebral, dense, complex and stunningly executed. I was not tempted to yell 'Freebird' even once. He can still play, as good as I have ever heard him play. So, go hear him live, buy an album, shake his hand, he has earned that. Make a little statement that musicianship still counts. That's a good thing.

C'mon guys, that really annoying and very noticeable 60Hz hum that began with "plug in" and continued until the closing goodbye from John (when he reached down and "zero'd" his guitar volume), should have been ID'd and rectified before the show. It was really nasty, and perhaps explains why John spent 75% of his time with his back turned to the audience. The bass guitar volume was way too low, and tonal settings very dull and indistinct. This is jazz, not blaring rock; notes should be heard, even if loudly, not merged into a mess of 60 Hz feedback and distortion, and shoddy electronics balancing and control should not occur. But, the music was kick-ass

JM & the 4th Generation were on fire the first night of the tour. They came out a few minutes after 8 & played until just before 10 with no breaks. I don't know how they maintained that energy level for 2 hours, but they did it. Amazing musicianship throughout the night. I will try to catch another show on this tour.

John McLaughlin and the 4th dimension gave an incredible performance. The band is comprised of some of the most incredible musicians in the world. A tremendous musical experience in every respect.

I've followed John McLaughlin since way back with his work with Miles Davis and The Mahavishnu Orchestra and it's various incarnations. I've seen him several times and have never been disappointed. He's such a master of the guitar and what always makes his shows exciting is the talent he brings to support him. This time, Gary Husband keyboards/drums, Mark Mondesir, drums, and, oh yeah and OMG, Ettiene Mbappe' on bass. I was fortunate enough to be in the third row very close to the stage and the music and musicianship was flat out amazing. They played two sets with a brief intermission and both sets were very satisfying. I especially enjoyed the interplay between McLauglin and Mbappe'. Occasionally going note-for-note. I suspect a lot of those in attendance were guitar players like myself. Even though I seen him and heard his music many times I still left the theater wondering how he does it. On the cold and rainy Portland night they performed I almost decided not to attend just because it had been a very long day. Man, that would have been a mistake!

This quartet makes it look so easy!!!!! They obviously enjoy performing together. Jazz is such a difficult genre for the audience to explore and appreciate. I treated a music teacher/bandleader friend, just so I could pick his brain about what I was seeing and hearing. It was a master class of guitar, bass, drums (oh, the percussion!!!), and keyboard.

John McLaughlin has surrounded himself with three amazing musicians with his latest band. This is important given his virtuoso talent. I had high expectations for this show and they were exceeded.

Top-level musicianship, artistry, beauty and power. These are the first words that come to mind as i think of the performance I witnessed this week. McLaughlin has once again surrounded himself with some of the most creative and powerful musicians around. Never a dull moment, the concert was a great representation of McLaughlin's latest venture. If you are a serious musician or just a fan of virtuosity, don't miss these guys when they come to town - it will be an evening you won't soon forget!

The show was absolutely wonderful!!!! Unfortunately, I was very disppointed with the seating. I was supposed to have table 143, but got 144 (and when I asked the waitress why that was, she told me those things happen often around there when dealing with Ticketmaster)- in itself, not that big of a problem. But I had wanted to have dinner there, but what I had got was a cocktail table, which didn't give me that good of a table. Even though the performance was wonderful, it left me feeling very dissatisfied.

John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension deliver the goods as a fusion ensemble.

He warms up during the concert & gets better with each song. The members of the band are wonderful, especially the resident drummer! The keyboard player is also a very talented drummer & the duo make for some amazing drum "solos" together! John has an ability to make his play look easy when it is extremely difficult. The use of various rhythms make his sounds unique & perfect for Jazz.

Great Venue. We were new to his music, but really enjoyed it. Progressive jazz fusion would be my discription.

The music is so modern and advanced, it sounds like it is coming from the future. I think that people after 20 or 30 years will appreciate it better than now. It was too serious and lacked entertainment in it. it could have included a variety of styles or themes.

Thank God there are a handful of artists that are at John McLaughlin's level. I have followed this guitarist since the 1970's. From a 40 year span he has not only maintain his excellence, but has grow to new platitudes. Unlike today's pop jazz performances and fusion groups of yesterday, McLaughlin's cutting edge sound has broken barriers between traditional amplification and digital technology. He has inspired me to embrace aging but do it as one was cognac-improved with time. Thank you Johnny-Great Show!!!!

He is the GOD of music !!!!! Statisticly , there is only 8 percent of people of the world understand that kind of music and 8 percent of people of the world understand what GOD doing . And it is NOT an accident .

Musical genius... trancedental guitarist... spiritual translator... whatever you want to call the great John McLaughlin, his insightful musical paradigm may not / probably will not bring pleasure to the listener's ears after the first 15 minutes of tedious live monotony. The other night at the beautiful UCLA Royce Hall, I fulfilled a life long wish and witnessed firsthand a performance by McLaughlin and his extremely talented new band, The 4th Dimension. There were definitely some moments, but after 2 hours of McLaughlin's repetitive pick work, no matter how incredible the fretwork is, it grates on you. It's safe to say that a large portion of the crowd at this event were ready to take an encore or leave it, and retire to our vehicles to wash the noise out of our ears with some well rounded recorded music...

There is not much you can add to the great musician McLaughlin is, but when he is playing with this guys the show is spectacular.

Best live jazz I have heard in a long time. Sooo tight and each member so talented and together superstars.

That title refers to the fact that Metal Guitar God Zakk Wilde was sitting two seats away from me, and is a testament to the influence John Mclaughlin has had on the guitar world. To me, he is the greatest living guitar player, and at age 68, while the music may lack the sheer force of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the compositions are stellar, unique intricately brilliant pieces of rhythmic and melodic invention, that serves as the springboard for top level improvisational interplay between John and the exciting musicians in his current band, Bassist Etienne Mbappe, Pianist/Drummer Gary Husband and Drummer Mark Montisir.. the playing as always, was exciting, and in a few pieces that showcased twin drumming between Husband, and Montisir, while John and Etienne held up the rhythmic backdrop, the two of them played as if connected at the (right) brain.. Having seen perhaps twelve of John's shows over the years, and being a guitarist, I consider the journey I have taken one of a lifelong education. I am finally beginning to get a deeper appreciation and understanding for the rhythmic breadth and depth of his playing and whereas i once looked on in awe at his technical prowess, the incredible beauty of his compositions, and the power of the music, I feel as though I am getting a glimpse behind the curtain and into his creative mind. this is a rewarding feeling and I as I continue to study, I hope to have the master around as long as possible, as a source of inspiration. I was less than overjoyed with the sound mix. At the price of the tickets, it would do UCLA well to hire a talented soundperson..Etienne Mbappe's incredible bass playing was not audible, or at least not as clearly as it should have been. The drum kits to my ears weren't mixed well.. and I have a secret wish that Mr. Mclaughlin would use a real amp, as I believe he is running his sound through a laptop.. otherwise a phenomenal performance, and John was quite funny in his stage patter as well..Now, I have to go practice....See Ya!!

Amazing show.. there are guitarist who can shred, there are guitarists who play with feeling. John McGlaughlin is one who combines both on a level unmatched by any. I think Frank Zappa said it best: "A person would be a moron not to appreciate McLaughlin's technique. The guy has certainly found out how to operate a guitar as if it were a machine gun"

Great band....great show. First time I've seen McLaughlin so visably happy and prowling the stage like he did. His playing was never more free. I didn't think there was any way he could get better, and I believe he has.