John McLaughlin

Lore & Background

The connection between McLaughlin and Hendrix centers on an extended improvisation recorded at the Record Plant, NYC, dated 25 March 1969. McLaughlin described the event as a jam session lasting from 2 until 8 in the morning. He played an acoustic flat-top guitar with a pickup, while Hendrix played electric. This specific interaction highlighted their shared musical language despite different primary styles. McLaughlin later reflected on what Hendrix might have achieved had he survived, suggesting the guitarist would have utilized every available tool, including acoustic guitars, synthesizers, orchestras, and voices. This session stands as a rare documented moment where two of the era's most innovative guitarists tested the limits of feedback and harmony outside their main bands.

In Their Own Story

On 25 March 1969, the atmosphere at the Record Plant in New York City shifted from routine to historic. John McLaughlin, then a rising figure in British jazz circles who had recently moved to the U.S., joined Jimi Hendrix for an impromptu session that stretched from early morning until dawn. McLaughlin sat with his acoustic flat-top guitar equipped with a pickup, contrasting sharply with Hendrix's electric Stratocaster setup. The two played together for six continuous hours. McLaughlin later recounted the experience as wonderful, emphasizing the unique dynamic between his acoustic textures and Hendrix's electric power. He expressed admiration for Hendrix's potential, stating that had the rock icon lived to see modern technology, he would have integrated orchestras and voices into his sound just as readily as any other instrument.

Reader's Guide

To understand McLaughlin's relationship with Hendrix, one must look at their shared timeline in London during the early 1960s before McLaughlin's move to America. Both were active in the same musical circles, though they operated in different genres; McLaughlin was exploring jazz and blues while Hendrix defined rock. The pivotal moment occurred after McLaughlin relocated to the U.S., where a specific jam session on 25 March 1969 documented their collaboration. Fans should note that this was not a formal recording for an album but a live capture of two masters trading ideas. McLaughlin's recollection serves as the primary source, detailing his use of acoustic guitar against Hendrix's electric rig. This event illustrates how McLaughlin viewed Hendrix not just as a rock star, but as a musician capable of expanding into orchestral and synthesizer realms if given the chance.

Did You Know?

• A recording exists of John McLaughlin jamming with Jimi Hendrix for six hours at the Record Plant, NYC, on 25 March 1969.
• During their session together, McLaughlin played an acoustic flat-top guitar with a pickup while Hendrix played electric.
• McLaughlin stated that if Jimi Hendrix had lived today, he would have employed synthesizers, orchestras, and voices in his music.
• Hendrix is not listed as a formal member of any of McLaughlin's bands; their connection was through this specific jam session and shared London roots.
• McLaughlin gave guitar lessons to Jimmy Page during the 1960s while supporting himself with session work.