Shakti, Mclaughlin and SRINIVAS

General Music Discussion
#1

I don’t see people talking about McLaughlin in Shakti and Remember Shakti (etc etc) as much as with Mahavishnu but for me it’s my favorite Mclaughlin by a long shot. I also love the Electric Guitarist album.

The real kicker though is Srinivas, an Indian mandolin player who played with Remember Shakti until his untimely death. I think he might be the greatest musician I’ve ever heard. Endlessly inventive at blazing speed. Godlike to me. And an amazing paring with JM.

There’s a million live videos, this one is as good as any:

Check out Srinivas, you won’t regret it.

While I’m at it, this doesn’t have Srinivas but it’s a favorite of mine. You have to watch the whole thing but I queued it up to this part where JM starts ripping it up and the Santur player just looks at him like he’s in love. It’s pretty funny.

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#2

Great post! I too love McLaughlin. I’ve seen him three times, the last time being with Shakti in London in 2023.

Thanks for posting the videos, exquisite stuff! My favourite McLaughlin would have to be with Miles Davis - and my favourite album where McLaughlin himself is leader is Devotion which I understand is a bit of a cult album, but totally seminal - I don’t know any other earlier album which blends rock and modes like the Lydian, which would go on to be done more famously by people like Satriani and Vai. (I still prefer how McLaughlin does it, obvs…) Anyway, it’s an absolutely incredible album.

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#3

Thanks for sharing! Great footage of better musicians.

Are you learning all the great 2nps voicings Troy put together on JM? I have not gotten there yet but probably should as a way to spice up my learning on 2nps USX along with everything else I am practicing now

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#4

They did a cool NPR Tiny Desk a few years ago.

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#5

TBH I saw that tour and the Tiny Desk wasn’t half as good as the live show I saw.

My ex gf chose to have a silent fight with me during the show which sort of ruined what should have been the greatest concert I’ve ever been to but otherwise it was amazing.

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#6

5’ through 6’ has good footage down the neck as McLaughlin starts ripping away. The same motion as the “Summer Night” footage Troy dissects. Thanks for sharing!

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#7

which video are you talking about?

Oh the tiny Desk, got it.

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#9

I saw Mahavishnu Orchestra live on the last tour a few years ago. Jimmy Herring opened. I had the great fortune to meet John and thank him for writing such inspiring music. It is always really great to meet a hero. He is kind. His hand was sore after the show. Hurts that even legends age.

I transcribed and was playing through a song of his a few weeks back. So, cool. I also learned how to write for percussion a bit on account of my interest in that band. I also jammed with a sitar player for a few years off and on until he moved as we had this band as a shared interest. Love John’s writing. The violin, guitar, bass, and percussion is a great sound.

His work with the guitar trio is also interesting. I loved John’s work in the 90’s as well. He had an album with a ‘seeing eye’ cover I was fascinated with as a child too.
I also saw Shakti.

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#10

People

Don’t miss out on Srinivas, no one has mentioned him. He’s in the first video. I think he’s among the greatest musicians I’ve ever heard. You can see how much JM appreciates him. His music is pure joy. Passed away relatively early.

Just saying.

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#11

You are right. Srinivas is totally stunning. Worthy of many genuflections indeed.

#12

Yes, Shrinivas was an amazing musician. So lyrical, melodic…the total antithesis of McLaughlin.
I heard this band in the 90’s and McLaughlin sounded SO horrible compared to Shrinivas’ beauty and melodicism. Just awful. Digital patterns.
Beauty and melodicism have never been a part of McLaughlin’s playing.

#13

um I think they are both great.

I don’t like JM playing jazz all that much but he brings something amazing to the Indian music. Particularly starting in the 70s where there was nothing like that and all the interest in Indian music was about North Indian classical music.