Jazz Fusion Legend, John McLaughlin took his final bow at the Royce Hall on this past Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd. After 25 shows across the U.S., with more than 16 complete sell-outs, McLaughlin and his current band, the 4th Dimension – Ranjit Barot (drums), Gary Husband (keyboards, drums), and Etienne M’Bappé (bass), performed their final live show in Los Angeles. McLaughlin is grateful to all of his friends who have supported him over the years as well as those who came out to celebrate and perform this tour with him, including; Carlos Santana, Phil Lesh, Derek Trucks, Cindy Blackman, Steve Lukather, Vinnie Colaiuta and so many more.
John chose the US to be the first to see the final shows. After all, it was in America that he met Miles Davis and Tony Williams and played on such trailblazing albums as In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew. America was the true birthplace of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. At the tour’s conclusion McLaughlin shares, “The decision to make a farewell tour encompassed much reflection, and subsequently much planning. The decision to reanimate the music of Mahavishnu and invite Jimmy Herring and his band to perform it with me and the 4th Dimension, was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The qualities of Mahavishnu music are “Power, Passion and Beauty” to quote writer Walter Kolosky, and they were all eminently portrayed throughout the tour. Perhaps even more importantly, there was a ‘Spirit’ on stage that transformed the musicians every night. I could not be happier at the end of this tour.”
In a career that spans more than five decades, John McLaughlin has honed a personal vision that transcends all boundaries, becoming one of improvised music’s most influential guitarists, composers, and bandleaders. Celebrating his many milestones, which includes a recent 2018 Grammy® Award nomination for “Live at Ronnie Scotts,” McLaughlin concludes one aspect of his many-faceted career - live touring. After several years suffering from painful arthritis, the legendary guitarist has confirmed that The Meeting of the Spirits tour will be his final tour EVER. Upon hearing the news fans flew from all over the US, and beyond, to experience the final performances of McLaughlin and for the first time in many years, witness the groundbreaking music of his MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA.
Next year, Abstract Logix will release a LIVE album commemorating several nights of The Meeting of the Spirits tour. Tentatively titled “Another Friday Night in San Francisco” will serve as a tribute to the record-breaking 1981 live album, “Friday Night in San Francisco” featuring jazz greats; Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Paco de Lucía.
