We’re excited to share this announcement about a new studio album from the irrepressible John McLaughlin with one especially important song, composed on acoustic guitar, in homage to a friend.
The release is called Black Light and it’s due out in October 2015.
In the video, McLaughlin shares an excerpt from the buoyant song, “El Hombre Que Sabía,” a heartfelt homage to his departed colleague, collaborator, and friend Paco De Lucia — with whom McLaughlin had intended to compose an album’s worth of new material just before De Lucia’s untimely passing.
In this tune, McLaughlin brings forth from the instrument a depth of sadness and admiration beyond words.
As a musician, composer, and bandleader, John McLaughlin’s vast contributions to contemporary improvisational music are only just beginning to be fully understood, appreciated, and absorbed by artists and enthusiasts alike.
From Mahavishnu Orchestra, Shakti and his collaboration with Paco De Lucia, to his current band the 4th Dimension, McLaughlin’s music has extended across the boundaries dividing jazz, rock, and innumerable global traditions, encompassing a number of genres while emerging fully formed as his own, uniquely personal expressive medium.
Now, McLaughlin is prepared to break through yet again, with what he feels is his most personal statement today: Black Light.
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Slated for worldwide release this fall, Black Light features the 4th Dimension – “my three favorite musicians,” in McLaughlin’s word – in full flight, with their empathy and precision honed on stage and in the studio. The 4th Dimension is composed of the remarkable multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband on keyboards and drums, Etienne Mbappe’s nimble, effervescent electric bass, and the powerhouse drumming of Ranjit Barot.
Following the international release of Black Light, McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension will set out on a world tour, continuing to explore and elaborate upon the album’s genre-defying material.
Acoustic Nation is written by Laura B. Whitmore, a music industry marketing veteran, music journalist and editor, who has contributed to Parade.com, Guitar World, and others. She has interviewed hundreds of musicians and hosts the She Rocks Podcast. As the founder of the Women’s International Music Network, she advocates for women in the music industry and produces the annual She Rocks Awards. She is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Positive Grid, making the world safe for guitar exploration everywhere! A guitarist and singer/songwriter, Laura is currently co-writing an album of pop songs that empower and energize girls.
