"John McLaughlin recounts the abrupt conclusion of his performance with Jimi Hendrix, describing it as an instant feedback incident that he labels as a 'disaster'"
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John McLaughlin, renowned guitarist and composer, had an extraordinary encounter with the late great Jimi Hendrix on March 25, 1969, at New York City's Record Plant. This impromptu jam session, which did not receive an official release, can now be found on YouTube for music enthusiasts to enjoy.
McLaughlin was invited to sit in on the session, marking the first time he met Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell, and Buddy Miles. The acclaimed guitarist arrived with his Gibson Hummingbird guitar equipped with a DeArmond pickup, but the acoustic instrument struggled to compete with Hendrix's electric setup, which was cranked up to full blast on his Marshall amp.
Despite the challenging circumstances, McLaughlin was captivated by Hendrix's performance. He described the legendary guitarist as a "sweet guy" and "unpretentious," noting that Hendrix was very gracious and unassuming. McLaughlin himself was known for his lack of pretensions, making their bond immediate and mutual.
However, McLaughlin faced a significant issue during the session. As soon as he plugged his guitar in, he experienced significant feedback. To make matters worse, he needed a solid body guitar for the session, but unfortunately, he did not have one at the time.
Despite these obstacles, the jam session is a testament to the musical camaraderie between these two guitar legends. The event took place during a period when Hendrix was putting together his Band of Gypsys lineup, with Mitch Mitchell on drums and Billy Cox on bass guitar.
It's worth noting that the Marshall amps in those days did not have a master volume. The volume in the studio was overwhelming for McLaughlin, making it difficult for him to fully participate in the session.
Despite these challenges, the jam session remains a cherished memory for McLaughlin. He has spoken fondly of the encounter throughout his career, often highlighting the mutual respect and admiration he had for Hendrix.
For those who are interested, the jam session can be found on YouTube, offering a unique glimpse into the musical chemistry between these two iconic guitarists.
