Happy Birthday John !!

Very happy birthday wishes go out to John McLaughlin who turned 71 today.

While many of you have no idea who this is,
I'm here to help you discover.



John McLaughlin is one of the best guitarists in the world.
I would put him at about number 37.
Now, that may not sound all that impressive, but it truly is.
Consider that there are millions of guitarists in the world
and you likely couldn't name more than 2 of the 36 that are better than him.
No, John McLaughlin is FAR superior to Santana, Hendrix, Slash, or even SRV.

Just so we have a better understanding of what defines "better" guitarist.
A guitar's proficiency is the speed, dexterity and accuracy (purity) at which a guitarist is capable of changing notes in a melody.
It has nothing to do with how loud a guitarist plays, how long he holds notes,
nor much you happen to like or hate his/her music.

Here is a link to give you a great example of John's work.
In it he is matched with 2 of the 36 that are better than him.
Indeed, DiMeola ranks at about number 5.
I assure you, Al does not walk out first, nor sit center stage, by accident.

Nonetheless, John does a very good job at holding 3rd chair
and what an honor to be on the same stage
in the performance with these other two greats, who dominate the stage.
Indeed, John gets his first solo more than 1/2 way though at about 1:35.



Regardless, I chose this specific example of what he CAN do.
Which is far more than his Mahuvishna Orchestra performances
and/or his duets with Carlos Santana. He's a very accomplished and capable musician
and even at 71 still improving.

People often achieve much more when challenged by greatness,
while alternatively they frequently float down close to the level of those who usually
accompany them.

Again, Happy Birthday John.
May you continue to strive towards further greatness.
Thanks for the terrific guitar work you have accomplished thus far.

Here's perhaps a more familiar piece for you;