John McLaughlin Reflects on “Disastrous” Jam with Jimi Hendrix

In March 1969, guitarist John McLaughlin had the opportunity to jam with the legendary Jimi Hendrix at the Record Plant in New York City. What could have been a landmark collaboration instead became a frustrating experience for McLaughlin, who described it as a “disaster.” The encounter highlights the complexities of musical collaboration, particularly when financial constraints come into play.

At the time of their meeting, Hendrix was navigating a transitional period in his career. He had released three albums with his band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which included drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding. Unfortunately, the group was nearing its end, setting the stage for Hendrix’s future project, Band of Gypsys, featuring bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles.

McLaughlin had just recorded his debut solo album two months prior. His background included notable collaborations with Ginger Baker and appearances alongside Mitchell in other musical endeavors. Although McLaughlin’s reputation was solid, it paled in comparison to Hendrix’s immense fame at that time.

The jam session took place during a lively party at the Record Plant, where Hendrix had recorded earlier works. McLaughlin, performing at the Village Vanguard with drummer Tony Williams, was invited to join the gathering after Mitchell attended their show.

Reflecting on the scene, McLaughlin stated, “It was a bit of a disaster.” He recalled the atmosphere filled with musicians and excitement, but he faced a significant challenge. “The only guitar I had was a Gibson Hummingbird,” he explained. Traditionally associated with folk music, the Hummingbird was not ideal for an impromptu jam session featuring Hendrix.

“I had run out of money while I was in the U.K. and Europe,” McLaughlin remarked, detailing how he had to sell his more suitable guitar during his time abroad. The Hummingbird, which he described as “pretty cheap,” was equipped with a DeArmond sound hole pickup. “At that volume, I plugged my guitar in, and it was instant feedback. It was really hard to play. It was unfortunate, because I needed a solid-body guitar on that session.”

Despite the technical difficulties, a portion of the jam was captured on tape, and it is now available on platforms like YouTube. The session features not only Hendrix’s distinctive guitar work but also contributions from Dave Holland on bass and Buddy Miles on drums. While McLaughlin may not have felt it showcased his talents effectively, he treasures the memory of meeting Hendrix.

“I met Jimi,” he said with a smile. “He was a sweet guy. And I met him again, subsequently, where we had a chance to talk. He was just totally unpretentious.” McLaughlin acknowledged Hendrix’s profound influence on music, stating, “I think he knew he was causing quite a revolution on the guitar. He certainly affected me and about another five million guitar players. He was a one-man revolution on the guitar.”

The jam session reportedly lasted from around 2 a.m. to 8 a.m., embodying the quintessential rock-and-roll spirit. McLaughlin’s reflections on Hendrix align with sentiments shared by other artists, including Pete Townshend, who recognized Hendrix’s significant impact on the music scene during that era.

In recent months, McLaughlin released a new live album, adding to his extensive discography. His experiences in the music industry continue to resonate, as he remains committed to exploring new artistic avenues while honoring the legends who have shaped his journey.