Matt’s new book ‘John McLaughlin: From Miles & Mahavishnu to The 4th Dimension’ is available now via the links below.
Drawing on hundreds of sources and interviews with key collaborators, ‘From Miles and Mahavishnu to The 4th Dimension’ is the first major book about John McLaughlin since 2014 and the first ever to illuminate his 1980-2020 output. It features never-before-seen photographs and an introductory note by King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp.
UK orders:
Rowman & Littlefield (Enter discount code RLFANDF30 to save 30% off the list price)
USA orders:
Rowman & Littlefield (Enter discount code RLFANDF30 to save 30% off the list price)
Australia:
India:
Praise for ‘John McLaughlin’:
‘A must-have in every aspiring musician’s personal library.’ Billy Cobham
‘A wonderful insight into a true innovator and colossus of the guitar.’ Mark King (Level 42)
‘Scrupulously researched… A fluent career overview.’ **** MOJO, December 2023
‘The most comprehensive overview of McLaughlin’s career to make it into print thus far.’ **** Shindig!, January 2024
‘Brilliant’. Gilles Peterson, Brownswood Basement on Worldwide FM
‘Superb’. The Jazz Bastard podcast
‘Check it out.’ Stuart Maconie, The Freak Zone, BBC 6 Music
‘Enthralling… Details the many album releases in a highly readable style… Informative and thoroughly enjoyable… It’s easy to recommended this book.’ The Progressive Aspect
‘The short list of illustrious names that McLaughlin has engaged with is merely the tip of an iceberg so grand it can sink the Titanic ten times over. Phillips brilliantly highlights every single one of them in his compelling narrative… Phillips excels in captivating storytelling and opens up a most accurate treasure trove of knowledge and information which proves to be of sheer educational delight for both fans and the novice appreciator… An exceptional and brilliant read!’ DPRP
‘Phillips is the perfect guide through McLaughlin’s byzantine discography, his training enabling him to keep pace with the guitarist’s baffling mastery of time signatures, his passion earning to the trust of anyone still reeling from the early Mahavishnu Orchestra.’ *** Record Collector, December 2023
‘Comprehensive and thoroughly researched, Phillips’ book is a revelation. A must-read for guitar aficionados and McLaughlin devotees.’ Bill Milkowski, author of ‘Jaco’ and ‘Ode To A Tenor Titan’
‘Riveting… Meticulous storytelling… The book is not just a narrative, it’s a visual feast.’ Jazz In Europe
‘A compelling study of the man, his music and his marvellous creative legacy.’ JazzViews
‘Paints the fullest picture yet of the guitarist’s life.’ Jazzed
‘Thorough and impassioned… The first book to fully illuminate the least-appreciated, least-documented periods in the extraordinary career of this wondrously free-spirited, prolific, perpetually questing artist.’ Booklist
Read Matt’s interview about the book and his career on Jazzfuel.
He also spoke to Talk Radio Europe about the book.
Matt’s book ‘Level 42 – Every Album, Every Song (on track)’, published in 2021, is the first in-depth study of the jazz/funk/pop band’s illustrious catalogue.
It features recording information, musical analysis, studio gossip, full credits, stories from the road and contributions from head honcho Mark King and key past members Gary Husband and Phil Gould. ‘Level 42 – Every Album, Every Song (on track)’ is available via the links below:
UK orders:
USA orders:
EUROPE orders:
AUSTRALIA orders:
JAPAN orders:
Praise for ‘Level 42: Every Album, Every Song’:
‘Phillips’ concise, forensic analyses opened my eyes and ears to new facets of the band’s music.’ George Cole, Jazzwise
‘Bloody brilliant!’ Jem Godfrey, *Frost/Joe Satriani keyboardist and songwriter
‘It’s excellent, it really is.’ Paul Waller, Level 42 expert and author of ‘Level 42: The Worldwide Visual Discography’
‘Brilliant.’ John Hannam, Isle Of Wight County Press
‘To me, Level 42 are not the answer to the ultimate questions of life, yet Phillips’ engaging narrative certainly makes a strong case for it. It’s filled with knowledgeable wisdom, and he speaks his affection for the band brilliantly.’ Jan Buddenburg, DPRP
‘This book is enhanced by contributions from both Mark King and Lindup whilst Phillips also provides a musician’s insight to the track by track breakdown. A worthy and welcome re-assessment.’ **** getreadytorock.uk
Thanks to Bass Player Magazine who ran an excerpt in their June 2021 edition:
And many thanks to Level 42 mega-fan and friend of the band Julian Hall for his endorsement.
movingtheriver.com 