Last night was the first show kicking off John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension band featuring Hadrien Feraud, Mark Mondesir, and Gary Husband.Let me first start with the rehearsals. I was able to go Wednesday and hang out all day and night with the guys and watch as they built their set and figure out the forms. For me this was an incredible experience, even better than the great show they put on. This is complicated music yet they made it sound and look so easy. They are extremely nice as well and even let me jam a little with them
I've been a McLaughlin fan for a long time and he did not disappoint. Hadrien is a very sweet kid that I wish either spoke more English or I knew French. His playing is out of this world. Whenever Hadrien took a solo, which I must say was blindingly fast but always musical, John would stand back with a huge grin. You can tell how much he likes Hadrien's playing, always encouraging him to play more. Gary Husband of Level 42 but these days mostly playing jazz is a hell of a funny guy. He kills on the keys and also played a little Pearl jungle kit. Together Mark and Gary played some incredible percussion.
The show itself was great. There was a very nice and receptive crowd. The sound in the venue was not the best, as is typical with that theater it was a bit boomy. I have the board recording from it and it sounds great. I'm dead tire from the last couple days but if these guys come near you go see them. John is a living legend and Hadrien is well on his way to becoming one.
