Between Nothingsness And Eternity -- Mark Anderson

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Between Nothingness And Eternity (Mahavishnu Orchestra Live, 1973)

La Mere De La Mer

A Contribution By Mark Anderson

Our friend from the legendary oneword mailing list, Mark Anderson, who, despite his title: Mr Unreliable, Min of Dis-Inf (JM Dept), is one of the best resources on McLaughlin and his music, was kind enough to send in his extraordinary analysis of one of the most intense moments from this recording. Read and enjoy:

there is one thing I'd like to add though:

In the trading on Trilogy part 2 (La Mere de la Mer), I wonder whether you or anyone else has ever noticed that there comes a point where Hammer has seemingly finished his trading with John. A kind of musical conversation then ensues that might be translated as thus:

Hammer: Well, that's all I've got to say on the matter

John: Surely not, I've not finished yet

Hammer: No, I've said my piece

John: Well, I'm not letting it lye.......
(Starts a more forceful statement, the tempo kicks up a couple of notches)

Hammer: Well you wouldn't let it lye would you ?
(reluctantly responds to McLaughlin's insistent statement)

John: No, not yet, I can't let it lye yet. Come on catch me if you can

Hammer: OK, I can match you anytime, anywhere

John: Yes, ! Yes ! That's it, s-c-r-e-a-m baby !

(Tempo races ahead, bass drops out exhausted)
Hammer : Oh Yeah !

John: I'm gone man, solid gone !
(Billy drives the whole thing into overdrive with pounding double bass drums)

Hammer : OK, you win my mini-moog's out of notes. Billy, for Christ's sake gimme that snare roll and let me out of here, Mac's going Supernova!

Billy obliges with blistering snare staccato roll and jams brakes on.

This piece of music is the closest thing to an aural orgasm I have ever
heard.

Wow! Kind of makes you want to rush to your CD player and re-listen to this piece with a new set of ears, doesn't it? I'd like to thank Mark for a wonderful job, and I certainly hope he will find some time to contribute and to illuminate McLaughlin's music some more in the future.

Mark Anderson's Short Bio (as lifted off of the John McLaughlin's Trubute site):

Composer and arranger of music for TV, film and library music. Commenced drumming at 14. Worked Northern club circuit and played with James&Bobby Purify UK Tour 1974/5. Played with Pete Farndon, James Honeyman Scott and Martin Chambers in Hereford until Chrissie Hind knicked them for the Pretenders.

Spent 20 years as a session and pro player, touring the world with 32-20 Bluesband, the Happy End Big Band, Antonio Forcione Electric Band. Musical Director for SGI-UK Big Band 1994-6 producing trubutes to Ellington and Jobim. Latest work includes music for Channel 4 Drama series 'Bombay Blue'. Theme tune for 'This Life' BBC TV. Currently about to MD entirely original stage show, 'The Carpenters Tribute'.

Note: I strongly urge you to download Mark's rendition of the "Get Down And Sruti/Honky Tonk Heaven" compositions by John McLaughlin (cick here to download it). You're in for a treat!