John McLaughlin talks about composing the score for ‘Abandoned Heights’

Renowned Grammy-winning guitarist John McLaughlin began his musical journey alongside esteemed jazz musicians like Tony Williams and Miles Davis. It wasn’t long before he founded The Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1970, a groundbreaking jazz fusion group. He then delved into a guitar-driven instrumental album titled Love Devotion Surrender with Carlos Santana in 1973. The following year, Shakti, a global jazz fusion quintet co-founded by McLaughlin, emerged and has been nominated for two prestigious Grammy Awards in 2026.

Fast forward to 2018 when McLaughlin was approached by Jack Stallings, a film writer and director, who enlisted him to compose the music for his upcoming movie, Abandoned Heights. Subsequently, McLaughlin, along with a talented lineup, including Gary Husband on drums and keyboards, Julian Siegel on saxophones, Misha Mullov-Abbado on upright bass, and Etienne Mbappé on electric bass, recorded the music based on the script. This captivating musical journey was impeccably crafted at Eastcote Studios London by George Murphy and mastered by Chris Bellman for Impex Records, anticipating the film’s release.

McLaughlin and Abey Fonn from Impex Records decided that the music produced for Abandoned Heights couldn’t remain unheard any longer, prompting the decision to share this soul-stirring music with the public. Goldmine sat down with McLaughlin to delve into his latest album, Music for Abandoned Heights, following a reminiscent conversation about a classic Mahavishnu Orchestra flip side.

Reflecting on the early days with The Mahavishnu Orchestra, McLaughlin reminisced about their contrasting dynamics and revolutionary musical direction, all influenced by none other than Miles Davis. The conversation naturally transitioned to the single “Open Country Joy” from their album Birds of Fire, setting the stage for the flip side gem, “Celestial Commuters,” a rare release by the group that showcased their wild and dynamic nature.

McLaughlin then draws parallels between Music for Abandoned Heights and his past collaborations, particularly his album Love Devotion Surrender with Carlos Santana. The opening track, “The Scene,” resonates with elements of his diverse musical background, from classical piano to jazz and blues influences. Immersing himself in the script for Abandoned Heights, McLaughlin found his artistic inspiration in the characters’ narratives, ensuring his compositions resonated authentically with the film’s themes.

Tracks like “DC Basketball” in the album evoke a sense of redemption, mirroring the film’s narrative journey. Explaining the connection between the music and the storyline, McLaughlin elaborated on the emotional depth of the characters, particularly Nathaniel’s complex journey towards redemption. With each track representing a key character or pivotal moment in the storyline, McLaughlin masterfully weaves a tapestry of emotions and melodies, awaiting the audience’s imaginations to bring the film’s visuals to life.

Despite the wait for the film’s release, McLaughlin’s decision, alongside Impex Records, to share the music with listeners resonates with his passion for the project. The album, a culmination of exceptional musicianship and storytelling, captures the essence of Abandoned Heights, offering a glimpse into a world of redemption, conflict, and introspection. The timeless sound of Impex Records further enriches the musical experience, underscoring the brilliance of McLaughlin’s compositions and the talents of the musicians involved in this project.