Shawn Lane

What are you some sort of clown???  It's my opinion or am I not entitled to one???

Comparing him as a "modern McLaughlin" is a very nice, and appropriate, comparison to make.  I find much similarity between their compositional and playing styles.  

The poor fellow had severe psoriatic arthritis, and side-effects of drugs unfortunately caused him to balloon into a rather hefty figure.  I'm very sympathetic as I also have psoriasis, albeit not nearly as badly.  

Also, I didn't know about his piano skills, thanks!

Not known to many is that he first hit the stage with the American hard rock, "Southern" rock band Black Oak Arkansas, when he was perhaps 14.  

A seminal talent, I wish he were still with us. 

 

shawn lane has been one my favorite guitarists on the planet for about 2 years now. he is an astonishing player possessing an incredible technical facility, but to consider him merely a "shredder" would be an injustice. he has the unique ability to both dazzle you with chops while also wrenching your heart. at times, he reminds me of allan holdsworth, steve morse, jeff beck, jimi hendrix, and john mclaughlin, sometimes all in the same song! sadly, shawn died before realizing his full potential as a leader.

 

the tri-tone fascination is an excellent studio offering from shawn. in addition, the following live (improvisatory) albums with bassist jonas hellborg are highly recommended:  abstract logic, personae, temporal analogues of paradise, time is the enemy, good people in times of evil, and zenhouse (acoustic).