Over the last three decades John McLaughlin has done more than anybody else in popular jazz and rock music to explore the potential of the guitar, both acoustic and electric. Here he talks to Mark Prendergast about his eclectic career, pioneering use of guitar synthesizers, and the Synclavier.

Stereo Digital Sampler

If Roland's S770 super sampler presented too high a target for many of us, the S750 may be the news we've been waiting for. Simon Trask investigates the challenger to the Akai S1000 crown.

A glimpse of the equipment you could well be buying in the forthcoming year

The buyer's guide that bares all. Most of the dedicated sequencers, software packages and computer music systems currently available in the UK, detailed, listed and criticised by E&MM's reviewing team.

This month, E&MM’s unique equipment round-up turns its attention to the rhythmic world of drum machines and electronic drum kits.

Breaking The Silence

Brian Eno, is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in electronic music, yet his creative energies have recently been directed into other people's music. Now, with the release of one solo and one collaborative album approaching, he gives a rare interview to Mark Prendergast.

The pick of 1983's equipment releases.

A nostalgic look back at 1985 by the people who bring E&MM to you each month. Was it really that bad?

Guitars, Amps + major keyboards survey.

Exclusive reviews of two avant garde music festivals that saw technology pushed to its creative limits, Ars Electronica at Linz and the International Computer Music Conference at IRCAM, Paris.

As close to the cutting edge as you can get without needing stitches...

"...comes back from Hammersmith."

What we saw at the big fair, including famous gear and famous people.

FRANKFURT REPORT

Trade shows often make the best stage for unveiling new equipment - did this year's Frankfurt show witness any revolutions? Simon Trask brings the news from Germany.

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask!)

PART 2: Martin Russ reveals even more about the uses and applications of MIDI's most powerful function.

Mark Prendergast talks with trumpeter, composer, and synthesist Mark Isham about new technology, David Sylvian, Van Morrison, Windham Hill, and his solo career as one of Hollywood's more interesting film soundtrack composers.

What's hot for '87

Your chance to check out some of the new hi-tech and recording equipment launched at last month's Frankfurt Music Fair.

Dave Stewart On Going It Alone In The Music Biz

The major record company route is not the only one to musical success. Dave Stewart has successfully avoided the majors and still manages to make a good living from his home-produced music. Here, he charts his musical history.

Mark J. Prendergast interviews California-born musician Terry Riley, the influential inventor of 'minimalist' music.

Janet Angus talks to Robin about practically everything.

The prospect of a high-spec sample player bearing the Emu name, but costing 'under £1000', had musician's waiting with baited breath for its appearance. Now Proteus is here, and Paul Ireson breathes a sigh of relief as he finds that it was worth the wait.

Part 2. Richard Elen concludes his guide to computers and communications for musicians with details of how to join and log on to two musicians' networks: PAN and Esi Street. There's also an extensive glossary of terms to help newcomers to this exciting field understand what it is all about.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly at Frankfurt's Musical Fiesta

Five pages of glorious colour on the exhibition to end all exhibitions - the annual Frankfurt Musik Messe. Dan Goldstein comes hotfoot from Germany to report on the latest developments on the hi-tech music scene. And there are a lot of them.