Here is something I liked that nobody in the jazz group liked. The bass was so awesome, that I had to take the 12 inch woofer out of my bedroom after my son complained. Although I was enjoying it the most, we have to live together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnrH-7URvpc Enjoy the music. |
Inna, if you can't dig this, you got a hole in your soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVfNuQ14lBU |
I like some of the 'Shakti', both original and 'Remember Shakti', but this is something quite different. Of the original 'Shakti' I'd say that the composition entitled 'India' is the most profound, and of the 'Remember Shakti' John's old composition 'Lotus Feet' is as great as ever. When thinking of modern jazz or jazz fusion, it is difficult for me to listen to any other guitarist. John's mastering of the instrument is off the scale. By the way, some of his performances, most in fact, in 80s with Paco de Lucia, Paco de Lucia and Al di Meola, and with Jonas Hellborg are quite incredible. His trio in 90s with Trilok Gurtu and bass player was often excellent too. But, none of this is Mahavishnu Orchestra. I think, he could've taken the concept farther than he did, I don't know why he didn't, maybe got exhausted and had to go meet "The Great Divine Mother'. |
riawry, I agree totally with your summation. I don't know how you compare "Mahavishnu" to any band, but here is something in a similar vain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfjxtcNYKz4 "Shakti" is the concept or personification of divine feminine creative power, sometimes referred to as 'The Great Divine Mother' in Hinduism. As the mother she is known as Adi Parashakti or Adishakti. On the earthly plane; so says "Wikipedia". Enjoy the music. |
I think the type of fusion band typified by Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report, Return to Forever, Passport, Caldera, Isotope, Al DiMeola, Billy Cobham, and other 70s fusion band is that this type of jazz was supplanted by more accessible (read: melodic) smooth jazz by the likes of The Yellowjackets, Andy Narell, Bob James, Michael Franks, George Benson, Bela Fleck, and Spyrogyra. I like both genres but they are definitely different. Some great 70s jazz is also found on the CTI labels but tends to be more pop-oriented. |
Fairly recently I went to the live performance at BB King club in NYC of Allan Holdsworth -- Casio guitar (Soft Machine), Eddie Jobson electric violin and keyboards (UK) and Chad Wakerman(FZ drummer). They're above the level of Mahavishnu Orchestra by all possible means. Shortly after WTC-9/11 I visited bottom line cafe (near NYU) with performance of B.L.U.E. -- Brufford Levin Upper Extremities with following crew: Bill Brufford -- drums Tony Levin -- Fender bass and stick bass David Torn -- guitars, mandolin and other unusual string instruments; synth and loops not sure of models, pedals. Chris Botti -- trumpet, pedals The worm-up artists were California Guitar Trio produced by Robert Fripp. |
I could never warm up to the Weather Report. Thank you for the suggestions, I'll check them all out. Yeah, when people like Miles Davis and John McLaughlin are gone, who will come next? Orpheus10, by the way, once you suggested to listen to Nils Peter Molvaer, so I did. I really like his Miles inspired but very his own style. The best concert I was able to find on youtube is called Live&direct. He plays with his original Scandinavian band, I understand. Great drummer there too. |
I can't even imagine another band close to Mahavishnu; each artist was a unique star of fusion at that point in time. John McLaughlin – guitars, vocals Jean-Luc Ponty – violin, vocals, electric violin, baritone violin Ralphe Armstrong – bass guitar, vocals, contrabass Narada Michael Walden – percussion, drums, vocals, clavinet Gayle Moran – keyboards, vocals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Miqd-htP2E I think "Weather Report" was the only sound I can recall that's even comparable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuAMSE_xck4 Enjoy the music. |
One band that is in a similar vein is Brand X that Phil Collins, John Goodsall and Percy Jones were in for a short period in the late 70s early 80s, and that approached, at times, compositions and guitar work that were like some of Mahavishnu, albeit from a different angle. That’s the only band I can think of at the moment. Brand X’s debut album Unorthodox Behaviour is worth a listen. Goodsall smokes in several solos. |
I saw the original M.O. twice and the second version once. Then I saw the One Truth Band. All different personnel, different sound, different vision. The original M.O. was a one-off, unique group. The closest thing I can think of in terms of sound and energy is Cream, who were a few years earlier. I can't imagine anyone coming close to the original Mahavishnu Orchestra. That's the way it is with the great ones. |
Very tough to replicate. McLaughlin is unique. What a great band it was. Yes, Goodman was excellent but I like Ponti in the second Mahavishnu Orchestra as well. Different styles. By the way, it was Jean-Luc Ponti whom McLaughlin initially invited for the first Mahavishnu Orchestra. He accepted the invitation but for some reason it didn't happen. Then McLaughlin found Goodman, who at the time was sort of retired to a Wisconsin farm ! John's mother played violin. Interesting, isn't it? Thank you for the suggestions, I'll try them. |
Mahavishnu Orchestra is tough to replicate. One cd that I have enjoyed in the same vein is a T Lavitz production called "School of the Arts". T Lavitz was the keyboard player for the Dixie Dregs. He did session work for Santana, Widespread Panic, and others. His solo efforts are upbeat jazz fusion and his band Jazz is Dead did some interesting Grateful Dead covers. School of the Arts features violinist Jerry Goodman from Mahavishnu and is great. You can get a used copy on amazon. |
