Mahavishnu Orchestra

AladdinSane · December-26th-2005, 11:18 AM

I'm a huge fan of the Mahavishnu Orchestra (especially during the 70s)! The first band was the best and the second was okay but not bad. I was wondering if anyone knows if there will be a new re-release or something of MO soon?

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7/4 · December-26th-2005, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AladdinSane

I'm a huge fan of the Mahavishnu Orchestra (especially during the 70s)! The first band was the best and the second was okay but not bad. I was wondering if anyone knows if there will be a new re-release or something of MO soon?

Rerelease w/exta live concert:

Quote:

Mahavishnu Orchestra - The Inner Mounting Flame & Mahavishnu Orchestra: Live in Cleveland 1972 - 2 CDs (Columbia/Legacy)

AladdinSane · December-26th-2005, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7/4

Rerelease w/exta live concert:

Where did you read this, 7/4? And when is it gonna be released (europe/USA)?

7/4 · December-26th-2005, 11:44 AM

There is no release date, other than 2006.

http://home.att.net/%7Elankina/jazz/

AladdinSane · December-26th-2005, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7/4

There is no release date, other than 2006.

http://home.att.net/%7Elankina/jazz/

Thank you for the link, 7/4. It's a shame there isn't an official DVD of their performance. Tha band rocks! But who knows in the future...

I'm wondering if John McLaughlin and Jan Hammer are now in speaking terms after the breakup?

7/4 · December-26th-2005, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AladdinSane

Thank you for the link, 7/4. It's a shame there isn't an official DVD of their performance. Tha band rocks! But who knows in the future...

I'm wondering if John McLaughlin and Jan Hammer are now in speaking terms after the breakup?

Since they haven't recorded together in over 30 years, I kinda doubt it.

AladdinSane · December-26th-2005, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7/4

Since they haven't recorded together in over 30 years, I kinda doubt it.

yeah. i"m wondering what the fight was all about. I've read on several sites and articles that it's about ego's or something. But that's too abstract to me. And how about Rick Laird and Jerry Goodman? Oh well, there wouldn't be reunion, I think. Because of the tight schedules of the better-known members of the MO.

7/4 · December-26th-2005, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AladdinSane

yeah. i"m wondering what the fight was all about. I've read on several sites and articles that it's about ego's or something. But that's too abstract to me. And how about Rick Laird and Jerry Goodman? Oh well, there wouldn't be reunion, I think. Because of the tight schedules of the better-known members of the MO.

Back when the '80s version of Mahavishnu was formed, Billy Cobham was in it. Then he wasn't. There was an interview with in Downbeat where Cobham said he would never work with McLaughlin again.

Too many cooks in the kitchen?

Kevin Michael · December-26th-2005, 01:02 PM

Mahavishnu Orchestra...arguably the greatest band that ever was.

A good friend of mine, author Walter Kolosky http://www.walterkolosky.com is an authority on MO, and is currently writing a book which is entitled Power, Passion and Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra. This will certainly be the definitive book on the MO...and a must have for all MO fans.

I talk with John every few months, and I can say there is a holdup (involving an original band member) on the release of the MO Cleveland show. I cannot go into more detail at this time.

It is true that John will be releasing a new studio CD soon (recorded in New York and at his studio in Monaco) and he says the critics will crucify him over this one.

Peace.
Kevin

7/4 · December-26th-2005, 01:24 PM

The book sounds interesting.

I heard the 2nd MO perform live once in Central Park. My 1st real rock concert. I also caught the One Truth Band there a few years later. Both amazing shows.

The later JMc shows I caught were pretty damm good too. I should catch him again next time he's in town.

Captain Hate · December-26th-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Michael

there is a holdup (involving an original band member) on the release of the MO Cleveland show.

Is that the one that was at Case Western Reserve University? I was at that and it would be good to actually hear it since the sound was ridiculously loud and unfocused.

Calling the MO the "greatest band ever" is quite a stretch. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't crack my top 25.

Steve Reynolds · December-26th-2005, 02:30 PM

maybe the greatest in what they did, but compared to the rest?

music from a specific time -

loved the first two records when I was young in music - didn't love them enough to search for what came before until about 10 years later - didn't care enough to know what they were doing at the time (1980 or so)

Jason Bivins · December-26th-2005, 02:36 PM

Ah, I still love 'em to death. John Mc is the reason I started to play guitar and I will always heart his playing (specifically from 1969-1975 or so). And I think the first two albums in particular still rule.

Ian Davis told me that he booked them at U. of South Carolina in 1972 or so, and that they were thunderingly, ear-bleedingly loud.

Kevin Michael · December-26th-2005, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Hate

Is that the one that was at Case Western Reserve University? I was at that and it would be good to actually hear it since the sound was ridiculously loud and unfocused.

Captain,
I'm not certain of the Cleveland venue, but I believe the show in question is 11 Sep. 1972. Real cool that you were there. I have a soundboard recording of that show, and if you'd care for a gratis copy, I'll be happy to share it. Contact me off-list.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Hate

Calling the MO the "greatest band ever" is quite a stretch. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't crack my top 25.

That's all cool. I'm not trying to convince anyone. Just stating an opinion, and I respect yours. We each listen to and study the musical forms that inspire and influence us personally. What a wonderful thing that is!

Peace.
Kevin

AladdinSane · December-26th-2005, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Michael

Mahavishnu Orchestra...arguably the greatest band that ever was.

A good friend of mine, author Walter Kolosky http://www.walterkolosky.com is an authority on MO, and is currently writing a book which is entitled Power, Passion and Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra. This will certainly be the definitive book on the MO...and a must have for all MO fans.

I talk with John every few months, and I can say there is a holdup (involving an original band member) on the release of the MO Cleveland show. I cannot go into more detail at this time.

It is true that John will be releasing a new studio CD soon (recorded in New York and at his studio in Monaco) and he says the critics will crucify him over this one.

Peace.
Kevin

I can't wait to see and read that one. I really dig them!I've read so many articles about the band and the breakup. I hope to know more about this. John McLaughlin really rules. And it is said that it's to hard work with him together. Don't know if it's true.

grove47 · December-26th-2005, 04:33 PM

I caught Mahavishnu in the spring of '72 at Colby College and the sound was very clear- loud, but focused. Billy Cobham was quite a revelation at the time. The music was from The Inner Mounting Flame. Very fresh, original compositions. I heard the concert before the record and the live show was light years better, even though I loved the album when it came out.

AladdinSane · December-26th-2005, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grove47

I caught Mahavishnu in the spring of '72 at Colby College and the sound was very clear- loud, but focused. Billy Cobham was quite a revelation at the time. The music was from The Inner Mounting Flame. Very fresh, original compositions. I heard the concert before the record and the live show was light years better, even though I loved the album when it came out.

I really envy the people who got the chance to see the Mahavishnu Orchestra live in the 1970s!

Dr Dave · December-26th-2005, 04:56 PM

Ignore me, I'm just a skunk at the garden party.

McLaughlin never did anything with the Orchestra to match his work with Miles. I'll take his solo on "What I Say" over the entire ouevre with the Mahavishnus.

7/4 · December-26th-2005, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Ignore me, I'm just a skunk at the garden party.

McLaughlin never did anything with the Orchestra to match his work with Miles. I'll take his solo on "What I Say" over the entire ouevre with the Mahavishnus.

I think the Miles work was pretty loose, a lot of elbow room. And comparing them is like apples and oranges, both fruits, yet different.

AladdinSane · December-26th-2005, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7/4

I think the Miles work was pretty loose, a lot of elbow room. And comparing them is like apples and oranges, both fruits, yet different.

Yeah, you're right, 7/4. His work with Miles was extra-ordinary. I love the tracks Spanish Key, Go Ahead John, John Mclaughlin. And of course his work on Live-Evil. But they are different than with th MO. Those are totally different. With MO John McLaughlin gives his own show and tries to lead the band. Really on the spotlight.

Captain Hate · December-26th-2005, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Michael

Captain,
I'm not certain of the Cleveland venue, but I believe the show in question is 11 Sep. 1972. Real cool that you were there. I have a soundboard recording of that show, and if you'd care for a gratis copy, I'll be happy to share it. Contact me off-list.

Despite what I said in my PM I'm sure I saw a later show than that, more like 73 or 74. I looked on a McLaughlin gig compilation and couldn't find any Cleveland dates so that was useless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Michael

That's all cool. I'm not trying to convince anyone. Just stating an opinion, and I respect yours. We each listen to and study the musical forms that inspire and influence us personally. What a wonderful thing that is!

Nice answer; more gracious than my more-in-your-face-than-necessary-in-retrospect comment probably deserved.

BFrank · December-26th-2005, 07:00 PM

I was lucky enough to see Mahavishnu twice (June 1972 & March 1973). Also the great McLaughlin/Santana tour with Larry Young, Billy Cobham, Doug Rauch and Armando Peraza in September 1973. All were eye-opening.

AladdinSane · December-27th-2005, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFrank

I was lucky enough to see Mahavishnu twice (June 1972 & March 1973). Also the great McLaughlin/Santana tour with Larry Young, Billy Cobham, Doug Rauch and Armando Peraza in September 1973. All were eye-opening.

Damn, that was amazing also. I have the bootleg of the performance in Chicago 1973! Again, jealous of you guys!

gonzo · December-27th-2005, 05:06 AM

alladin sane,
mclaughlin continues to make incredible music even now. MO was just a small piece of an almost 40 year career. check out his newest CDs with the new versions of shakti., incredible music. he is recording a new project as we speak(www.johnmclaughlin.com) of acoustic and electric music featuring many of the top of todays establishe and up and coming players including his own nephew tony who is a monster monster bass player(tonygrey.com).
john is my favorite guitarist of the past, present, and future. thanks for starting this topic.

VIBEr · December-27th-2005, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AladdinSane

yeah. i"m wondering what the fight was all about. I've read on several sites and articles that it's about ego's or something. But that's too abstract to me. And how about Rick Laird and Jerry Goodman? Oh well, there wouldn't be reunion, I think. Because of the tight schedules of the better-known members of the MO.

I recall reading that Hammer's gripe was about money. The compositions were sketches submitted by McLaughlin, collectively fleshed out by the band, but only McLaughlin got writing credit and the composer royalties. To what degree this statement is accurate I don't know, but put me down for buying a copy of the bio.

Jazzooo · December-27th-2005, 08:52 AM

I still throw on Inner Mounting Flame about twice a year. What a great blend of styles and sounds. The later albums left me progressively colder--I bought the lost Trident sessions CD and enjoyed it once but have never been drawn to listen again. But one album as good as IMF is still a giant achievement imo.

John M is one of my favorite artists, though he only hits a homerun once in awhile. Istill love the creativity, the effort, and the restless nature of his muse. His trios with Trilok Gurtu and then Dennis Chambers were my favorite recent explorations, though the reformed Shakti blew me away live.

Brian Olewnick · December-27th-2005, 08:53 AM

Caught them twice, I think, once on a double bill with Coryell's band, both around 1973. They were, indeed, rather loud.

Was a big fan of the first two records at the time. Copied one of the photos of Goodman for use as an illustration to the Orchestra page of my 1972 HS yearbook (!). Not sure how I'd react to them now, though; haven't heard 'em for ages, both traded in decades ago. My personal fave JM these days is his work on Escalator, then the Miles stuff. Oh, and "Extrapolation".

fwiw, Rick Laird used to hang around the NYC loft scene in the late 70s, photographing.

AladdinSane · December-27th-2005, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzo

alladin sane,
mclaughlin continues to make incredible music even now. MO was just a small piece of an almost 40 year career. check out his newest CDs with the new versions of shakti., incredible music. he is recording a new project as we speak(www.johnmclaughlin.com) of acoustic and electric music featuring many of the top of todays establishe and up and coming players including his own nephew tony who is a monster monster bass player(tonygrey.com).
john is my favorite guitarist of the past, present, and future. thanks for starting this topic.

Thanks, Gonzo. Yeah, I know. I have lots of albums of John McLaughlin myself. Not the latest ones though.

walto · December-27th-2005, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFrank

I was lucky enough to see Mahavishnu twice (June 1972 & March 1973). Also the great McLaughlin/Santana tour with Larry Young, Billy Cobham, Doug Rauch and Armando Peraza in September 1973. All were eye-opening.

I saw MO twice too. Once with Ravi Shankar outdoors, unfortunately.

Great band. I tried to learn all of Hammer's riffs back then and (probably unsuccessfully) integrate them with Cecilosities and Feldmanisms--representing the two other main keyboard influences of my college years. Of course, Jan always had better gear than I could afford, no matter how often I managed an upgrade.

Chris D · December-27th-2005, 10:14 AM

Loudest show I ever saw -- and one of my first -- was Mahavishnu around the time of "Birds of Fire." Scorching, and sui generis. I've never lost affection for those records; I'll have to get the Trident session one day.