Power, Passion & Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra
by Walter Kolosky
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Book Summary Information
Author: Walter KoloskyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2006-07-31
ISBN: 0976101629
Number of pages: 313
Publisher: Abstract Logix Books
Book Reviews of Power, Passion & Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra
Book Review: Welcome to the Jazz Rock Fusion Universe
Summary: 5 Stars
The author is a keen fan of the Mahavishnu Orchestra; they are described as 'Legendary', the 'Greatest Band that ever was', 'loudest and fastest band in the entire world'. A substantial part of this work focuses on the definitive first line up of the Mahavishnu Orchestra; John McLaughlin (guitar), Billy Cobham (drums), Jan Hammer (keyboards), Jerry Goodman (violin), and Rick Laird (bass). The original band performed highly influential jazz rock instrumentals, were New York based , and released 'Inner Mounting Flame' (1971), 'Birds of Fire' (1972) and after studio sessions for a third album simply didn't work due to acrimony amongst the group, a live release featuring new material 'Between Nothingness and Eternity' appeared late in 1973. Ferociously loud, their name comes from a title that the guru Sri Chinmoy gave to John McLaughlin, his devotee at the time. The group featured art work and poetry on their album sleeves drawing on Eastern mysticism. The writer certainly shows that the Mahavishnu Orchestra were dynamic and exciting, and certainly not mellow or placid. They came to prominence supporting the likes of Yes, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, in the 'States, but soon became headliners themselves. The background of the musicians is described in great detail, and John McLaughlin is shown to have both a rock and jazz pedigree as it were; in fact leaving his native UK to join Miles Davis' band in 1967 . The account of the rise and fall of the Mahavishnu Orchestra mark one is well documented here and the second Mahavishnu Orchestra line up, put together by John McLaughlin in 1974 but also featuring some other crucial artists such as Narada Michael Walden, and the three CDs recorded by the new group, are covered extensively.
Walter Kolosky is an accomplished Jazz writer , has collected articles on the Mahavishnu Orchestra since 1973, but the great strength of the book that the tale of the Mahavishnu Orchestra is
revealed via new interviews of some 150 contemporary musicians and associates along with the band members themselves; Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, various members of Aerosmith, Steve Morse, Sir George Martin are amongst those who have contributed. Mr. Kolosky's devotion to the group has led him to ensure that the book highlights a huge amount of original work. Highly recommended.
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