I'm sure you know by now how "Groundbreaking" Maha was in the world of Jazz Fusion and how every member was Top in his musical craft !! 👍🎼🎸🎹🥁🎻🎛🎶✌ Maha and Return To Forever are the two Jazz Fusion bands the really started it all and made Jazz Fusion popular !!
When I was in college back in the 70's, Mahavishnu was the group I used when I wanted to get rock fans turned onto jazz. My favorite of theirs was the Birds of Fire album and Billy Cobham's Spectum and Shabazz albums. I never saw them as a group, but I did see Billy in concert a couple of times. What an extraordinary talent!
The Mahavishnu Orchestra were a jazz fusion band formed in New York City in 1971, led by English guitarist John McLaughlin. With its first line-up consisting of musicians Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer, Jerry Goodman, and Rick Laird, the band received its initial acclaim for its complex, intense music consisting of a blend of Indian classical music, jazz and psychedelic rock, and its dynamic live performances between 1971 and 1973
Had the pleasure of seeing them a couple of times. They were a Jazz Fusion group. The virtuosity of the musicians surpasses most Rock Bands. The Guitar player is in the background here but he is one of the best Guitar players ever. BillyCobham the drummer was a Force of Nature.
you're the first person i've come across that has reacted to the orchestra and i applaud you for your leadership and forward thinking. the feeling i get when i listen to them is the same as when i watch the sky on a cold, moonless night. the great spirit takes my heart and mind somewhere between nothingness and eternity.
Billy Cobham and John McLaughlin are the greatest musicians on their respective instruments, ever. The music is a blend of jazz improvisation with Indian influences, incredible rhythms and pure creativity. They are beyond classification.
For me John McLaughlin's guitar playing is the perfect combination of technique and emotion. It's musical perfection or as close as you can get to it imo. My all time favourite guitarist.
Harri you definitely need to hear Mahavishnu's "Birds of Fire " from the album of the same name. In fact there are many amazing tracks on that album - " Thousand Island Park " is just lovely. " One Word " is a tour de force. And " Open Country Joy " IS a joy. But my fave is " Birds of Fire ". You won't regret it.
"Miles Beyond" is also a Great one from that "Birds Of Fire" album and all the tracks from the bands first album "Inner Mounting Flame" are pure Greatness ! ! 😀👌
@@alldayadventures5418 Eternity's Breath Pt 2...if you listen through it you'll definitely hear Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind". I hadn't listened to this acutely in forever and the entire album flat out blew me away. What a treat for my ears!
You have just touched foot into a deep, deep rabbit hole! John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman and Rick Laird - this lineup was as deep as you can get. They were one of the first jazz-fusion groups on the scene, and one of the best IMO. Want more? Try; "The Noonward Race", "Birds Of Fire", "Can't Stand Your Funk". Then switch gears to Billy Cobham's "Heather" or "Snoopy's Search". Or a little bit of Jan's "Darkness/Earth in Search of a Sun". I could go on and on...
@@greybeard2280 Yup! I saw this tour at Symphony Hall in Boston (opening for the Jerry Garcia Band where half the audience left at intermission) and the sound of Cobham's drums was incredible. Hell of a drummer. Hell of a band.
I saw jazz-fusion guitarist Mahavishnu John McLaughlin with Carlos Santana on tour for their 'Love Devotion Surrender' album in '74 in Toronto. The band included this drummer, the astounding Billy Cobham, bassist Doug Rauch, organist Larry Young and percussionist Armando Peraza. The most staid, establishment paper in town, in the country, spoke of the "sense of nobility" in McLaughlin's playing. Santana was Santana, and his playing was fine, lovely. McLaughlin was godly, rocking back and forth with his double-neck guitar for uncounted minutes, in the words of an MO album title, 'Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love' flying from his fingers and amps. I'd never witnessed anything remotely like it, nor have I since. Here, he's given free rein to keyboardist Jan Hammer (who I saw leading his own band, that ensemble then backing up Jeff Beck one fine night in '76) and violinist Jerry Goodman, barely stepping out of a supporting role himself. Bassist Rick Laird always seemed to remain the single unshakable point in their alternately contemplative and fevered explorations. This was classic MO, my favourite, though Goodman was succeeded by Jean-Luc Ponty, a hi-profile star in his own right. I heard an unbelievable version of 'The Noonward Race' on an 8-track of a Caribbean Festival called 'Mar Y Sol' that my dad surprised me by bringing home. Untold riches await, mate. Enjoy! Additional: I saw McLaughlin again about 9 years later with Return to Forever and solo technical wizard Al DiMeola and flamenco guitarist Paco Di Lucia playing acoustics in a university auditorium/concert hall rather than a hockey arena. On this evening it was Dixie Dregs and more recently Deep Purple ace Steve Morse whose compositional heart and stellar chops fired my heart and imagination with his opening set, and closing out the show jamming with the other three.
I’m going to see John and his band The Fourth Dimension at the end of this month. He’s eighty now, and still incredible. And R.I.P Rick Laird (bass), who died recently. The Mahavishnu Orchestra were sensational. Great reaction. Cheers
Saw this band in 1973. Nothing has come near to them since. The later band 1974 on- not the same energy- they never do. Their albums were to be found under jazz in 1971 at first then Jazz/Rock fusion of Rock by 1973. You cannot believe how popular they were in 1973- sell out tours all over the world. Kids had better brains then. Most kids now have dead brains. Great reaction- Many thanks.
This was my first concert ever MO opening for ELP both Birds of Fire and Brain Salad Surgery tours. OMG I listened to albums but live was and will ever be my mind blowing concert of all concerts !
Back in the seventies we called that jazz-rock (at least here in France). My favorite jazz-rock bands remain Mahavishnu Orchestra and Brand X (featuring Phil Collins on drums).
Great reaction to some incredible musicians establishing, what became known as Fusion Jazz. There’s a lot to explore in this rabbit hole. The sounds of my early adulthood.
I've just discovered your channel as I needed a "reaction" to The Mahavishnu Orchestra. I was not let down. It has been well documented below regarding the history of the band. John McLaughlin was in fact born and bred in Yorkshire. Yes, a Yorkshireman. And the best of all is that he comes from my village. Yes, the town of Doncaster but a small village within the district. Now here's the truth. When Mahavishnu ended he later produced an album called "John McLaughlin, Guitarist" And the album sleeve had a picture of a young boyish JM, and a very vague address saying Railway Cuttings, Sunnyside. The clues are all there. I have frequently walked in this area and as a super-fan (Yes I saw the original Mahavishnu in 1973 in Manchester, I'm 67 years old now....) been aware of this hallowed turf. On May 30th this year I'm seeing John McLaughlin's 4th Dimension in Manchester. And I'm the luckiest man around as I have back stage passes to meet the band. Mahavishnu, not just a band, more a way of life.
@Andy Butler further to my last posting, I got to see JM and the 4th Dimension in Manchester. Now, how did I get the backstage pass? Well, as a student at Leeds Music College one of my new friends advised me to go to a gig where he was playing guitar against the most unbelievable drummers ever. I turned up at the gig in Leeds University and watched the most unbelievable sight. There, playing a basic kit was non other than 15 year old Gary Husband. We became friends instantly, as I played keyboards. We gigged around Leeds frequently. So on the 6th May, Gary introduced me to maestro John M. He's wonderful. We chatted for around 15 minutes about Doncaster which he remembers well. He posed for photos, and my bucket list was completed. Gary and I celebrated our 50 year friendship that evening. I was high for a week.
Saw them live in Atlanta, what a show! I and my roommate are both drummers, and he prepared a special snare drum and went backstage and gifted it to Billy Cobham. He loved it! JM, the guitarist, is my pick for the number 1 guitarist of all time. And BC has got to be in the top 10 of all time. They were all fantastic musicians! 😁😁😁😁😁
The super group MO....... it was 1 of 4 super groups born out of Miles Davis's revolutionary jazz/rock fusion project "Bitches Brew". MO was the strongest to digest, followed by Weather Report, Return to Forever and Head Hunters.
If you like Weather Report, you should definitely check out a group called Sea Level features a little bit of a latin flavor to jazz fusion, rock, and blues.
Tony William's Lifetime and The 11th House were 2 more super-groups (Alphonce Mouzon was on BB.) "Bitche's Brew" was the title of one album, probably the most realized (although I prefer "Big Fun" or "Get Up With It"), the group project name was the Miles Davis band. "On The Corner" was much more influential album, it's the foundation of lots to come. There was more African (James M'tume) and Indian (the drones and tabla) influence in Miles' fusion as well as 20th century classical like Stockhausen.
Beware this rabbit hole. Tracing this group's influences and conversely who they have influenced will keep you busy for a long time. Great reaction Harri.
This video is probably from a show 50 years ago. This is in many ways the first, fullest expression of pure jazz fusion. The Mahavishnu Orchestra practically invented the genre. Great reaction, much fun.
I saw this iteration of The Mahavishnu Orchestra twice, then once with Jean Luc Ponty and Michael Walden. This lineup gave very exciting performances. Once they really got going Billy Cobham on drums and John Mclaughlin were just forces of nature. Billy sounded like a freight train running through the venue.
@Andy Butler Of course the original Lifetime had John with Larry Young, then added Jack Bruce for the second album. I had the pleasure of seeing that band with Bruce. As a youngster I loved Mclaughlin, but now as a veteran jazz fan there is little to nothing I find interesting about his playing, harmonically, emotionally, or thematically. My feelings about Holdsworth as a guitarist are the same. But Tony to me is on the Mount Rushmore of great drummers, and Larry Young a second tier close runner up for the mountain . So no, the Holdsworth Lifetime couldn't hold a candle to the first.
@Andy Butler Yes, I'm a jazz lover. I find them both harmonically and thematically stunted. If you want to hear a man, who IMO is the best guitarist today give a look/see to Pasquale Grasso on RUclips. He combines technique with harmonic and thematic sophistication as no one else today does.
More Mahavishnu Orchestra! Also please give Jean Luc Ponty a listen! Puppets Dance or Enigmatic Ocean is a great place to start. You will not be disappointed…
@@1satisfiedmind I was a mere school girl back in the 70's when I discovered Jean Luc Ponty, Return To Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra and it opened up a whole new world for me. I wore out Cosmic Messenger by playing it over and over. lol. For that reason I think Cosmic Messenger will always be my number one Jean Luc Ponty album. :)
As a 60 year old heavy metal,heavy rock and blues fan I've always been into their music...massive John Mclaughlin fan and being English I'm delighted and proud to say he's English...👍😀😀 now THATS WHAT I CALL musical,inspirational,original TALENT!! thanks,all the best Piers a.k.a. Chopper.
Why does it need to be put into a category? Saw this band a couple of times in the early '70's. What an experience, a mystical experience each time. It was called "fusion". Incredible !!
I saw them twice back in the day. Most intense concerts of my life. Jerry Goodman, the violin player, has carpal tunnel on both hands and will be getting surgery soon.
Loved it!! That whole concert is very good and most of it is on YT. And its the original lineup so historic in that sense. Wonderful reaction to one of my favorite songs. I always thought this song was like a long intro to a tune that never starts...it just ends and meanders into the next song. So, I laughed when you said it sounds like an intro, even though we were half way thru the song! Genre? Rock= yes, jazz= yes, fusion jazz = yes, prog rock= yes and of course no. Mahavishnu transcend genres - it was literally a major part of the band's approach to music.
That descending groove line E-B-D \ D-A-C# \ E-G-E as 9/8 + 7/8 + 7/8... such an amazing band. My fabourite from the album Birds of Fire is the title track in 18/5 LOL and the lead solo is sick - pentatonic to its core too.
The Mahavishnu Orchestra was John McLaughlin, and this is inside and beyond progressive rock/jazz. He stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughn (Jimi Hendrix is an honorable mention of the highest standard). In his legendary performance at Ronnie Scotts, Jeff Beck performed 3 songs from the Mahavishnu Orchestra (one from Billy Cobham who was the drummer for Mahavishnu). Go figure! I was blessed to see John McLaughlin with his later incarnation, "Mahavishnu". The opening act was bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke and his group. Talk about hearing Nirvana!!! John played most of the set, along with the band members, with their eyes closed. It was a spiritual experience that I will take to my grave.
The band felt themselves an electronic orchestra, I think. They have always impressed me, from the first time I heard them. (God, fifty years ago!) Seperate global artists putting mindful music together. There is no "storyline" exposed in the music. Maybe to the members, but to me, just connected passages by incredibly gifted musicians. I find the orchestral angle was brilliantly played out, written sometimes with a bit of cheekiness to it. Great musical time to alter one's day.
How good is John McLaughlin? Miles Davis named a song after him (on the jazz rock fusion landmark album "Bitches Brew"). Incredible musician. Hendrix jammed with him shortly before he passed. The tapes of that meeting at The Record Plant in NYC are amazing. McLaughlin later on explored classical/jazz/rock fusion as well as a return to acoustic guitar.
First time seeing one of your reaction videos - and I appreciate your style. The genre is "fusion" - aka "jazz-rock fusion." Mile Davis really pioneered this genre, but Mahavishnu Orchestra defined it. The seminal Miles fusion LPs were In A Silent Way and Tribute to Jack Johnson. Guitarist John McLaughlin played on both of those, and drummer Billy Cobham played on one or both. Keyboard player Jan Hammer went on to record a duo album with Jeff Beck, then moved on to TV and movie music (he wrote and recorded the theme music for Miami Vice.) Violinist Jerry Goodman more or less retired from the music business. John McLaughlin had Eastern Indian fusion band Shakti later on, and now has a band called the Fourth Dimension. At age 80 he is still a monster guitarist.
Saw them in Syracuse NY many years ago. The concert can actually be found on the internet. I remember the drummer being insanely good too. Fusion was big for awhile. Thanks for sharing Harri.
The Jeff Beck group toured with Mahavishnu in 1972. After the tour Jeff added this song to his repertoire with John's permission. I saw both bands at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium that year. John and Jeff did not jam that night, or any night and they had tremendous respect for one another. I saw the Orchestra the next year at U.C.L.A., as well.
I actually first heard this melody on the rapper Mos Def's song Kalifornia so i had to search for this original song and was blown away by the legends that played in this band
Love how you are exploring music Harri, this takes me back 50 yrs ! I didn't see this on the BBC, but sure knew The Mahavishnu Orchestra. You may like to know John McLaughlin also got together with other interesting musicians too on his travels. Enjoy.
Jan Hammer on keys, Billy Cobham on drums, John McLaughlin on guitar, Jerry Goodman on violin and Rick Laird on bass. One of the joys of the 70s - Fusion - of everything. I had the pleasure of seeing Billy Cobham with George Duke at a local club in the late 70s with John Scofield and Alfonso Johnson also a Fusion thing that was extraordinary. Check out the Cobham-Duke Band.
I've always heard it called Jazz Fusion. Good job Harry. Fantastic bringing some bands out that I consider are the crem-of- the-crem. John McLaughlin Rick Laird, Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman and Jan Hammer. But Jazz Fusion doesn't cover it because they blended Indian, classical, jazz, and psychedelic rock. While your checking them out check out Return to Forever and Weather Report. Some other mind blowing bands
I grew up listening to John Mclaughlin and at 62years old,I still can't get enough. My favorite band other than Brand X,and Return to Forever. Music will NEVER be as improvised and as good as back in the day
It sounds like something I might have enjoyed in my younger days right along with my Switched On Bach and Hocus Pocus albums. Actually, the style seems a LOT like Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, if you've ever been to one of their shows. Very eclectic and hectic at times, but somehow it all works together.
HIGH Harri.... That was different. Hard to play along on my drum kit because I had no idea what was coming next, but it was still fun. Have a Splendid Successful Day
Now go on to the track 'Awakening' from Inner Mounting Flame album and then follow it up by listening to the live version of 'Noonward Race' recorded at Mar Y Sol Festival, Puerto Rico.
Teo Macero created a track called 'Go Ahead John' from a Miles Davis recording session with McLaughlin, from March 7, 1970. It's astounding. Over 28 minutes long, it was released in 1974 on the Big Fun album. Other Worldly still!
If you feel like taking a little side-trip into modern popular jazz, check out Herbie Hancock's official video to the song "Rockit" or Herbie Handcock and the Headhunters doing one of their live versions of "Hang Up Your Hang Ups". Candy Dulfer and Dave Stewart's "Lily Was Here" was also pretty hot back in the day.
If you`re going to dip your toes in the waters of jazz/rock fusion, you may want start with these: 1. Miles Davis - In a Silent Way 2. Weather Report - Heavy Weather 3. Jean-Luc Ponty - Imaginary Voyage 4.Pat Metheny - Bright--Sized Life or Pat Metheny Group ( 1978. white cover . with Lyle Mays) 5. Jeff Beck - Wired 6. John Mclaughlin- Electric Guitarist Stay away from Miles Davis - Bitches Brew until you become a more experience listener. If not, it will simply sound like noise to a newcomer. It`s like being thrown into the deep end of a pool without a life preserver. The ones I`ve listed will ease you in. Happy Listening!
This musical style started in the early 70s, many point to Miles Davis with his LP Bitches Brew recorded in 1969 and released in Mar. 1970. That album was a result of Miles's fascination with the music of Jimi Hendrix who he actually wanted to play on this album but unfortunately, he (Jimi) died before they could ever do a collaboration. The album went on to inspire younger Jazz musicians to incorporate rock music into jazz..a Jazz-Rock fusion, shortened to "Fusion".
This was one of the baddest Rock infused jazz bands around during the early seventies nobody can touch this band and I mean absolutely nobody doing that time 👍🥁🥁🎵🎶🎵
Great, amazing song. Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock do a mind-blowing version of it, just the two of them, with 2 grand pianos facing each other.. Fasten your seatbelts...
I always find it great when new listeners pick up on MO and Jazz fusion in genral. You should also listen to Billy Cobham's First 2 albums, cos there soooo funky.
That trade mark little drum stick flick in the air at the end was a nice Cobham flourish. Try some more of them and other jazz/fusion like Weather Report. Have you done any Brand X? A very underrated band from the mid-70s.
Hard to describe. Metal Indian Jazz fusion. I'm a terrible McLaughlin fanboy, but am starting to think Billy Cobham was the biggest virtuoso in the band. But McLaughlin's solo on Birds of Fire literally gives me goose bumps 40+ years later. Also Rick Laird is typically overshadowed by the virtuosos on leads, but was great, and died in the last year or so. People should be aware.
I believe Jean Luc Ponty is the violinist we hear... who was a member of the Frank Zappa band and later became famous in his own light. Billy Cobham had toured with just about all the newer jazz artists and was regarded as one of the best drummers of all time. I saw Joni Mitchell who had a great ear for Jazz and Billy Cobham was her drummer.
The first time I heard them was in 1975, I think. I stared at the stereo speakers in my friend's basement in absolute shock and disbelief. You want to know their category? Mahavishnu Orchestra. They ARE the category.
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I'm sure you know by now how "Groundbreaking" Maha was in the world of Jazz Fusion and how every member was Top in his musical craft !! 👍🎼🎸🎹🥁🎻🎛🎶✌
Maha and Return To Forever are the two Jazz Fusion bands the really started it all and made Jazz Fusion popular !!
When I was in college back in the 70's, Mahavishnu was the group I used when I wanted to get rock fans turned onto jazz. My favorite of theirs was the Birds of Fire album and Billy Cobham's Spectum and Shabazz albums. I never saw them as a group, but I did see Billy in concert a couple of times. What an extraordinary talent!
The Mahavishnu Orchestra were a jazz fusion band formed in New York City in 1971, led by English guitarist John McLaughlin. With its first line-up consisting of musicians Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer, Jerry Goodman, and Rick Laird, the band received its initial acclaim for its complex, intense music consisting of a blend of Indian classical music, jazz and psychedelic rock, and its dynamic live performances between 1971 and 1973
Thank you Wikipedia
These guys were such fantastic musicians and so innovative.
Had the pleasure of seeing them a couple of times. They were a Jazz Fusion group. The virtuosity of the musicians surpasses most Rock Bands. The Guitar player is in the background here but he is one of the best Guitar players ever. BillyCobham the drummer was a Force of Nature.
you're the first person i've come across that has reacted to the orchestra and i applaud you for your leadership and forward thinking. the feeling i get when i listen to them is the same as when i watch the sky on a cold, moonless night. the great spirit takes my heart and mind somewhere between nothingness and eternity.
The Daily Doug is a classically trained musician that often breaks down prog rock and jazz rock using scores!!!!
Billy Cobham and John McLaughlin are the greatest musicians on their respective instruments, ever. The music is a blend of jazz improvisation with Indian influences, incredible rhythms and pure creativity. They are beyond classification.
For me John McLaughlin's guitar playing is the perfect combination of technique and emotion. It's musical perfection or as close as you can get to it imo. My all time favourite guitarist.
Harri you definitely need to hear Mahavishnu's "Birds of Fire " from the album of the same name. In fact there are many amazing tracks on that album - " Thousand Island Park " is just lovely. " One Word " is a tour de force. And " Open Country Joy " IS a joy. But my fave is " Birds of Fire ". You won't regret it.
Visions of the Emerald Beyond: "If you could feel the Dream, and Fly, Fly, Fly...!
"Miles Beyond" is also a Great one from that "Birds Of Fire" album and all the tracks from the bands first album "Inner Mounting Flame" are pure Greatness ! ! 😀👌
'Birds of Fire' will melt your face!
@@alldayadventures5418 Eternity's Breath Pt 2...if you listen through it you'll definitely hear Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind". I hadn't listened to this acutely in forever and the entire album flat out blew me away. What a treat for my ears!
You have just touched foot into a deep, deep rabbit hole! John McLaughlin, Jan Hammer, Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman and Rick Laird - this lineup was as deep as you can get. They were one of the first jazz-fusion groups on the scene, and one of the best IMO. Want more? Try; "The Noonward Race", "Birds Of Fire", "Can't Stand Your Funk". Then switch gears to Billy Cobham's "Heather" or "Snoopy's Search". Or a little bit of Jan's "Darkness/Earth in Search of a Sun". I could go on and on...
Stratus!!!!
Billy Cobham is a monster drummer. That lineup oozes with talent. Standing O for sure!!!!
I knew you would enjoy this my dude! Billy was sensational live!
@@greybeard2280 Thoroughly!!!
Yes one of my favourites ever. He plays like he has 8 arms
@@greybeard2280 Yup! I saw this tour at Symphony Hall in Boston (opening for the Jerry Garcia Band where half the audience left at intermission) and the sound of Cobham's drums was incredible. Hell of a drummer. Hell of a band.
Now this is what I'm talking about. Great choice
I saw jazz-fusion guitarist Mahavishnu John McLaughlin with Carlos Santana on tour for their 'Love Devotion Surrender' album in '74 in Toronto. The band included this drummer, the astounding Billy Cobham, bassist Doug Rauch, organist Larry Young and percussionist Armando Peraza. The most staid, establishment paper in town, in the country, spoke of the "sense of nobility" in McLaughlin's playing. Santana was Santana, and his playing was fine, lovely. McLaughlin was godly, rocking back and forth with his double-neck guitar for uncounted minutes, in the words of an MO album title, 'Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love' flying from his fingers and amps. I'd never witnessed anything remotely like it, nor have I since.
Here, he's given free rein to keyboardist Jan Hammer (who I saw leading his own band, that ensemble then backing up Jeff Beck one fine night in '76) and violinist Jerry Goodman, barely stepping out of a supporting role himself. Bassist Rick Laird always seemed to remain the single unshakable point in their alternately contemplative and fevered explorations. This was classic MO, my favourite, though Goodman was succeeded by Jean-Luc Ponty, a hi-profile star in his own right.
I heard an unbelievable version of 'The Noonward Race' on an 8-track of a Caribbean Festival called 'Mar Y Sol' that my dad surprised me by bringing home. Untold riches await, mate. Enjoy!
Additional: I saw McLaughlin again about 9 years later with Return to Forever and solo technical wizard Al DiMeola and flamenco guitarist Paco Di Lucia playing acoustics in a university auditorium/concert hall rather than a hockey arena. On this evening it was Dixie Dregs and more recently Deep Purple ace Steve Morse whose compositional heart and stellar chops fired my heart and imagination with his opening set, and closing out the show jamming with the other three.
Love, Devotion, Surrender is an amazing album, talk about legendary guitarists!
You're in territory that most rock fans are not familiar with. I love it!
I’m going to see John and his band The Fourth Dimension at the end of this month. He’s eighty now, and still incredible.
And R.I.P Rick Laird (bass), who died recently.
The Mahavishnu Orchestra were sensational.
Great reaction. Cheers
Saw this band in 1973. Nothing has come near to them since. The later band 1974 on- not the same energy- they never do. Their albums were to be found under jazz in 1971 at first then Jazz/Rock fusion of Rock by 1973. You cannot believe how popular they were in 1973- sell out tours all over the world. Kids had better brains then. Most kids now have dead brains. Great reaction- Many thanks.
Next stop
Return to Forever
Jazz fusion at its best
Romantic Warrior is epic
This was my first concert ever MO opening for ELP both Birds of Fire and Brain Salad Surgery tours. OMG I listened to albums but live was and will ever be my mind blowing concert of all concerts !
I was 13 years old when birds of fire came out. I bought the vinyl and I still have it and play it till this day
Back in the seventies we called that jazz-rock (at least here in France). My favorite jazz-rock bands remain Mahavishnu Orchestra and Brand X (featuring Phil Collins on drums).
"Jazz isn't dead. It just smells funny." ~ Frank Zappa, 1973
Great reaction to some incredible musicians establishing, what became known as Fusion Jazz. There’s a lot to explore in this rabbit hole. The sounds of my early adulthood.
Yep,no words to express such brilliance.
Billie Cobhaam is my favorite drummer.
Back in the 70s we referred to them as jazz fusion. Along with Return to Forever ans Weather Report formed that style then
The Sultan was blown away! Makes me very happy you enjoyed this my friend! I'll definitely send more of Maha O your way. So much to show you 🙂.
Overjoyed to see this come up and to add it, albeit distressingly deep to a playlist. No matter, thanks for another superb pick, mate, cheers!
For me this kind of music is timeless.
I've just discovered your channel as I needed a "reaction" to The Mahavishnu Orchestra. I was not let down. It has been well documented below regarding the history of the band. John McLaughlin was in fact born and bred in Yorkshire. Yes, a Yorkshireman. And the best of all is that he comes from my village. Yes, the town of Doncaster but a small village within the district.
Now here's the truth. When Mahavishnu ended he later produced an album called "John McLaughlin, Guitarist" And the album sleeve had a picture of a young boyish JM, and a very vague address saying Railway Cuttings, Sunnyside. The clues are all there. I have frequently walked in this area and as a super-fan (Yes I saw the original Mahavishnu in 1973 in Manchester, I'm 67 years old now....) been aware of this hallowed turf.
On May 30th this year I'm seeing John McLaughlin's 4th Dimension in Manchester. And I'm the luckiest man around as I have back stage passes to meet the band.
Mahavishnu, not just a band, more a way of life.
@Andy Butler further to my last posting, I got to see JM and the 4th Dimension in Manchester. Now, how did I get the backstage pass? Well, as a student at Leeds Music College one of my new friends advised me to go to a gig where he was playing guitar against the most unbelievable drummers ever. I turned up at the gig in Leeds University and watched the most unbelievable sight. There, playing a basic kit was non other than 15 year old Gary Husband. We became friends instantly, as I played keyboards. We gigged around Leeds frequently.
So on the 6th May, Gary introduced me to maestro John M. He's wonderful. We chatted for around 15 minutes about Doncaster which he remembers well. He posed for photos, and my bucket list was completed. Gary and I celebrated our 50 year friendship that evening. I was high for a week.
Saw them live in Atlanta, what a show! I and my roommate are both drummers, and he prepared a special snare drum and went backstage and gifted it to Billy Cobham. He loved it! JM, the guitarist, is my pick for the number 1 guitarist of all time. And BC has got to be in the top 10 of all time. They were all fantastic musicians! 😁😁😁😁😁
The super group MO....... it was 1 of 4 super groups born out of Miles Davis's revolutionary jazz/rock fusion project "Bitches Brew". MO was the strongest to digest, followed by Weather Report, Return to Forever and Head Hunters.
If you like Weather Report, you should definitely check out a group called Sea Level features a little bit of a latin flavor to jazz fusion, rock, and blues.
Tony William's Lifetime and The 11th House were 2 more super-groups (Alphonce Mouzon was on BB.) "Bitche's Brew" was the title of one album, probably the most realized (although I prefer "Big Fun" or "Get Up With It"), the group project name was the Miles Davis band. "On The Corner" was much more influential album, it's the foundation of lots to come. There was more African (James M'tume) and Indian (the drones and tabla) influence in Miles' fusion as well as 20th century classical like Stockhausen.
the great Billy Cobham on drums.....say no more
Beware this rabbit hole. Tracing this group's influences and conversely who they have influenced will keep you busy for a long time. Great reaction Harri.
This video is probably from a show 50 years ago. This is in many ways the first, fullest expression of pure jazz fusion. The Mahavishnu Orchestra practically invented the genre. Great reaction, much fun.
I saw this iteration of The Mahavishnu Orchestra twice, then once with Jean Luc Ponty and Michael Walden. This lineup gave very exciting performances. Once they really got going Billy Cobham on drums and John Mclaughlin were just forces of nature. Billy sounded like a freight train running through the venue.
@Andy Butler Of course the original Lifetime had John with Larry Young, then added Jack Bruce for the second album. I had the pleasure of seeing that band with Bruce. As a youngster I loved Mclaughlin, but now as a veteran jazz fan there is little to nothing I find interesting about his playing, harmonically, emotionally, or thematically. My feelings about Holdsworth as a guitarist are the same. But Tony to me is on the Mount Rushmore of great drummers, and Larry Young a second tier close runner up for the mountain . So no, the Holdsworth Lifetime couldn't hold a candle to the first.
@Andy Butler Yes, I'm a jazz lover. I find them both harmonically and thematically stunted. If you want to hear a man, who IMO is the best guitarist today give a look/see to Pasquale Grasso on RUclips. He combines technique with harmonic and thematic sophistication as no one else today does.
I was fortunate enough to see them play live in Philadelphia many decades ago and they are still relevant today🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧
More Mahavishnu Orchestra! Also please give Jean Luc Ponty a listen! Puppets Dance or Enigmatic Ocean is a great place to start. You will not be disappointed…
My fave JLP album is Taste of Passion, not as well recieved as Enigmatic Ocean, but my still in my player regularly.
@@1satisfiedmind I was a mere school girl back in the 70's when I discovered Jean Luc Ponty, Return To Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra and it opened up a whole new world for me. I wore out Cosmic Messenger by playing it over and over. lol. For that reason I think Cosmic Messenger will always be my number one Jean Luc Ponty album. :)
Enigmatic Ocean is one of my favorite fusion albums. Just love it. Still can't get enough of it. 🔥
As a 60 year old heavy metal,heavy rock and blues fan I've always been into their music...massive John Mclaughlin fan and being English I'm delighted and proud to say he's English...👍😀😀 now THATS WHAT I CALL musical,inspirational,original TALENT!! thanks,all the best Piers a.k.a. Chopper.
Why does it need to be put into a category? Saw this band a couple of times in the early '70's. What an experience, a mystical experience each time. It was called "fusion". Incredible !!
I saw them twice back in the day. Most intense concerts of my life. Jerry Goodman, the violin player, has carpal tunnel on both hands and will be getting surgery soon.
Whatever genre, it's joyful music.
I remember seeing them in concert in New York back in 1973 I guess it was . Unbelievable..
Super Powerful Stuff indeed! A Total Meeting Of Spirits! Just Love Them! 😀😎💪
Saw them live in 73 at University of Iowa! Have been a favorite ever since!
Loved it!! That whole concert is very good and most of it is on YT. And its the original lineup so historic in that sense. Wonderful reaction to one of my favorite songs. I always thought this song was like a long intro to a tune that never starts...it just ends and meanders into the next song. So, I laughed when you said it sounds like an intro, even though we were half way thru the song!
Genre? Rock= yes, jazz= yes, fusion jazz = yes, prog rock= yes and of course no. Mahavishnu transcend genres - it was literally a major part of the band's approach to music.
Fantastic jazz/rock fusion.
Great choice Grey Beard!! 👍
That descending groove line E-B-D \ D-A-C# \ E-G-E as 9/8 + 7/8 + 7/8... such an amazing band. My fabourite from the album Birds of Fire is the title track in 18/5 LOL and the lead solo is sick - pentatonic to its core too.
John McLaughlin still plays this. I have seen him playing in London twice in the last 18 months. 81 and still amazing.
The Mahavishnu Orchestra was John McLaughlin, and this is inside and beyond progressive rock/jazz. He stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Jeff Beck and Stevie Ray Vaughn (Jimi Hendrix is an honorable mention of the highest standard). In his legendary performance at Ronnie Scotts, Jeff Beck performed 3 songs from the Mahavishnu Orchestra (one from Billy Cobham who was the drummer for Mahavishnu). Go figure! I was blessed to see John McLaughlin with his later incarnation, "Mahavishnu". The opening act was bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke and his group. Talk about hearing Nirvana!!! John played most of the set, along with the band members, with their eyes closed. It was a spiritual experience that I will take to my grave.
The band felt themselves an electronic orchestra, I think. They have always impressed me, from the first time I heard them. (God, fifty years ago!) Seperate global artists putting mindful music together. There is no "storyline" exposed in the music. Maybe to the members, but to me, just connected passages by incredibly gifted musicians. I find the orchestral angle was brilliantly played out, written sometimes with a bit of cheekiness to it. Great musical time to alter one's day.
How good is John McLaughlin? Miles Davis named a song after him (on the jazz rock fusion landmark album "Bitches Brew"). Incredible musician. Hendrix jammed with him shortly before he passed. The tapes of that meeting at The Record Plant in NYC are amazing. McLaughlin later on explored classical/jazz/rock fusion as well as a return to acoustic guitar.
Good to see you reacting to jazz. It's a wide genre to explore.
Haven't heard this since the early 70s.
Fusion. Mahavishnu. Was my fav in the 70’s. Still is one of my top 10.
First time seeing one of your reaction videos - and I appreciate your style. The genre is "fusion" - aka "jazz-rock fusion." Mile Davis really pioneered this genre, but Mahavishnu Orchestra defined it. The seminal Miles fusion LPs were In A Silent Way and Tribute to Jack Johnson. Guitarist John McLaughlin played on both of those, and drummer Billy Cobham played on one or both. Keyboard player Jan Hammer went on to record a duo album with Jeff Beck, then moved on to TV and movie music (he wrote and recorded the theme music for Miami Vice.) Violinist Jerry Goodman more or less retired from the music business. John McLaughlin had Eastern Indian fusion band Shakti later on, and now has a band called the Fourth Dimension. At age 80 he is still a monster guitarist.
We called it fusion. RTF, Weather Report, Jan Hammer, this band........and Melanie too. I know what I like!
Saw them in Syracuse NY many years ago. The concert can actually be found on the internet. I remember the drummer being insanely good too. Fusion was big for awhile. Thanks for sharing Harri.
A religious experience seeing them live. While quite different you may be up for the Dixie Dregs.
Dixie Dregs... Absolutely.. Dregs of the Earth, Live 4 song suit...!
With Mark O'Connor!!
Brilliant playing Saw them 6 times amd thet were fantastic.
The Jeff Beck group toured with Mahavishnu in 1972. After the tour Jeff added this song to his repertoire with John's permission. I saw both bands at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium that year. John and Jeff did not jam that night, or any night and they had tremendous respect for one another. I saw the Orchestra the next year at U.C.L.A., as well.
I actually first heard this melody on the rapper Mos Def's song Kalifornia so i had to search for this original song and was blown away by the legends that played in this band
Love how you are exploring music Harri, this takes me back 50 yrs ! I didn't see this on the BBC, but sure knew The Mahavishnu Orchestra. You may like to know John McLaughlin also got together with other interesting musicians too on his travels. Enjoy.
This was during a time when musicians could absolutely play. John and Billy left blood on the stage.
Jan Hammer on keys, Billy Cobham on drums, John McLaughlin on guitar, Jerry Goodman on violin and Rick Laird on bass. One of the joys of the 70s - Fusion - of everything. I had the pleasure of seeing Billy Cobham with George Duke at a local club in the late 70s with John Scofield and Alfonso Johnson also a Fusion thing that was extraordinary. Check out the Cobham-Duke Band.
We always called this Tripping Music..🪟...or window pane ...
Harri & Graybeard ...more please .
Utter brilliant intersection of virtuosity & feel .
I've always heard it called Jazz Fusion. Good job Harry. Fantastic bringing some bands out that I consider are the crem-of- the-crem. John McLaughlin Rick Laird, Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman and Jan Hammer. But Jazz Fusion doesn't cover it because they blended Indian, classical, jazz, and psychedelic rock. While your checking them out check out Return to Forever and Weather Report. Some other mind blowing bands
I kept waiting for some Zappa lyrics to pop in.
I grew up listening to John Mclaughlin and at 62years old,I still can't get enough. My favorite band other than Brand X,and Return to Forever. Music will NEVER be as improvised and as good as back in the day
A group that always inspires me. Cheers.
Now you're getting into some real musicianship!
Jazz Fusion ROCKS!
It sounds like something I might have enjoyed in my younger days right along with my Switched On Bach and Hocus Pocus albums. Actually, the style seems a LOT like Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, if you've ever been to one of their shows. Very eclectic and hectic at times, but somehow it all works together.
I call it Raga Rock. The whole band is great. I heard them live. wow
HIGH Harri.... That was different. Hard to play along on my drum kit because I had no idea what was coming next, but it was still fun. Have a Splendid Successful Day
Now go on to the track 'Awakening' from Inner Mounting Flame album and then follow it up by listening to the live version of 'Noonward Race' recorded at Mar Y Sol Festival, Puerto Rico.
I saw this lineup about 48 years ago at Cape Cod Coliseum.Jeff Beck with Jan Hammer,too.
The hardest part of playing this song is that silent part in beetween the riff, keeping the rhythm while you solo
Teo Macero created a track called 'Go Ahead John' from a Miles Davis recording session with McLaughlin, from March 7, 1970. It's astounding. Over 28 minutes long, it was released in 1974 on the Big Fun album. Other Worldly still!
If you feel like taking a little side-trip into modern popular jazz, check out Herbie Hancock's official video to the song "Rockit" or Herbie Handcock and the Headhunters doing one of their live versions of "Hang Up Your Hang Ups". Candy Dulfer and Dave Stewart's "Lily Was Here" was also pretty hot back in the day.
When it appeared commercialy on the scene I called it jazz/rock fusion. We humans like to categorize.
I had all the Albums fine the Moment my sister found them!
If you`re going to dip your toes in the waters of jazz/rock fusion, you may want start with these:
1. Miles Davis - In a Silent Way
2. Weather Report - Heavy Weather
3. Jean-Luc Ponty - Imaginary Voyage
4.Pat Metheny - Bright--Sized Life or Pat Metheny Group ( 1978. white cover . with Lyle Mays)
5. Jeff Beck - Wired
6. John Mclaughlin- Electric Guitarist
Stay away from Miles Davis - Bitches Brew until you become a more experience listener. If not, it will simply sound like noise to a newcomer. It`s like being thrown into the deep end of a pool without a life preserver. The ones I`ve listed will ease you in. Happy Listening!
Hhmmmm ... Return to Forever.
Damn! You had it exactly right Harri. Like child prodigies just doing ridiculous things. Virtuosos all. Check out Lila’s Dance if you get a chance.
This musical style started in the early 70s, many point to Miles Davis with his LP Bitches Brew recorded in 1969 and released in Mar. 1970. That album was a result of Miles's fascination with the music of Jimi Hendrix who he actually wanted to play on this album but unfortunately, he (Jimi) died before they could ever do a collaboration. The album went on to inspire younger Jazz musicians to incorporate rock music into jazz..a Jazz-Rock fusion, shortened to "Fusion".
This was one of the baddest Rock infused jazz bands around during the early seventies nobody can touch this band and I mean absolutely nobody doing that time 👍🥁🥁🎵🎶🎵
Jazz Fusion. Beautiful stuff.
Beautiful -
'Love to hear SOMETIME AGO - LA FIESTA by Chic Corea's Return To Forever -
Great, amazing song.
Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock do a mind-blowing version of it, just the two of them, with 2 grand pianos facing each other..
Fasten your seatbelts...
WOW. A little bit of everything but it sounds fantastic. You always pick good stuff Greybeard. ☮️
Thanks Cynthia! Glad you appreciated it, you should check out more on these dudes. Some very good kick back music in there catalog.
I always find it great when new listeners pick up on MO and Jazz fusion in genral. You should also listen to Billy Cobham's First 2 albums, cos there soooo funky.
Jazz fusion. Rock, jazz, Indian classical, western classical, blues.
Beautiful sounds 💎😃
Dude, your reaction was PRICELESS!!!
That trade mark little drum stick flick in the air at the end was a nice Cobham flourish. Try some more of them and other jazz/fusion like Weather Report.
Have you done any Brand X? A very underrated band from the mid-70s.
You named it. They were one of the original fusion bands. That was before my time, but I've seen most of them in other projects.
Hard to describe. Metal Indian Jazz fusion. I'm a terrible McLaughlin fanboy, but am starting to think Billy Cobham was the biggest virtuoso in the band. But McLaughlin's solo on Birds of Fire literally gives me goose bumps 40+ years later. Also Rick Laird is typically overshadowed by the virtuosos on leads, but was great, and died in the last year or so. People should be aware.
I believe Jean Luc Ponty is the violinist we hear... who was a member of the Frank Zappa band and later became famous in his own light. Billy Cobham had toured with just about all the newer jazz artists and was regarded as one of the best drummers of all time. I saw Joni Mitchell who had a great ear for Jazz and Billy Cobham was her drummer.
Apparently John McLaughlin gave some lessons to a young Jimmy Page back in the day.
The first time I heard them was in 1975, I think. I stared at the stereo speakers in my friend's basement in absolute shock and disbelief.
You want to know their category? Mahavishnu Orchestra. They ARE the category.
A group of masters blazing a new trail. Fusion. Jan Hammer is playing the keyboards/synths.
I saw them in 1971 or so. Amazing,
thank you for sharing ,!your great