From: kenichi@ladem2 (Ken J.  Taylor - Huntington Beach)
Newsgroups: alt.music.progressive
Subject: Re: John McLaughlin
Keywords: fusion Mahavishnu
Date: 4 Sep 92 20:29:08 GMT
Reply-To: Ken.J.Taylor@cray.com
Organization: Cray Research, Inc.

Mahavishnu Orchestra hit its technical peak with the live "Between ..."
album.  The first two albums,"Inner Mounting Flame" and "Birds of
Fire," were more melodic and diverse with both electric and acoustic
quartet formats.  The songs "Meeting of the Spirits" and "Birds of
Fire" best represented the essense of the orchestra.  (Note: Being
bored was a common complaint with the modal improvisations that was
popular in the 70's.)  You might also find "John McLauglin: Electric
Guitarist" interestingly diverse.  I also seem to recall his
"Interpolations" album was intriguing but don't remember what the music
sounded like.

If you like the vocals and the classical themes of Apocalypse, try Chic
Corea's orchestral bands of the same period.  Gayle Moran, now Chic's
wife, was one of the vocalist in "Apocalypse" and had played on many of
Chic's albums. Try: "Leprechaun's Dream," "Mad Hatter," and "My Spanish
Heart."  Avoid the orchestral Return to Forever with Gayle Moran.

Other 70's jazz/rock/classical/indian/latin electric-guitar fusion
albums that were inspired by the Mahavishnu Orchestra that you might
find more melodic:

	McLaughlin and Carlos Santana, "Love, Devotion, and Surrender."

	Stanley Clarke, "Stanley Clarke," "Journey to Love*," "School
	Days*."

	Al Di Meola, "Land of the Midnight Sun," "Elegant Gypsy,"
	"Casino", "Splendido Hotel," "Electric Rendezvous."

	Carlos Santana, "Illuminations."

	Santana, "Caravanserai," "Welcome*," "Borboletta."

	Billy Cobham , "Spectrum (with Marc Bolin)," "Crosswinds (with
	John Abercrombie."

	John Abercrombie, "Timeless (with Jan Hammer)."

	Larry Corryell, "Introducing the Eleventh House."

	Return to Forever, "Hymm of the Seventh Galaxy," "Where Have I
	Known You Before," "No Mystery," "Romantic Warrior."

	King Crimson, "Starless and Bibleblack." (the same format as
	the original Mahavishnu Orchestra.)

	Jeff Beck, "Blow by Blow."

* Denotes guest appearance by John McLaughlin.

Not as electric-guitar oriented:

	Airto, "Free," "Virgin Land."

	Flora Purim, "Butterfly Dreams," "Stories to Tell."

For the 80's and the 90's, you might find the following progress albums
has the similar inspirational qualities of the 70's music.

	King Crimson, "Discipline."

	Al Di Meola, "Kiss my Axe."

	Steve Tibbetts, "Yr," "Northern Songs," "Safe Journey,"
	"Exploded View."

Steve Tibbetts is not as well known as other musicians because he does
not temper his music for commercial market.  My favorites by Tibbetts
give me an impression of a wild mix of Shakti and electric Mahavishu
Orchestra.

If you also like fiery acoustic guitar music,

	John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucia, "Friday Night at
	San Francisco," "Passion, Grace, and Fire."

I was at the Frinday night concert - a fantastic experience.  The
acoustic trio version of "Meeting of the Spirits" was even more awesome
than the original version.  Unfortunately, that did not make into the
live album.

If you like more information, send e-mail to Ken.J.Taylor@cray.com



Ken J. Taylor
Newsgroups: alt.music.progressive