The original incarnation of the Mahavishnu orchestra was one of the premier and most influential fusion bands of the early ’70’s. Based on the flaming guitar work of John McLaughlin (who had worked with Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime previously), keyboardist Jan Hammer (of Miami Vice fame), violinist Jerry Goodman, Rick Laird on bass, and the incomparable Billy Cobham on drums.

Dance of Maya

Also the Youtube of "You know, You know"

The band had a unique high powered electric sound that featured extended soloing. The compositions were complex, with odd meters and timing, and yet the band grooved like a freight train too.

Power, Passion and Beauty, by Walter Kolosky, is an informative book on the Orchestra.

Much more on the band can be found here.

Amato sez: "The Inner Mounting Flame" was the record that got me hooked...I saw them in the pouring rain in Central Park.

(guest blogged by Bill Johnson-- a professional music composer and producer in Los Angeles, CA.)