Mahavishnu Orchestra

Mahavishnu Orchestra
The original line-up on stage in 1973. Left to right: Jerry Goodman, Jan Hammer, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Rick Laird
The original line-up on stage in 1973.
Left to right: Jerry Goodman, Jan Hammer, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Rick Laird
Background information
OriginNew York City, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 1971–1976
  • 1984–1987
LabelsColumbia
Past membersJohn McLaughlin
Billy Cobham
Jan Hammer
Jerry Goodman
Rick Laird
Ralphe Armstrong
Narada Michael Walden
Gayle Moran
Jean-Luc Ponty
Stu Goldberg
Bill Evans
Jonas Hellborg
Mitchel Forman
Danny Gottlieb
Jim Beard

The Mahavishnu Orchestra was a jazz fusion band formed in New York City in 1971, led by English guitarist John McLaughlin.[1] The group underwent several line-up changes throughout its history across its two periods of activity, from 1971 to 1976 and from 1984 to 1987.[2] 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 as well as its dynamic live performances between 1971 and 1973.[3][4] Many members of the band have gone on to acclaimed careers of their own in the jazz and jazz fusion genres.

  1. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 787. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  2. ^ "Mahavishnu Orchestra – Biography, Albums, & Streaming Radio". AllMusic. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  3. ^ Smith, Roger L. (1972-02-11). "Rock and Schlock". The Harvard Crimson. The Harvard Crimson Inc. Retrieved 2019-02-22. McLaughlin has chosen to work toward a musical intensity that aims inward rather than outward. There is never a wasted note, yet the improvisation by each member of the group is always present, always building and directing the music.
  4. ^ Heckman, Don (1972-07-07). "Jazz: Mahavishnu – A Trip Into Rock". The New York Times. Retrieved 2019-02-22. ...the Mahavishnu ensemble has gradually developed a form of jazz that dips into rock, blues, Indian music, "classical music" and electronics for source material, stylistic elements and aesthetic energy.