Love Mahavishnu Orchestra. Saw them in 1975 (Jean Luc Ponty). I think John's latest album "Black Light" with the 4th Dimension is really worth a listen.
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One band that is in a similar vein is Brand X that Phil Collins, John Goodsall and Percy Jones were in for a short period in the late 70s early 80s, and that approached, at times, compositions and guitar work that were like some of Mahavishnu, albeit from a different angle. That’s the only band I can think of at the moment. Brand X’s debut album Unorthodox Behaviour is worth a listen. Goodsall smokes in several solos. |
I can't even imagine another band close to Mahavishnu; each artist was a unique star of fusion at that point in time. John McLaughlin – guitars, vocals Jean-Luc Ponty – violin, vocals, electric violin, baritone violin Ralphe Armstrong – bass guitar, vocals, contrabass Narada Michael Walden – percussion, drums, vocals, clavinet Gayle Moran – keyboards, vocals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Miqd-htP2E I think "Weather Report" was the only sound I can recall that's even comparable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuAMSE_xck4 Enjoy the music. |
I could never warm up to the Weather Report. Thank you for the suggestions, I'll check them all out. Yeah, when people like Miles Davis and John McLaughlin are gone, who will come next? Orpheus10, by the way, once you suggested to listen to Nils Peter Molvaer, so I did. I really like his Miles inspired but very his own style. The best concert I was able to find on youtube is called Live&direct. He plays with his original Scandinavian band, I understand. Great drummer there too. |
Fairly recently I went to the live performance at BB King club in NYC of Allan Holdsworth -- Casio guitar (Soft Machine), Eddie Jobson electric violin and keyboards (UK) and Chad Wakerman(FZ drummer). They're above the level of Mahavishnu Orchestra by all possible means. Shortly after WTC-9/11 I visited bottom line cafe (near NYU) with performance of B.L.U.E. -- Brufford Levin Upper Extremities with following crew: Bill Brufford -- drums Tony Levin -- Fender bass and stick bass David Torn -- guitars, mandolin and other unusual string instruments; synth and loops not sure of models, pedals. Chris Botti -- trumpet, pedals The worm-up artists were California Guitar Trio produced by Robert Fripp. |
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