Jerry Goodman from the first and Jean Luc Ponty from the second Mahavishnu Orchestra jazzrock group were excellent. I generally prefer the former but not by much, Jerry's violin is more wild and Jean Luc's more aristocratic. Both played electric violin, or mostly electric. Of the classical musicians I only listen to Paganini, don't ask me how, the rest are ridiculous by comparison. |
Jerry worked well for Mahavishnu 1 but I don't think of him as a jazz musician--more a rocker who was able to fit into the M. Orch. fusion scheme. J-LP was already a jazz player with modern leanings when he played with McLaughlin. If you look at what each guy did before and after their stint with John Mc I think you'll see what I mean. For me the notable jazz violinists are Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli, Joe Venuti and Jean-Luc Ponty. Honorable mentions to "jazzy" players such as Sid Paige (Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks), Vassar Clements (a very bluesy/jazzy bluegrass fiddler) and Johnny Gimble (Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. ah-HA!) |
Frog, I can't play like Paganini but maybe I can 'think' like Paganini so I make contact and that's how I 'listen' to him. Both Goodman's and Ponty's best years were with McLaughlin. John was a true leader, just like Miles. I do like some Ponty's performances outside Mahavishnu, though. Grappelli okay with me. One could also mention Subramanian. |
The most unique violinist, playing his most unique violin; L. Shankar is the man when it comes to East Indian flavored jazz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r48n2dImHoY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JJ_2hf1nmU |
