Mahavishnu Orchestra

The Mahavishnu Orchestra's album "Live at Yale University - October 28, 1973" captures an intense live performance by the band, featuring their iconic lineup: John McLaughlin (guitar), Jan Hammer (keyboards), Jerry Goodman (violin), Rick Laird (bass), and Billy Cobham (drums). Released in August 2024, this recording showcases the band's virtuosity in jazz fusion, including tracks like "Meeting of the Spirits," "Trilogy," and "Awakening." The concert spans nearly an hour, providing a powerful glimpse into the band's peak period.

The Mahavishnu Orchestra's album "Live at Yale University - October 28, 1973" captures an intense live performance by the band, featuring their iconic lineup: John McLaughlin (guitar), Jan Hammer (keyboards), Jerry Goodman (violin), Rick Laird (bass), and Billy Cobham (drums). Released in August 2024, this recording showcases the band's virtuosity in jazz fusion, including tracks like "Meeting of the Spirits," "Trilogy," and "Awakening." The concert spans nearly an hour, providing a powerful glimpse into the band's peak period.

This album features the Mahavishnu Orchestra, a jazz fusion band led by English guitarist John McLaughlin. Formed in New York City in 1971, the group underwent lineup changes during its active periods from 1971 to 1976 and 1984 to 1987. Known for their complex blend of Indian classical music, jazz, and psychedelic rock, the band received acclaim for dynamic live performances. Many former members have pursued successful careers in jazz and jazz fusion.

The original incarnation of the Mahavishnu Orchestra was extraordinarily successful. Their debut LP Inner Mounting Flame (1971), achieved crossover nirvana, climbing the Billboard Jazz chart before breaking into the top 100 on the rock chart. Performed a year later and just two months after the sessions for their second studio LP Birds Of Fire, this live appearance demonstrates that McLaughlin’s vision, notorious for its intensity, also encompassed profound dynamic shifts and melodic beauty. At their best McLaughlin, violinist Jerry Goodman, keyboard innovator Jan Hammer, bassist Rick Laird and powerhouse drummer Billy Cobham were untouchable as a live act. Unfortunately for them after two full-on years and 500 concerts the band imploded. Fortunately for us, one of the best of their best nights, live at Berkeley Community Theater, CA, on November 9th 1972 was broadcast by KFAT-FM radio.

Festival Chateauvallon, France, August 23rd, 1972.

Recorded at Boston Symphony Hall, January 26, 1972. Presenting the guitar genius of John McLaughlin, accompanied by Jan Hammer (keyboards), Jerry Goodman (violin), Rick Laird (bass) and Billy Cobham (drums), this remarkable set, performed live at Boston's Symphony Hall, MA on 26th January 1972, for broadcast on WNEW-FM radio a few months after the release of their innovative debut album, The Inner Mounting Flame - powerful and exhilarating.