The first recording of the second
Mahavishnu Orchestra was a real stretch for
John McLaughlin, an encounter with
Michael Tilson Thomas and
the London Symphony Orchestra. The union wasn't taken seriously at the time, and it ended up harming the reputation of
Thomas -- a remarkably adventurous young conductor who defied the stuffy classical powers-that-be and thus probably delayed his eventual rise to the top -- more than
McLaughlin. But those with ears, then and now, beheld a remarkable series of pieces that neatly juxtapose and occasionally combine the combustion of
McLaughlin's group with rich, tasteful symphonic statements orchestrated for
McLaughlin by
Michael Gibbs. The new
Mahavishnu-ites, electric violinist
Jean-Luc Ponty and keyboardist/vocalist
Gayle Moran, have their moments, but the real focus of this disc is the quality of the symphonic conceptions and how well
McLaughlin blends his lyrical and fiery guitar into the mixture. The best stretch is the breathtakingly ethereal opening of "Hymn to Him"; the promise of fusing rock, jazz, and classical elements had never been executed so alluringly before -- and wouldn't you know, an old experienced hand at introducing classical textures into rock,
the Beatles'
George Martin, is the producer. Don't let old, outworn preconceptions on either side of the fence prevent you from checking out this beautiful record. AMG.
listen here
