Jazz Track

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33383, 15 November 1973, Page 4

Jazz Track

with

JOHN McNEILL

Mahavishnu John MeLaughlin, leader of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, is probably the most exciting guitarist recording today. In a series of releases, all of which have been bestsellers, the orchestra, usually five-strong, produces an exciting synthesis of heavy rock, jazz and Eastern music forms. Their music is the culmination of the efforts of many musicians—drummer Tony Williams, guitarist Larry Coryell and Miles Davis among them—to move away from melodic tonal forms, while retaining the basic solid rhythms of

rock. The results, when amplified guitar is used, are shattering.

The albums, all on C. 8.5.. are: “My Goals Beyond”; “Devotion”; “The Inner Mounting Flame”; “Birds of Fire”; “Love, Devotion, Surrender.” If one were to begin listening, “My Goal’s Beyond” should be first. Side one has two long tracks—- “ Peace I and 11”—and side two has a number of shorter jazz numbers., ineluding “Blue in Green” by Miles Davis, and “Waltz for Bill Evans” by Chick Corea. All these are played on acoustic guitar, and demonstrate McLaughlin’s mastery of the instrument. It’s a great disc.

Second choice would probably be "inner Mounting Flame.” McLaughlin is

joined here by Jerry Good man (Flock’s violinist), Jerry Hammer (keyboard). Rick Laird (bass), and Billy Cobham (drums)—a line-up which is retained on “Birds of Fire.” This, while more frenetic than the first, has much to commend it. “Birds of Fire” is the most exciting of the albums. It’s certainly a more commercial undertaking than the others, and much criticised for it. but though 1 find the criticism founded, the sheer vitality and excitement of the music carries me above it. Carlos Santana joins McLaughlin on “Love, De votion. Surrender,” and features on John Coltrane's “A Love Supreme.” and “Naima,” the traditional “Let us go into the house of the Lord” and two originals. It is surprising the amount of rapport McLaughlin and Santana achieve. Their performance on “Niama” is especially noteworthy.