Two bands, coming together to revisit some classic tunes from one of the leaders greatest groups from the early 1970's...it's a look back at the music of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, John McLaughlin's seminal jazz-fusion ensemble, here on this thrilling live set, Live in San Francisco. Along with McLaughlin's solo band the 4th Dimension, this set also features Widespread Panic/Aquarium Rescue Unit/Allman Brothers Band/Phil Lesh & the Dead alumni Jimmy Herring and his band the Invisible Whip, both acts sharing the stage together to bring eight Mahavishnu classics back to life once again. The complete line-up is comprised of:
John McLaughlin: 12 string Double Neck and 6 String Guitars
Jimmy Herring : Guitar
Ranjit Barot : Drums, Konokol and Vocals
Gary Husband: Electric Piano and Synths
Etienne M'Bappe: Bass and Vocals
Jason Crosby: Violin, Fender Rhodes and Vocals
Kevin Scott : Bass guitar
Jeff Sipe: Drums and Gong
Matt Slocum: Hammond B3 and Clavinet
Recorded on December 8, 2017 at The Warfield in San Francisco, this live concert is a dream come true for McLaughlin & Herring fans, and of course anyone who loves the music of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. At 75 years old at the time of this recording, let me just say that John McLaughlin can still shred with the best of them, and he's got a great dance partner here in Herring, who is also a formidable player in his own right. These two saddle up next each other and rip it up on red hot renditions of "Meeting of the Spirits", "Birds of Fire", "The Dance of Maya", "Trilogy", and "Eternity's Breath Part 1 & 2", with plenty of sizzling contributions from the rest of this large scale ensemble, Crosby's violin especially fiery throughout. The majestic nature of "A Lotus on Irish Streams" is a marvel to hear, these musicians putting forth an effort as if they had been playing this song together for decades, and "Earth Ship" simply soars, one of Mahavishnu's most beautiful tracks off the underrated Visions of the Emerald Beyond album, and done here to perfection. And, let's not forget a raging, funky, snarling "Be Happy", chock full of savage guitar & violin duels.
If you are a fan, you'll know these songs by heart and will love the extended jams contained on each one. However, if you've yet to discover the grand music of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, this is a great starting point to get you on your way.
Track Listing
1.
Meeting of the Spirits 08:50
2.
Birds of Fire 07:50
3.
A Lotus on Irish Streams 07:12
4.
The Dance of Maya 10:08
5.
Trilogy 13:00
6.
Earth Ship 08:58
7.
Eternity’s Breath Parts 1 & 2 09:39
8.
Be Happy 07:08
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