Power, Passion & Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra
by Walter Kolosky
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Book Summary Information
Author: Walter KoloskyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-07-31
ISBN: 0976101629
Number of pages: 313
Publisher: Abstract Logix Books
Book Reviews of Power, Passion & Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra
Book Review: Keeping the Flame Alive About the Mahavishnu Orchestra
Summary: 5 Stars
As a fan of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, I have such vivid memories of seeing the band in performance during the early 1970s. After requesting a minute of silence (in which you could literaly hear a pin drop), John McLaughlin and the his fellow band mates would launch into its performance. The ferocity and intensity of the live performance would literally make your hair stand on edge and give you the feeling of what it must be like to be caught within a hurricane. I still have visions of John McLaughlin and his double-necked Gibson pointing to the skies and playing with a speed and dexterity unlike anything I had ever witnessed. I became a believer. Simply amazing...
"Power, Passion & Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra" by Walter Kolosy fully captures that feeling; it totally defines what makes the Mahavishnu Orchestra "the greatest band that there ever was." The author weaves the story of the creation (and demise) of the Mahavishnu Orchestra through the eyes and ears of a fan. But beyond the author's words, you will also hear the words of the band members from Mahavishnu Orchestra 1 and 2 as well as of those who witnessed this band and had their lives and musical influences changed forever. Legendary musicians such as Pat Metheny, Jimmy Herring, Jeff Beck, John Abercrombie, Steve Morse, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock (to name just a few) all agreed to share their thoughts on the band in this book.
The world has never lost interest in the Mahavishnu Orchestra; if anything it clamors to hear its works, see its performances, and to know more about the band and what it represented in the world of jazz and rock. There is an entire younger generation that continues to hunger for music by this band. This book is a must read for fans as well as for those who are curious about the legacy of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Who knows, perhaps this book will become a catalyst to have the band reform. God knows we need the Mahavishnu Orchestra and its message of spiritual harmony now more than ever.
Summary of Power, Passion & Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra
Starting in 1971 and lasting in one form or another for five years, the Mahavishnu Orchestra exploded onto the popular music scene while simultaneously trashing all existing conventions, forging a new direction that is still controversial to this day. The loudest and fastest band in the entire world, the MO literally could 'scare' people - yet also could create music of great beauty. All five members of the original band: John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer, Jerry Goodman and Rick Laird cooperated with the author. In addition, over 100 people, including some of the world's greatest musicians and artists, provide comments exclusive to this book. Among those commenting for the book are Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, Sir George Martin, Jean-Luc Ponty, Peter Max, Joe Zawinul, Bill Frisell, Dennis Chambers, Bill Bruford, Peter Erskine, Jimmy Herring, Jonas Hellborg, Mark Egan, John Scofield, Steve Lukather, Lyle Mays, Steve Morse, Joey DeFrancesco, Narada Michael Walden and many, many more.Stuart Nicholson for Jazzwise magazine says, '...I enjoyed this book. It's a good read and communicates the real significance of one of jazz's great ensembles.'
Bloomberg News' Paul Goguen (Host of Bloomberg Muse) says Power, Passion and Beauty, '...is skillfully researched and assembled from the band's formation to its demise. It is a must read for any Mahavishnu or music fan.'
Colin Harper of Mojo Magazine writes: '...definitively researched - and page-turning account - from conception to destruction to a kind of resurrection. Forget about punk: this is 403 chords and the truth.'
The Boston Phoenix says that Power, Passion and Beauty is, 'an entertaining ride.'
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