Visions of an Inner Mounting Apocalypse: 'A Fusion Guitar Tribute' (2005)

Tone Center, Mike Varney’s fusion-only label, is not only helping to keep the genre in good shape—it’s pumping it full of steroids. Last year the label released A Guitar Supreme: Giant Steps in Fusion Guitar. Such guitarists as Mike Stern, Larry Coryell, Eric Johnson, Steve Lukather, Greg Howe, Jeff Richman, Frank Gambale and others paid stringed tribute to the spirit of John Coltrane.

This time around John McLaughlin and the legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra receive the treatment. Many of the same guitarists appear on this very impressive and important release. The music of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, first played over thirty years ago, provides the perfect material for some of today's greatest guitarists to test their mettle.

Guitarist Jeff Richman was put in charge. He produced the album, arranged the tunes and even played. He hired an incredible backing band to support and augment the soloists, who recorded their parts later, consisting of drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Kai Eckhardt and keyboardist Mitch Forman. All three have the advantage of having played with John McLaughlin before—so they have some idea of his sensibilities.

To have such superb musicians tackle McLaughlin’s advanced compositions is major news. But, the fact that Jerry Goodman, the original Mahavishnu Orchestra violinist, agreed to appear on four tracks is mind-blowing! No other violinist sounds quite like him and his presence gives the album an extra shot of credibility. Mahavishnu fans will be thrilled to hear Jerry’s violin on two pieces from the second Mahavishnu Orchestra.

The CD covers eight McLaughlin compositions spread through the first five Mahavishnu Orchestra albums. There are two additional pieces not officially associated with the Mahavishnu Orchestra of the seventies. Richman himself plays on “Jazz,” which is from the 1984 Mahavishnu album. John Abercrombie stars on McLaughlin’s “Follow Your Heart,” which appeared pre-Mahavishnu Orchestra on McLaughlin’s classic My Goal’s Beyond.

Steve Lukather opens up the tribute with a rollicking “Birds of Fire.” Propelled by the power of Colaiuta’s drumming and Eckhardt’s throbbing bassline, Lukather lets nothing hold him back. He is followed by an angular Mike Stern on “Can’t Stand Your Funk” and Steve Morse’s energetic romp on “Celestial Terrestrial Commuters.” Jimmy Herring’s take on “Meeting of the Spirits” features a lighter intro before the theme kicks in. Richman’s skittering solo on “Jazz” gives it a more rockish feel than the original.

Perhaps closest in spirit to the original Orchestra is Frank Gambale’s turn on “Dawn.” Gambale captures the building drama of the composition in his use of tension and release. He is aided in a fantastic way by the appearance of Goodman, who played on the original.

Warren Haynes and Jerry Goodman perform “Lila’s Dance” from Visions of the Emerald Beyond. The son of the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s Inner Mounting Flame’s “Dance of Maya,” “Dance” is noteworthy enough for Hayne’s performance, but to hear Goodman play the Jean Luc Ponty part will be very significant to MO aficionados.

“Faith” is handled rather ably by Dave Fiuczynski while Gregg Howe also answers the bell on the rave-up “Dance of Maya.”

Tacked onto the end of this compilation is John Abercrombie’s performance of the classic “Follow Your Heart.” This is a beautifully executed version. Abercrombie’s playing is absolutely stunning. Richman’s arrangement changes the character of the piece in a new and exciting way building to a pleasing climax. Kai Eckhardt also contributes one of the most impressive melodic bass solos one is ever going to hear.

Mitch Forman’s contributions to this tribute are not to be overlooked. He is one of the most important keyboard players in jazz in the last twenty years. Yet, he remains relatively unsung. His solo opportunities are full of invention.

While not every moment in every tune captures the original fire of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Visions of an Inner Mounting Apocalypse: A Fusion Guitar Tribute is quite worthy of its honoree. John McLaughlin’s compositions combined with the musical power of the musicians of the Mahavishnu Orchestra present a true test for any musician- and especially guitar players. All those involved with this production should take pride in their effort and the results.

Mahavishnu_Orchestra

Track listing:

1. Birds Of Fire - Steve Lukather (6:47)
2. Can't Stand Your Funk - Mike Stern (6:43)
3. Celestial Terrestrial Commuters - Steve Morse (4:46)
4. Meeting Of The Spirits - Jimmy Herring (6:51)
5. Jazz - Jeff Richman (4:53)
6. Dawn - Frank Gambale/Jerry Goodman (6:34)
7. Lila's Dance - Warren Haynes/Jerry Goodman (5:22)
8. Faith - David Fiuczynski (5:47)
9. Dance Of Maya - Greg Howe (6:16)
10. Follow Your Heart - John Abercrombie (7:46)


Personnel: Jeff Richman: guitar; Mitch Forman: keyboards; Kai Eckhardt: bass; Vinnie Colaiuta: drums; Steve Lukather, Mike Stern, Steve Morse, Jimmy Herring, Frank Gambale, Greg Howe, David Fiuczynski, Warren Haynes, John Abercrombie: guitar; Special Guest Star Jerry Goodman: violin.

Download: 1 2

-----
Originally posted at Jazz-Rock-Fusion-Guitar