John McLaughlin-Mahvishnu Orchestra – Symphony Hall, Boston – January 26, 1972 – WBCN-FM –
John McLaughlin and The Mahavishu Orchstra in concert this weekend. Recorded at Symphony Hall and broadcast live by WBCN in Boston on January 26, 1972.
I remember seeing John McLaughlin and The Mahavishnu Orchestra at, of all places, The Whiskey A go-go in West Hollywood just as Inner Mounting Flame was released – this was the first time they played in Los Angeles and it was largely to a papered house. Having not had a frame of reference to fall back on, what The Mahavishu Orchestra were doing was considered revolutionary as well as controversial at the time. The result was, by everyone’s admission; mind-blowing.
But the question was, “were they Jazz?” The house was divided on that one. There was a solid Jazz lineage to the band members. McLaughlin who had come off the ground-breaking Jack Johnson album for Miles Davis as well as a member of Tony Williams’ Lifetime. Jan Hammer came from Weather Report. Rick Laird came from collaborating with Zoot Sims and Al Cohn and touring with Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. But there was the opinion this was Prog-Rock and the next logical step from Soft Machine, King Crimson and Robert Fripp.
During this time there was a lot going on musically – this was the point where the really noticeable break with the mainstream was evident. Aspects of Progrock were heading into experimental territory, and Traditional Jazz was branching off into what became known as Fusion.
So it was a plunge into uncharted waters. And those waters proved to be invigorating for a lot of musicians. It broadened horizons and has been a generally healthy experience all the way around.
Needless to say, and judging by the reaction of the audience in this Symphony Hall broadcast, the appeal stretched across several musical lines, and turning people on to new music or new ways to look at it is ultimately a good thing.
So with that in mind, John McLaughlin and The Mahavishnu Orchestra make an appearance on our Downbeat page. Plug it in, press play and enjoy.
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