The Mahavishnu Orchestra were a jazz fusion band formed in New York City in 1971, led by English guitarist John McLaughlin. The group underwent several line-up changes throughout its history across in its two periods of activity, from 1971 to 1976 and from 1984 to 1987.

With its original line-up consisting of musicians Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer, Jerry Goodman, and Rick Laird, the band garnered its earliest acclaim between 1971 and 1973 for its complex, intense music consisting of a blend of Indian classical music, jazz fusion, and psychedelic rock as well as its dynamic live performances. I particularly remember a concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in 1972 that shook the venerable chamber [and myself] to its foundations.

Many members of the band – including McLaughlin – have gone on to acclaimed careers of their own in the jazz and jazz fusion genres.

Grab your socks … this one’s intense.