Featured Artist: Various Artists

CD Title: Mahavishnu Re-Defined: A Tribute to John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra

Year: 2008

Record Label: ESC Records

Style: Fusion

Review:

Mahavishnu Re-Defined is an all-star tribute to one of the most innovative musicians in the jazz fusion scene. Featuring acts such as Nguyen Le, The Mahavishnu Project, Trinity Xperiment, Renault Garcia-Fons, Percy Jones, John Patitucci, Kimo Willams and Kimotion, Gianfranco Continenza, Bob Malach and Gustavo Assis-Brasil, among many others, the mass worldwide appeal of the Mahavishnu Orchestra is clearly evident.

This collection serves to enlighten neophytes, satisfy seasoned fans of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and pay homage to one of the most deserving masters of the fusion genre with some stellar performances and interesting interpretations of McLaughlin‘s compositions. This double-disc set provides ample opportunity to become engrossed and captivated by the various approaches and techniques implemented. From the screaming guitar licks of HR Big Band’s “Eternity’s Breath (Pt. 1 and 2)” to the classical sounds of Jim Beard’s “In All Her Finery” to the straight-up blues and world sounds of Kimo Willams and Kimotion‘s “John’s Blues” to the haunting strings of Mad Tolling’s “Song to John” to Richard Smith’s rock-and-funk infused “Cosmic Strut,” there is quite a lot to take in. However, the overall experience is well worth the effort and time it takes to fully absorb and process each artist’s valuable contribution.

The multitude of talented artists who contributed to this project and the broad range of musical styles presented here is only befitting in a compilation paying tribute to a musically eclectic visionary such as McLaughlin. This recording is a must have (or at least a must listen to) for aficionados and novices alike.

Record Label Website: http://www.esc-records.de

Reviewed by: Veronica Timpanelli

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