The Guitar Channel

Walter Kolosky Discusses New eBook Release of "Power, Passion and Beauty - The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra"

I interviewed author Walter Kolosky recently regarding the new eBook edition of his fantastic book Power, Passion and Beauty - The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra. The new 2013 eBook version adds lots of great content to the book's original release, including new interviews with Carlos Santana and Chick Corea (among others), an extra chapter, and much more. Follow the link below and you'll see - Nobody knows the history of Mahavishnu and its founder John McLaughlin like Walter does.

Walter Kolosky: The Guitar Channel Interview

Favorite Albums of 2012

2012 was a tremendous year for progressive guitar music. Here are my favorite releases of the year, in no particular order.

 

Michael Landau - Organic Instrumentals

Landau's first instrumental album since 1990's Tales From The Bulge is one of my favorite guitar records in many years, let alone this one. Awesome tones, dynamic playing, deep writing. A must-have for serious guitar geeks.

Wayne Krantz - Howie 61

Krantz took a bold new step with this album, and the results are rich and engrossing. A fantastic production filled with heady writing, and an amazing lineup of musicians.

Jimmy Herring - Subject To Change Without Notice

Awesome follow-up to 2008's Lifeboat. Highly textured with killer playing and grooves.

Alex Machacek, Raphael Preuschl, Herbert Pirker - FAT

Adventurous and dynamic with a great variety of guitar tones. Further proof that Machacek is among the most forward-thinking modern jazz composers of his generation.

Kurt Rosenwinkel - Star of Jupiter

Can't get enough of this one. Uber-deep jazz record, filled with great writing and improvisation.

Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - Live Meat And Potatoes

Funky, energetic live release with killer guitar work from Jeff Kollman. Nobody grooves like the Meatbats.

OHMPhrey - Posthaste

Stellar recording from the OHM-meets-Umphrey's McGee supergroup. Loaded with great riffs and playing. Everybody shines here, but the twin guitar attack of Chris Poland and Jake Cinninger is particularly awesome.

Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers - HBC

What a band. Killer disc packed with guitar-driven trio versions of fusion classics. Henderson is amazing as always.

Karizma - Perfect Harmony

A 3-disc smorgasbord from keyboardist/composer David Garfield's classic west coast jazz band. Features a who's-who of the genre's luminaries, including Michael Landau.

The Aristocrats - Boing, We'll Do It Live!

Amazing live CD/DVD release with insane playing and band interplay. Guthrie Govan's guitar work is both musical and mind-blowing.

Other favorites from 2012:

Prashant Aswani - Visions
Chris Poland, Frank Catalano, Sean O'Bryan Smith, Jim Gifford - Polcat
Tribal Tech - X
Tohpati Bertiga - Riot
John McLaughlin & the 4th Dimension - Now Here This
Paul Gilbert - Vibrato
Gary Husband - Dirty & Beautiful, Vol. 2
OHM - Tsunami Jams
Ed DeGenaro - Holiday In Madras
Flying Colors
Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations
Chris Buck - 3 Crows
Jason Sadites - Broken
Renegade Creation - Bullet
Led Zeppelin - Celebration Day
Van Halen - A Different Kind of Truth (Ed note: \m/)

See Also:

Favorite Albums of 2011
Favorite Albums of 2010
Favorite Albums of 2009
Favorite Albums of 2008
Favorite Albums of 2007
Favorite Albums of 2006

2013 Special Edition eBook "Power, Passion and Beauty- The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra" officially released

PRESS RELEASE

2013 marks the 40th anniversary of the tumultuous break-up of the greatest band that ever was, the Mahavishnu Orchestra. The group, founded by British guitarist John McLaughlin, was the first to fuse jazz, rock and world music into critical and commercial success. In a remarkable feat, its strictly instrumental albums were able to find their way into the Top 20 of the Billboard rock charts. The Special Edition eBook “Power, Passion and Beauty - The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra” is the updated version of Walter Kolosky’s critically acclaimed work first published in 2006. Many have called that book “The Bible” of the Mahavishnu Orchestra and the jazz-rock fusion movement. The Special Edition eBook is brand new to those who have not read the original printed version of this riveting story. For those that have, however, many new anecdotes, insights, opinions, and an extra chapter updating the story of Mahavishnu have been added. The list of those exclusively sharing their views and memories of Mahavishnu for the original book was staggering. Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Pat Metheny, Sir George Martin, Jeff Beck, all of the original Mahavishnu members and almost 150 other music giants helped tell the Mahavishnu tale. This time around, Carlos Santana, Chick Corea, Steve Howe, Carmine Appice, and many other noted artists, producers, audio engineers and spiritual travelers add to the legend that is the Mahavishnu Orchestra. The Special Edition eBook “Power, Passion and Beauty” also has dedicated web pages that will offer more rare images, news and information.

SOME EARLY COMMENTS AND REVIEWS:

“Thank you so much for doing this book!” - Carlos Santana

“This (“Power, Passion and Beauty”) is a great book!” - Chick Corea

“I was riveted by “Power, Passion and Beauty,” even though I knew the incendiary and brief history of the band, probably because it was so inspiring to hear how everyone who ever heard or was associated with the band was changed forever, not just by the power and originality of the music, but as if by something more spiritually fueled. This music was life-changing for all of us who heard it, and for all music which followed and continues to emerge from Mahavishnu's long shadow. Walter is to be eternally thanked for stoking the Flame.” - Christopher O’Riley, noted musician and host of America’s National Public Radio and Television’s “From The Top.”

"Walter Kolosky is clearly the foremost authority on the most important and powerful jazz-rock group of all time, the Mahavishnu Orchestra. With its enthralling interviews and insight, Kolosky's "Power, Passion and Beauty" details the storied history and influence of this epic band in a book that's as fun to read as it is fascinating. "Power, Passion and Beauty" is a must-have for music fans seeking a deeper understanding of the origins of the jazz-rock movement, and the greatest band the genre has ever known." - Rich Murray, The Guitar Channel

“Walter Kolosky has made the definitive tome on Mahavishnu Orchestra even more expansive and engaging. With fresh perspectives, sharper details, and new interviews, this eBook is a must-have for avid Mahavishnu and John McLaughlin fans. For those of you that were there, the book provides great insight into your fond memories. For those who know the band solely through recordings, this book gets you as close as you can to the alchemy that took place onstage and in the studio.” - Anil Prasad, Innerviews (The web’s first and longest-running music magazine)

Goto www.walterkolosky.com for more details.

 

Current Listening

Listening to lots of great new stuff lately...

 

Prashant Aswani - Visions

Awesome melodic rock fusion disc. Loaded with Aswani's signature legato lines, smooth overdriven tones, and groove-heavy writing. Includes a guest appearance by Jeff Kollman.

Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers - HBC

Awesome, raw record with killer playing from all involved. Love the stripped-down trio arrangements of fusion classics such as "Actual Proof" and "Mysterious Traveller." A must-have for Scott Henderson fans.

John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension - Now Here This

Another great release from the godfather of fusion and his crack quartet, the 4th Dimension. Filled with deep improvisation and band interplay. Not to mention, McLaughlin's ripping runs on "Riff Raff" prove that he is still one of the greatest pickers ever.

Karizma - Perfect Harmony

New three-disc release from keyboardist David Garfield's classic west coast jazz band. Includes new music, plus demos and live tracks. Features Michael Landau, Tim Pierce, James Harrah, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Porcaro, and many others. Loaded with great playing.

Charlie Hunter and Scott Amendola - Not Getting Behind Is The New Getting Ahead

Love the vibe on this one. Loaded with deep grooves and subtle interplay between Hunter and Amendola.

The Fusion Syndicate

Cool collection of jazz-fusion originals from producer Billy Sherwood, performed by a lengthy roster of the genre's giants. Lineup includes Steve Morse, Larry Coryell, Steve Stevens, Scott Kinsey, Chad Wackerman, Billy Cobham, Jerry Goodman, Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Jimmy Haslip, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, and many others.

Video: John McLaughlin & the 4th Dimension - "Now Here This" Preview

"Echos from Then" from the upcoming John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension album Now Here This, releasing Oct 12th. John McLaughlin (guitar), Gary Husband (Keyboards), Etienne Mbappé (bass), Ranjit Barot (drums).

New John McLaughlin Album "Now Here This" To Be Released Oct 18th

ACCLAIMED GUITARIST JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NOW HERE THIS SET FOR OCTOBER 18^TH RELEASE ON ABSTRACT LOGIX

(Los Angeles, CA) – It has been nearly two years since world-renowned guitarist John McLaughlin released To the One, his highly acclaimed, first studio recording, with The 4th Dimension. The veteran guitar aficionado celebrates his 70th birthday year with the announcement of Now Here This (Abstract Logix) set for release on October 18th as he ups-the-ante even further with greater fire, finesse and freewheeling interplay.

McLaughlin’s musical influences carry over to many of the musical elite also declaring him to be “the best guitarist alive,” as Jeff Beck mused in 2010. In 2003, McLaughlin was ranked 49th in Rolling Stone magazine list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time and in the summer of 2007, McLaughlin performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival in Bridgeview, Illinois. Chick Corea remarked to DownBeat Magazine that “…what John McLaughlin did with the electric guitar set the world on its ear. No one ever heard an electric guitar played like that before, and it certainly inspired me. John's band, more than my experience with Miles, led me to want to turn the volume up and write music that was more dramatic and made your hair stand on end.

McLaughlin’s latest creative venture with The 4th Dimension, reflects a slight, yet significant, alteration of the dynamic, specifically the recruitment of powerhouse Indian drummer Ranjit Barot. Cameroon-born/Paris-resident bassist Etienne M'Bappe is back from To the One, as is keyboardist/drummer Gary Husband. This 8-track set of McLaughlin originals testifies to the guitarist's decades-long fascination with Indian music, through his effortless virtuosity, and relentless lyricism, even when the guitarist is shredding at near-light speed. 

As John himself simply states, “Now Here This  is the culmination of my life's work till now.”

The critical praise for McLaughlin’s latest musical venture is cascading forth; John Fordham of The Guardian declares, …this tight 40-minute document hums with a collaborative energy. There is little doubt that McLaughlin's return to the electrified fusion he first innovated more than 40 years ago in groups led by trumpet icon Miles Davis and drum legend Tony Williams - and, of course, with his own earth-shattering Mahavishnu Orchestra - is as electrifying and exhilarating as ever. And for those new to the genre, Now Here This is the perfect introduction - one that will surely encourage them to also dive, head-first, into this legendary guitarist's lengthy and groundbreaking discography.

Upcoming Tour Dates

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27/10/12 Toulouse France
28/10/12 Bordeaux France
30/10/12 Lille France
31/10/12 Strasbourg France
01/11/12 Zurich Switzerland
03/11/12 Wroclaw Poland
04/11/12 Gdansk Poland
05/11/12 Warsaw Poland TBC
07/11/12 Ravensburg Germany
08/11/12 Leverkusen Germany
09/11/12 Dresden Germany
11/11/12 London UK
14/11/12 Novosibirsk Russia
16/11/12 St Petersburg Russia
17/11/12 Moscow Russia TBC
18/11/12 Minsk Russia
19/11/12 Helsinki Finland
20/11/12 Oslo Norway
21/11/12 Oslo Norway
23/11/12 Chiasso Italy
24/11/12 Sacile Italy

John McLaughlin European Tour Dates

John McLaughlin will be playing the following dates in Europe with his band, the 4th Dimension  (Gary Husband - keys and drums, Etienne Mbappé - bass and Ranjit Barot - drums).

OCTOBER
27/10/12 Toulouse Jazz sur son 31 France
28/10/12 Bordeaux ,Le Rocher de Palmer France
29/10/12 Paris ,Trianon France
30/10/12 Lille, France
31/10/12 Strasbourg, France

NOVEMBER
01/11/12 Zurich No Jazz Festival, Switzerland
03/11/12 Wroclaw, Poland
04/11/12 Gdansk, Poland
07/11/12 Ravensburg, Germany
08/11/12 Leverkusen, Germany
09/11/12 Dresden, Germany
11/11/12 London, London Jazz Festival, UK
14/11/12 Novosibirsk, Russia
16/11/12 Moscow, Crocus City Hall, Russia
17/11/12 St Petersburg, BKZ Oktjabrskij Russia
18/11/12 Minsk, Russia
19/11/12 Helsinki, Finland
20/11/12 Oslo, Norway
21/11/12 Oslo, Norway
23/11/12 Chiasso, Italy
24/11/12 Sacile, Italy

Gary Husband "Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2" Review by Walter Kolosky

Author Walter Kolosky has written a great review of Gary Husband's amazing new album Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2 (which features Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, and Robin Trower among others). Check it out on Kolosky's newly updated site.

Review: Gary Husband - Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2 by Walter Kolosky

Current Listening

I've been listening to a TON of great new music lately. Here's what I've had in heavy rotation...

The Michael Landau Group - Organic Instrumentals

Landau's first all-instrumental album since his 1990 debut Tales From The Bulge absolutely RULES. Great writing and production, killer playing, amazing tones. Line-up includes Gary Novak, Andy Hess, Jimmy Haslip, Larry Goldings, Vinnie Colaiuta, and others.

Polcat

Way-cool jazz fusion project with Chris Poland on guitar, Frank Catalano on sax, Sean O'Bryan Smith on bass, and Jim Gifford on drums. Awesome grooves and playing. Poland is a great fit.

Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations

Wackerman's latest features Allan Holdsworh on guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Jim Cox on keys - the same band Wackerman utilized for his 1991 solo debut Forty Reasons. Lots of group improv on this one. Holdsworth is amazing as usual.

Gary Husband - Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2

Excellent modern fusion album; a more-than-worthy follow-up to 2010's Volume 1. Amazing guest list includes Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, Robin Trower, Ray Russell and Jan Hammer.

Ed DeGenaro - Holiday In Madras

Deep fusion with a strong Indian influence. Ed drops some amazing Shawn Lane-like runs as well. Personnel includes Ric Fierabracci and Marco Minnemann among others.

Steve Weingart & Renee Jones - Dialogue

This one's been out a while but I've been digging into it more lately. Super high-quality electric jazz album with great writing and playing. Features the always-tasty Mike Miller on guitar. Steve Lukather also guests on one track.

Tribal Tech - X

One of the greatest fusion bands ever is back with their first new album in 12 years. Features a good balance of group improv and composition. Scott Henderson's current, more blues-oriented approach gives the band a different flavor than it had in the old days.

Wayne Krantz - Howie 61

This won't be released until mid-April but I had the honor of writing the press release for it so I've been digging the tracks for awhile. Krantz, once again, strikes out in a new direction here with fresh take on composition and production. Line-up includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Tal Wilkenfeld, Keith Carlock, Pino Palladino, David Binney, John Patitucci, Anton Fig and many others.

Video: Gary Husband - Dirty and Beautiful Album Story

Gary Husband discusses his new album Dirty and Beautiful Volume 2 coming February 21st from Abstract Logix. Guests include Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, and Robin Trower among others.

Gary Husband "Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2" Sampler

Gary Husband Dirty and Beautiful Vol 2 Sampler by abstractlogix.

Sampler from Gary Husband's upcoming album Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2. Release date - February 21st 2012. Guests include Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, and Robin Trower among others.

Gary Husband's "Dirty & Beautiful Vol 2" (featuring Allan Holdsworth, Alex Machacek, Wayne Krantz, and others) Now Available For Pre-Order

Jazz fusion multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband's latest album Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2 will be released on February 21st 2012, and is now available for pre-order. Similarly to his 2010 release Dirty & Beautiful Volume 1, the new disc includes an assortment of special guests including Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, Robin Trower, and others. See full tracklisting below.

Pre-Order: Gary Husband - Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2

Tracklisting:

1. IF THE ANIMALS HAD GUNS TOO (featuring Ray Russell)
2. ROLLING SEVENS (featuring Mike Stern)
3. NEW BLUES, OLD BRUISE (featuring Sean Freeman)
4. EAST RIVER JAM (featuring Wayne Krantz)
5. FRED 2011 (featuring Allan Holdsworth and Jan Hammer)
6. RAIN (featuring Neal Taylor)
7. LOCK, STOCK & TWO SMOKING BROTHERS (featuring Alex Machacek)
8. FUGUIE
9. SULLEY (featuring John McLaughlin and Mark King)
10. ENGLAND GREEN (featuring Jimmy Herring)
11. YESTERNOW - EPILOGUE (featuring Robin Tower)