John McLaughlin's unique guitar playing style, which blends elements of jazz, rock, and Indian classical music, has made him one of the pioneering figures in the Jazz.
Over the years, McLaughlin has collaborated with legendary musicians, including Miles Davis, one of the most influential figures in jazz. McLaughlin's contributions to Davis's albums, such as “In A Silent Way” and "Bitches Brew," played a pivotal role in the development of jazz fusion.
McLaughlin formed the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1971, after being one of the founding members of the Tony Williams Lifetime. The Mahavishnu Orchestra was one of the pioneering groups in the jazz fusion movement, blending elements of jazz, rock, and Indian classical music. Their innovative approach to music helped define the sound of jazz fusion in the 1970s.
“Miles was the godfather of fusion,” McLaughlin has said. “In the Mahavishnu Orchestra we were just Miles’s boys, basically just following his dream.”
The members of the band, including guitarist John McLaughlin, violinst Jerry Goodman, keyboard Jan Hammer, bassist Rick Gretch and drummer Billy Cobham, were known for their exceptional technical proficiency. Their complex compositions and virtuosic performances pushed the boundaries of what was possible on their respective instruments.
The band released several influential albums, including "The Inner Mounting Flame" and "Birds of Fire," which are considered classics in the jazz fusion genre.
The Mahavishnu Orchestra's unique sound and approach to music have influenced countless musicians and bands in the subsequent decades. By incorporating elements of Indian classical music, the Mahavishnu Orchestra also played a role in popularizing Indian sounds and instruments in Western music.
From a 1972 BBC broadcast, they play “Dance of Maya.” Note: In Indian philosophy Maya is described as an "illusion" where things appear to be present but are not what they seem. It represents the cosmic illusion that makes the phenomenal world seem real.