Visions of the Emerald Beyond

by Mahavishnu Orchestra

Overview

As the second album to document the second Mahavishnu Orchestra, this one isn't as, well, apocalyptic as its predecessor, yet it does focus more intently on the band itself. Jean-Luc Ponty's curling electric violin lines help give this Mahavishnu band a more European sound than its predecessor, and some of the orchestral concepts of Apocalypse work their way into the picture via comments by a string trio and trumpet/sax duo. This band also had some interest in a bombastic funk direction that may have been borrowed from Mr. "Chameleon" Herbie Hancock, and would later be followed by Mahavishnu Two's drummer, Michael Walden. Gayle Moran's ethereal vocals don't date as badly as those on many jazz-rock records; at least she can sing. Overall, this Mahavishnu edition is more refined and not as aggressive as the first -- although they could charge ahead pretty hard, as "Be Happy" and "On the Way Home to Earth" demonstrate -- yet they were still capable of making memorable electric music. ~ Richard S. Ginell

Product Details

Release Date:	02/01/2008
Label:	Legacy
UPC:	0886972397023
Rank:	32819

Tracks

1. Eternity's Breath, Pt. 1
2. Eternity's Breath, Pt. 2
3. Lila's Dance
4. Can't Stand Your Funk
5. Pastoral
6. Faith
7. Cosmic Strut
8. If I Could See
9. Be Happy
10. Earth Ship
11. Pegasus
12. Opus 1
13. On the Way Home to Earth

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Mahavishnu Orchestra   Primary Artist
Gayle Moran   Vocals,Keyboards
John McLaughlin   Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (12 String)
Jean-Luc Ponty   Violin,Vocals,Baritone Violin,Violin (Electric)
Phillip Hirschi   Cello
Bob Knapp   Wind,Flute,Vocals,Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Russell Tubbs   Sax (Alto),Sax (Soprano)
Narada Michael Walden   Drums,Vocals,Clavinet,Percussion
Ralphe Armstrong   Bass,Vocals,Contrabass,Double Bass,Guitar (Bass)
Carol Shive   Violin,Vocals
Carol Shire   Vocals
Steve Kindler   Violin,Vocals

Technical Credits

Penny Armstrong   Series Coordinator
Steve Kindler   Arranger
Larry Keyes   Digital Remastering
John McLaughlin   Composer,Producer
Ron Costa   Technician
Tony Tiller   Package Coordinator
Gregory Digiovine   Equipment Technician
Ronny Costa   Technician
Mahavishnu Orchestra   Performer
Dennis MacKay   Tape Operator
Howard Mandel   Liner Notes
Narada Michael Walden   Composer
Michael Berniker   Producer,Digital Producer,Series Coordinator
Ken Scott   Engineer,Producer
Gary Pacheco   Series Coordinator
Pete Cenedella   Package Coordinator
Ashok Chris Poisson   Cover Design,Illustrations