The Mahavishnu Orchestra Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Jazz Art rock Progressive rock Symphonic rock Jazz fusion Instrumental rock Jazz-funk Jazz rock jazz funk

Members

Select a The Mahavishnu Orchestra band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Al Di Meola

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Dream Theater Return to Forever Vital Information No Mercy The Al Di Meola Project Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin Go Trio! Anti-m Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey Mandrake Project Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps Stomu Yamashta's Go

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John McLaughlin

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

John Mclaughlin & The Free Spirits John McLaughlin with The One Truth Band Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames Fuse One John Surman, John McLaughlin, Dave Holland, Stu Martin, Karl Berger Herbie Hancock & John McLaughlin John McLaughlin, Jaco Pastorius, Tony Williams Brian Knight & John McLaughlin Chick Corea & John Mclaughlin John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra Five Peace Band Live John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension John McLaughlin Trio Shakti Remember Shakti

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Jan Hammer

Roles:

Keyboardist

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George Duke

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Earth, Wind & Fire Weather Report The Mothers of Invention George Duke vs E-S/L Stanley Clarke & George Duke The George Duke Trio Lyle Lovett & George Duke Zappa Plays Zappa Devoted Spirits Stanley Clarke & George Duke & Everette Harp Johnny Society Meiningen Court Orchestra The New York Pops The George Duke Band The Billy Cobham–George Duke Band The George Duke Quartet

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Jean-Luc Ponty

Roles:

Violinist

Groups:

The Mothers of Invention

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Jonas Hellborg

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Niels and the New York Street Percussionists The Phillip Wilson Project

Needs more gear

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Bill Evans

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Groups:

Miles Davis Sextet Bill Evans Trio

Needs more gear

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Rick Laird

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Treasure

Needs more gear

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Mitchel Forman

Roles:

Composer

Needs more gear

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Narada Michael Walden

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Journey Weather Report Temple Of Soul

No gear added

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Jerry Goodman

Roles:

Music Producer

Groups:

Dixie Dregs The Flock

No gear added

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Gayle Moran

Roles:

Keyboardist

No gear added

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About

The Mahavishnu Orchestra is a pioneering jazz fusion group formed in 1971 by virtuoso guitarist John McLaughlin, following his collaborations with jazz legends such as Miles Davis. Known for their electrifying blend of jazz, progressive rock, and Eastern influences, the original lineup featured Jerry Goodman (violin), Jan Hammer (keyboards), Rick Laird (bass), and Billy Cobham (drums). The band is renowned for its complex rhythms, sophisticated improvisations, and high-octane performances, making them a cornerstone in the evolution of jazz-rock fusion. Over the years, the lineup evolved, welcoming musicians like Jean-Luc Ponty (violin) and Narada Michael Walden (drums), each contributing to the ensemble's dynamic soundscapes.

How to Sound Like The Mahavishnu Orchestra

The Mahavishnu Orchestra's sound is a fiery fusion of intricate, high-energy improvisations and symphonic rock elements, characterized by its aggressive, virtuosic playing and complex time signatures. The band's sonic palette often features the searing tones of McLaughlin's guitars, including the versatile Fender Stratocaster, enhanced by effects such as the Mesa/Boogie V-Twin for overdrive and the MXR M134 Stereo Chorus for modulation. The electric violin and keyboards further enrich the sound with layers of melodic and harmonic complexity. Drums and bass provide a thunderous yet precise rhythmic foundation, often pushing the boundaries of conventional jazz and rock structures, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for musicians aspiring to capture their electrifying essence.

Discography

The Inner Mounting Flame (with John McLaughlin)

1971

Between Nothingness & Eternity

1973

Birds Of Fire

1973

Love Devotion Surrender

1973

Apocalypse (with London Symphony Orchestra)

1974

Visions of the Emerald Beyond

1975

Inner Worlds

1976

Mahavishnu

1984

The Lost Trident Sessions

1999

Unreleased Tracks From Between Nothingness & Eternity

2012

Live at the Berkeley Community Theater November 9, 1972

2024

Live at Yale University - October 28, 1973

2024

Get the The Mahavishnu Orchestra Sound

Want to sound like The Mahavishnu Orchestra? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.