The Mahavishnu Orchestra's 1971 debut album _The Inner Mounting Flame_ is a treasure in the world of fusion. It's rhythmically complex and involved, but dynamic and fiery. Jazz-inflected rock made accessible to nearly anyone who appreciates rock with sophistication. But, sophisticated doesn't necessarily mean feeble, as this music is bursting with energy and intensity.
Guitarist John McLaughlin (who had worked with Miles Davis not too long before this album and band came together) composed all of these tracks, which are spirituality-oriented - as evidenced by some of the song titles. These spiritual leanings can be latched onto, or they can simply be ignored - intentionally or inadvertently, either way, the music is powerful enough to outweigh any cogitation on the underlying motives of the music. It more than likely will grab hold of you in the biggest way possible, regardless of your disposition towards spirituality. While virtuosic musicianship is abound, you'd be challenged to call this nothing more than a tasteless exhibition of technical prowess. There's plenty of meat with flavor in this smorgasbord.
"Meeting of the Spirits" opens up with a suspended musical atmosphere, full of ominous tension, and fairly explosive drum pyrotechnics from Billy Cobham. What follows is a slightly angular, yet tasty rhythmic combo comprised of passionate guitar soloing from McLaughlin, tasteful, complementary violin work, thumping basslines, and flavor-filled snare hits from Cobham. Of course, his snare drumming is not the only thing impressive here, and on the album in general. An excellent opener.
"Dawn" is an extremely beautiful ballad-like number with a 7/4-ish rhythm, and exhibits subtle touches of R&B, jazz and modern classical. McLaughlin finds time amidst this beauty to inject the atmosphere with some passionate soloing. Later, in the second half of the track, things speed up, and we are treated to a genuinely moving melody embedded in the up-tempo jam exhibiting a mix of rock, R&B and gospel. Could easily see this played in church. Extremely moving, and gets loads of repeat time in my stereo.
"Noonward Race" is fast-paced like it's title would possibly suggest. Highly energetic playing from Cobham, fast soloing from McLaughlin, as well as the swapping of instrumental lines between each member of the band. Jerry Goodman gives us charged violin lines, Jan Hammer gives us fast, but tasteful and interesting keyboard lines, and Rick Laird, while mostly playing a supporting role here, does no more than he needs to.
"A Lotus On Irish Streams" gives us a break from the fast-paced energy preceeding this, with it's gently serenading, ethereal and elegant atmosphere. While on the gentle side, McLaughlin finds time to display a lightning-fast solo here and there. Lush, willowy keyboard textures from Jan Hammer dominate this track, but the contributions from violinist Jerry Goodman add extra relevance to the flavor and overall atmosphere of the track.
"Vital Transformation" features what is probably the hottest, funkiest, tastiest, most groove-oriented 9/8 meter to be experienced: almost guaranteed to get that old rump of yours shaking, ditto with the rest of your body, as well as your soul. This track is jam-packed with energy and charisma: powerful, charismatic drumming, tasty guitar & violin dueling, excellent basswork -- an absolute knockout. A mix of mutated country, R&B, funk and rock: progressive in all the right ways. Virtuosism combined with taste is at a maximum here.
"The Dance of Maya" displays snaky, mind-teasing rhythmic patterns, as parallel with the melodic lines. Cobham plays a bluesy drum pattern in 10/8, which continues through the remainder of the track. Later, this blues-romp kicks in, and Billy, once again, plays the blues-derived 10/8 meter, while this time, the instrumental motif shifts to fully parallel that of Billy's blues-romp rhythm. The sudden switch of instrumental motifs (excepting Billy's drum rhythm) may lead many to believe that the meter, and Billy's drum pattern have changed, when they more than possibly have not. The whole track, I believe is in 10, yet there are so many subtle tricks going on rhythmically, I fear embarrassment if I attempt to articulate them all. Excellent track here.
"You Know, You Know" is a slow jam in common time, but features odd accent placements, which can confuse many listeners into thinking that the tune is in an odd time signature. Another one of those tracks to let you gain a breather from the high-energy musings of past. Fluid, tasteful R&B-infused arpeggios and basslines dominate this track. Billy Cobham takes on more of a subtle, but equally effective role here, which in the least, showcases his versatility on his instrument.
"Awakening" sees the boys saving the wildest for last. This is the most energetic, fast-paced, virtuosic track on the album. Machine-gun drumming, lightning-fast passages from guitar, bass, violin and keyboards: all in unison, and at other times, separately. Strangely, this is the shortest track on the album, though with all of the hyperactivity crammed here, one gets the sense that it need not be any longer. Excellent musicianship all-around.
High-quality musicianship and taste to match. Fans of high-energy, virtuosic rock should soak this up. If you're into Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, King Crimson or the like, you shouldn't pass this up. Rumor has it that the Mahavishnu Orchestra had an influence on the 1973-1974-era King Crimson. If there's any truth to that, I wouldn't be surprised. This outfit were highly influential on many musicians, especially of the virtuosic category. Pick this up, and see what all the fuss is about.
