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42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Enjoyable Fusion, December 31, 2003
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.
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This album is the debut of the "Greatest Band" of all time., August 11, 1999
By A Customer
In 1971 when Mahavishnu John McLaughlin formed a band with Jerry Goodman (violin), Jan Hammer (keyboards), Rick Laird (bass) and Billy Cobham (drums), he probably had no idea of what was to come. With the exception of the Beatles in the pop world, no group of musicians had a bigger influence on music than the Mahavishnu Orchestra. In a very short period of time they forever changed the musical landscape. There probably isn't a guitarist, keyboard player or drummer today, who wasn't influenced directly or indirectly by McLaughlin, Hammer and Cobham.The remastered CD of their debut album THE INNER MOUNTING FLAME is a true gem. Yes, the music is the same; "Dance Of Maya" is still mesmerizing with its complex rhythms and melodies, "Vital Transformation" is still mind blowing by its incredible tempo and orchestral themes and "Lotus On An Irish Stream" is as beautiful as ever and showcases the acoustic side of these electric pioneers. However, for the first time it can be heard as if you were in the studio with the band. The original LP was probably compressed in the mastering process due to the limitations of vinyl. When it first became available on CD several years ago it was a marked improvement from the vinyl LP but the dynamic range was still limited. After one listening to this remastered CD I felt as if I had heard it for the first time. This album is a must for any serious music listener. You don't have to be into jazz, progressive rock or fusion to appreciated it, but if you are, it is surely to be one of your favorite albums. Let's hope that Sony is going to release a remastered CD of the band's second mastrpiece BIRDS OF FIRE. For all of you Mahavishnu fans and soon to be fans what was once rumor is now a fact. This September, Sony is going to release the Mahavishnu Orchestra's third studio album which was recorded in August 1973 just prior to the band's breakup and was never released, then apparently lost for 26 years. It's appropiately called THE LOST TRIDENT SESSIONS as it was recorded at Trident Studios in London. I'm already waiting in line online.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This flame burns with the intensity of a million suns, June 10, 2006
Having just recorded with Miles Davis (Tribute to Jack Johnson, 1971), guitarist extraordinaire John McLaughlin and thunderous drummer Billy Cobham joined together with Jan Hammer (electric and acoustic piano), violinist Jerry Goodman, and electric/acoustic bassist Rick Laird to produce this remarkable 1971 debut. The approach taken on the Inner Mounting Flame fused the energy of rock with an admixture of jazz, resulting in a rock-jazz hybrid (with an emphasis on the rock side of the equation).
The music on this album simply burns and at times the intensity is frightening. Odd meters abound (e.g. 5/8, 9/8, although even more exotic meters are used), with numerous and hairpin metric shifts and some really weird root movements. McLaughlin plays with such passion, volume, and sheer speed that he makes contemporary electric guitar "shredmasters" look like they are moving in slow motion...or simply asleep. Although this album really knocks you for a loop, there are also some great grooves and quieter, more calm and reflective moments (A Lotus on Irish Streams). All of the guys in the band are excellent musicians and most importantly, they listen to one another - as a result there is some excellent interplay, especially between McLaughlin, Hammer, and Goodman. Cobham of course is a true virtuoso and his superb technique never ceases to amaze. Last but not least, bassist Rick Laird is the anchor in the band and keeps everybody from launching into orbit around the Earth.
The remastering of this album is OK and features some detailed liner notes and good sound quality. Of course, as somebody who once owned this on vinyl, the CD will never hold the same magic, but the music will always be incredible, no matter what format it is presented in.
This landmark recording is very highly recommended along with the follow-up album Birds of Fire (1973).
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~ Mahavishnu Orchestra
~ Mahavishnu Orchestra
~ Mahavishnu Orchestra
~ John McLaughlin
~ John McLaughlin
by Mahavishnu Orchestra 
