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Yet another revamped Mahavishnu emerged in 1986 and released
Adventures In Radioland.
Yet another revamped Mahavishnu emerged in 1986 and released Adventures In
Radioland. McLaughlin was apparently having a hard time in the 1980's obtaining a
decent record contract and ended-up with Relativity. Relativity, being a minor
label, did not distribute the album well and it is one of the least known of
McLaughlin's career. At any rate, although now dated in some facets especially
its electronics drum moments, it is a superb piece of work which is not mentioned
nearly enough when McLaughlin's music is discussed.
The New Mahavishnu was a powerhouse of a fusion band and featured, along with
John, the overly-talented keyboardist Mitchel Forman, former Miles' sideman
saxophonist Bill Evans, former Metheny drummer Danny Gottlieb and the amazing
bassist, Jonas Hellborg. This album cooks. McLaughlin plays guitar synth, less
than on the previous comeback release of Mahavishnu (Warner Brothers out of
print. Shame! Shame! Shame!). he also employs electric and acoustic guitars and
burns through the tunes which are upbeat and elevating. McLaughlin, Forman and
Evans all supply compositions to the mix which does allow for a variety which is
more than welcome. Highlights include "Florianapolis"  , "The Wall Will Fall" and
"Mitch Match". The interplay between McLaughlin and Forman is a particular
pleasing
affair. But, all the players are strong and confident. This album proved that
FUSION could be good music again!
A sloppily produced reissue was released by Verve. The sound and the tunes are
the same but it lists Abraham Wechter as playing the acoustic guitar. Come on
Verve, you dummies! Abe made the guitar - he didn't play it! Mistakes like that
bother me.
Walter Kolosky
smsi@attbi.com
Walter Kolosky is a businessman and jazz fan who lives in South Natick,
MA, USA
"Half Man - Half Cookie"
"Gotta Dance"
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