In the heyday of early-'70s jazz-rock fusion,
John McLaughlin
's
Mahavishnu Orchestra
ruled the roost. This CD collects the first five, and most important albums of the group, showcasing their evolution from the quintet that did the first three LPs, and the personnel changes and texture expansions that further cemented
McLaughlin
's vision.
Inner Mounting Flame
and
Birds of Fire
were groundbreaking efforts, while
Between Nothingness & Eternity
was a flawed live recording in New York City's Central Park as the band was about to split up. Violinist
Jean-Luc Ponty
replaced
Jerry Goodman
, the rhythm section was completely revamped, and orchestral settings were added to
Apocalypse
Visions of the Emerald Beyond
. This is a fine early view of a band that changed the face of modern jazz music, and this collection perfectly showcases the transition they made prior to their final dissolution. ~ Michael G. Nastos