The Mahavishnu Orchestra was a jazz-rock fusion group that debuted in 1970 and dissolved in 1976, only to reunite briefly from 1984 to 1986.
In its first version, the band was led by "Mahavishnu" John McLaughlin? on acoustic and electric guitars, with members Billy Cobham on drums, Rick Laird on electric and acoustic bass, Jan Hammer on electric and acoustic piano, and Jerry Goodman on violin. The group is best known for their two most popular albums: The Inner Mounting Flame (1971) and Birds of Fire (1973).
This group was considered an important pioneer in the jazz fusion movement. McLaughlin? and Cobham met while performing and recording with Miles Davis. McLaughlin? was also influenced in his conception of the band by his studies with Indian guru Sri Chinmoy, who encouraged him to take the name "Mahavishnu."
McLaughlin? had particular ideas for the ins...
| years active | 1970–1976, 1984–1986 |
| status | Disbanded |
| country | London, England |
| music genre | jazz fusion |
| current members | John McLaughlin (musician) |
| past members | Billy Cobham Jan Hammer Jerry Goodman Rick Laird Jean-Luc Ponty Ralphe Armstrong Gayle Moran Narada Michael Walden Stu Goldberg Mitchell Forman |
