Inner Mounting Flame [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com
Reissued with sparkling audio and exclusive photographs, this first, 1971, Mahavishnu album certainly vies for the title of the greatest of all jazz-rock recordings. Through spiritually questing flights of intense fury and exquisite quiet, it never loses its sense of inexorable force. Jan Hammer (keyboards), Jerry Goodman (violin), and bassist Rick Laird are completely sympathetic with guitarist John McLaughlin's vision as the music abandons the standard jazz format of successive solos in favor of rapid, heightening, braided, interactive contributions--a structure much drawn from Indian classical music. Astoundingly, the music retains discipline. For that, thank Billy Cobham: Through all the expressive, irregular meters, he remains a steady, resolved engine of percussion, vastly resourceful but ultimately reserved. McLaughlin's alchemy distills many worlds of music­-the jazz-guitar masters, flamenco, blues, Indian forms, and his experience in the innovations of the seminal jazz-rock outfits of Miles Davis and Tony Williams. Of course, distortion, feedback, and arena-rock amplification were crucial, as was the influence of Sri Chinmoy, McLaughlin's spiritual guide. "The Noonward Race," "Vital Transformation," and "The Dance of Maya" are music for the ages. -- Peter Monaghan

Inner Mounting Flame,John McLaughlin & Mahavishnu Orchestra,Mahavishnu Orchestra,Sony,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

Average customer rating: a must own album oldie but a timeless goodie! light up the incense and dig DE COMO LA CRUDEZA SE VISTE DE VIRTUOSISMO.... The Classic Fusion album of all time!!

The Inner Mounting Flame John McLaughlin & Mahavishnu Orchestra Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Birds of Fire Between Nothingness and Eternity Visions of the Emerald Beyond The Lost Trident Sessions Romantic Warrior ASIN: B000009RC2 Release Date: 1998-08-18

Tracks:

1. Meeting Of The Spirits
2. Dawn
3. Noonward Race
4. A Lotus On Irish Streams
5. Vital Transformation
6. The Dance Of Maya
7. You Know, You Know
8. Awakening

Amazon.com

Reissued with sparkling audio and exclusive photographs, this first, 1971, Mahavishnu album certainly vies for the title of the greatest of all jazz-rock recordings. Through spiritually questing flights of intense fury and exquisite quiet, it never loses its sense of inexorable force. Jan Hammer (keyboards), Jerry Goodman (violin), and bassist Rick Laird are completely sympathetic with guitarist John McLaughlin's vision as the music abandons the standard jazz format of successive solos in favor of rapid, heightening, braided, interactive contributions--a structure much drawn from Indian classical music. Astoundingly, the music retains discipline. For that, thank Billy Cobham: Through all the expressive, irregular meters, he remains a steady, resolved engine of percussion, vastly resourceful but ultimately reserved. McLaughlin's alchemy distills many worlds of music­-the jazz-guitar masters, flamenco, blues, Indian forms, and his experience in the innovations of the seminal jazz-rock outfits of Miles Davis and Tony Williams. Of course, distortion, feedback, and arena-rock amplification were crucial, as was the influence of Sri Chinmoy, McLaughlin's spiritual guide. "The Noonward Race," "Vital Transformation," and "The Dance of Maya" are music for the ages. -- Peter Monaghan

Customer Reviews:

a must own album.......2007-05-27

While bands like Deep Purple played some lightning fast guitar rock back in the day, little did most people know that "The Inner Mounting Flame" by the Mahavishnu Orchestra featured some of the fastest and craziest rock and roll put on record. Okay, so the album is remembered mostly for being a blend of jazz and rock, but seriously, many parts of this album are VERY close to heavy metal. It's amazing an album with this much speed and relentless power actually existed in 1971.

If there was ever an album that needed to be heard from the very beginning all the way to the last track, it's this album. Why? Because each of the eight songs gradually builds and progresses into other musical sections. The album was designed to be heard all the way through, to appreciate the entire thing as a whole.

One thing about this album that really fascinates me (and puts emphasis on the fact that it's an "orchestra") is the way each of the band members seem to be playing their respective instruments and seemingly making their own compositions by themselves. It's like each member of the band has their own theme going on, and when the time came for the band to come together and put their ideas on tape, they did so without blending in with what the other members and instruments were doing. For example in one song, while a fast and furious violin jam is occurring, at the same time, a burning hot guitar jam is taking place. It opens a door for the listener and gives you an option "Do I want to listen to the violin, or the guitar?"

I think the best word to describe this album would be "detailed" because that's exactly what the music is. Any time you are given an option on what musical instrument you'd like to listen to (because of all the creativity taking place) you KNOW you are in for a treat.

Even though the album is only 46 minutes long, it really feels like it's much longer than that. A very interesting listen. Oh, by the way- why does "The Dance of Maya" sound like something King Crimson was doing at the time? Seriously, listen to the Islands album and see if you can hear some similar musical ideas from both artists. Also, listen to the King Crimson song "Larks Tongue in Aspic Part II" and tell me there's some similarities between that and a song on this album called "Vital Transformations". I think there's a connection between the two bands.

There are some bits of melody thrown in occasionally too. I think if the album has one weak point, it's a bit of a dated sound to the whole thing. One second you're listening to some really intense guitar playing, and the next it's like the Carpenters walked in the studio. Strange.

You really should own this album. Whether you like jazz or rock, there's something here for everyone. The question is- can you handle it? It's one intense listen. Just keep that in mind before listening to it.

oldie but a timeless goodie!.......2007-05-17

everyone else has pretty much said it:great musicianship which places your mind into a different spectrum for a while.it does to you what true music should.

light up the incense and dig.......2007-01-29

while i am not a big fan of john mcLaughlin or mahvishnu orchestra - i cannot deny that they really had something with this album.. It is something new - not just an extension of miles davis - they were breaking new territory... There is a cohesiveness amongst the band members - of course abounding with improvisational talent - this is fushion but first of all it is music.

DE COMO LA CRUDEZA SE VISTE DE VIRTUOSISMO.... .......2006-11-13

ELECTRIZANTE DEBUT DE ESTA MAGNIFICA BANDA, CON LOS PIES EN EL JAZZ MAS FURIBUNDO Y ECLECTICO....MAGNIFICAS CANCIONES (CANCIONES?) QUE EN ALREDEDOR DE 5 MINUTOS CADA UNA OFRECEN UN DESPLIEGUE INIGUALABLE DE POLENTA Y TALENTO...PUNTO CULMINE DE LA FUSION QUE ABREVA EN LAS EXPERIENCIAS PIONERAS DE MILES DAVIS

The Classic Fusion album of all time!!.......2006-10-11

If you see four and a half to five stars when nearly 100 people wrote a review, then that's your answer. BUY IT!

Average customer rating: Raw power in this early fusion recording Tight... At it's time,THE cutting edge of jazz/rock music. Passion, smarts, virtuosity A landmark fusion masterpiece

The Inner Mounting Flame Mahavishnu Orchestra With John McLaughlin Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Birds of Fire Visions of the Emerald Beyond Apocalypse Between Nothingness and Eternity Romantic Warrior ASIN: B0000024Y3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Meeting Of The Spirits
2. Dawn
3. The Noonward Race
4. A Lotus On Irish Streams
5. Vital Transformation
6. The Dance Of Maya
7. You Know You Know
8. Awakening

Amazon.com

Equal parts Coltrane, Miles, Cream, and Hendrix, The Inner Mounting Flame was a shot across the bow of pop, a stunning instrumental mix of modern jazz, psychedelic blues, and Indian mysticism. From the opening bell of the title tune, with it's roiling intro, bold cross-rhythms and soaring guitar-violin unisons over a churning 6/4 pulse, this is clearly not your father's Oldsmobile. On furious arrangements such as "The Noonward Race" and "Vital Transformation," you can hear guitarist John Mclaughlin and violinist Jerry Goodman toying with the round-robin, rhythmic/melodic dialogs that defined their live performances, keyed by drummer Billy Cobham's remarkable backbeats swing and keyboardist Jan Hammer's harmonically expanding yet simple vamps. Rick Laird keeps everyone grounded with simple, rocksteady basslines, giving the tricky odd meters and complex blues variations of arrangements such as "Dance of the Maya" a strong rhythmic anchor. Yet the band was also capable of great subtlety, from the supple rhythmic cycles of "You Know, You Know" to the acoustic folk airs of "A Lotus On Irish Streams." --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews:

Raw power in this early fusion recording.......2006-12-07

The Mahavishnu Orchestra was one of the earliest and most important fusion groups. I was lucky to see this band in a small club in Chicago play the music on this album. To say that I was blown away is an understatment. The raw power in the room that night, from McLaughlin and Cobham, was incredible. I don't think the tunes hold up today but the sheer power of the solos is worth the album. I think the bassist and keyboard player are lame. Jerry Goodman, violin, is good. But it's McLaughlin and Cobham that are the heart and soul of the music. The song Dance of the Maya, with its strange melody, is an early example of McLauglin's interest in eastern music.

Tight..........1999-02-15

...that's all I have to say about this album--it's simply tight to death

At it's time,THE cutting edge of jazz/rock music........1998-12-17

This recording is definitely a landmark, not only at the time of its release but to this day. Encouraged in the late 60's by Miles Davis, John McLaughlin took the U.S. by storm just a few years before the making of this recording. Some say that it was McLaughlin just as much as Miles, who really gave birth to the riveting music which originally was given the name of jazz-fusion. McLaughlin's technique and vision as heard on this recording can be heard emerging on earlier Miles Davis albums such as Bitches Brew; Jack Johnson; and especially Live-Evil, which was recorded in 1970. Yet, when Inner Mounting Flame was released, it took what Miles was doing to another level all together. The compositions were much more complex and intricate than anything else that was being attempted at the time. The soloing and interplay was beyond reproach and capivated audiences where ever they played. The members of the band developed an organic feeling to the music and added much to its performance. This is some great music indeed.

Passion, smarts, virtuosity.......1998-08-14

This is my all time favorite recording from the late 60s/early 70s fusion movement fathered by Miles Davis and inspired by the first real rock genius, Jimi Hendrix. (Mahavisnhu) John McLaughlin is a former Miles sideman and an unexcelled guitarist, and he was on fire when this recording was made. Mclaughlin brought his jazz sophistication into this recording, as well as gutsy blues/R&B feel and an ear for Indian music. Former Flock violinist Jerry Goodman fires off his share of smoking licks as well. Fusion largely fell on its face when it became a commercial Category, but this was before all that, and this is uncompromised greatness.

My only beef is that the recorded sound, expecially of Billy Cobham's fiery drumming, is mediocre at best

A landmark fusion masterpiece.......1998-06-25

This is the start of jazz-rock fusion guitar heroism. McLaughlin the trailblazer shows all who came after him (Scofield, Holdsworth, Connors, Khan, etc) how to take the power of rock and the brains of jazz and make something great from it. This is required listening for anyone who thinks that rock and jazz can merge to make something greater than the sum of its parts. It is also required listening for anyone who is interested in the fusion of Indian music and jazz; also anyone who is interested in electric violin playing.

Average customer rating: Raw power in this early fusion recording Tight... At it's time,THE cutting edge of jazz/rock music. Passion, smarts, virtuosity A landmark fusion masterpiece

The Inner Mounting Flame Mahavishnu Orchestra With John McLaughlin ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Birds of Fire Visions of the Emerald Beyond Apocalypse Between Nothingness and Eternity Romantic Warrior ASIN: B0000247OZ Release Date: 1998-05-26

Tracks:

1. Meeting of the Spirits
2. Dawn
3. Noonward Race
4. Lotus on Irish Streams
5. Vital Transformation
6. Dance of Maya
7. You Know You Know
8. Awakening

Amazon.com

Equal parts Coltrane, Miles, Cream, and Hendrix, The Inner Mounting Flame was a shot across the bow of pop, a stunning instrumental mix of modern jazz, psychedelic blues, and Indian mysticism. From the opening bell of the title tune, with it's roiling intro, bold cross-rhythms and soaring guitar-violin unisons over a churning 6/4 pulse, this is clearly not your father's Oldsmobile. On furious arrangements such as "The Noonward Race" and "Vital Transformation," you can hear guitarist John Mclaughlin and violinist Jerry Goodman toying with the round-robin, rhythmic/melodic dialogs that defined their live performances, keyed by drummer Billy Cobham's remarkable backbeats swing and keyboardist Jan Hammer's harmonically expanding yet simple vamps. Rick Laird keeps everyone grounded with simple, rocksteady basslines, giving the tricky odd meters and complex blues variations of arrangements such as "Dance of the Maya" a strong rhythmic anchor. Yet the band was also capable of great subtlety, from the supple rhythmic cycles of "You Know, You Know" to the acoustic folk airs of "A Lotus On Irish Streams." --Chip Stern

Customer Reviews:

Raw power in this early fusion recording.......2006-12-07

The Mahavishnu Orchestra was one of the earliest and most important fusion groups. I was lucky to see this band in a small club in Chicago play the music on this album. To say that I was blown away is an understatment. The raw power in the room that night, from McLaughlin and Cobham, was incredible. I don't think the tunes hold up today but the sheer power of the solos is worth the album. I think the bassist and keyboard player are lame. Jerry Goodman, violin, is good. But it's McLaughlin and Cobham that are the heart and soul of the music. The song Dance of the Maya, with its strange melody, is an early example of McLauglin's interest in eastern music.

Tight..........1999-02-15

...that's all I have to say about this album--it's simply tight to death

At it's time,THE cutting edge of jazz/rock music........1998-12-17

This recording is definitely a landmark, not only at the time of its release but to this day. Encouraged in the late 60's by Miles Davis, John McLaughlin took the U.S. by storm just a few years before the making of this recording. Some say that it was McLaughlin just as much as Miles, who really gave birth to the riveting music which originally was given the name of jazz-fusion. McLaughlin's technique and vision as heard on this recording can be heard emerging on earlier Miles Davis albums such as Bitches Brew; Jack Johnson; and especially Live-Evil, which was recorded in 1970. Yet, when Inner Mounting Flame was released, it took what Miles was doing to another level all together. The compositions were much more complex and intricate than anything else that was being attempted at the time. The soloing and interplay was beyond reproach and capivated audiences where ever they played. The members of the band developed an organic feeling to the music and added much to its performance. This is some great music indeed.

Passion, smarts, virtuosity.......1998-08-14

This is my all time favorite recording from the late 60s/early 70s fusion movement fathered by Miles Davis and inspired by the first real rock genius, Jimi Hendrix. (Mahavisnhu) John McLaughlin is a former Miles sideman and an unexcelled guitarist, and he was on fire when this recording was made. Mclaughlin brought his jazz sophistication into this recording, as well as gutsy blues/R&B feel and an ear for Indian music. Former Flock violinist Jerry Goodman fires off his share of smoking licks as well. Fusion largely fell on its face when it became a commercial Category, but this was before all that, and this is uncompromised greatness.

My only beef is that the recorded sound, expecially of Billy Cobham's fiery drumming, is mediocre at best

A landmark fusion masterpiece.......1998-06-25

This is the start of jazz-rock fusion guitar heroism. McLaughlin the trailblazer shows all who came after him (Scofield, Holdsworth, Connors, Khan, etc) how to take the power of rock and the brains of jazz and make something great from it. This is required listening for anyone who thinks that rock and jazz can merge to make something greater than the sum of its parts. It is also required listening for anyone who is interested in the fusion of Indian music and jazz; also anyone who is interested in electric violin playing.

Average customer rating: a must own album oldie but a timeless goodie! light up the incense and dig DE COMO LA CRUDEZA SE VISTE DE VIRTUOSISMO.... The Classic Fusion album of all time!!

The Inner Mounting Flame Mahavishnu Orchestra With John McLaughlin Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Birds of Fire Between Nothingness and Eternity Visions of the Emerald Beyond The Lost Trident Sessions Romantic Warrior ASIN: B00000I52K Release Date: 1999-02-02

Tracks:

1. Meeting Of The Spirits
2. Dawn
3. The Noonward Race
4. A Lotus On Irish Streams
5. Vital Transformation
6. The Dance Of Maya
7. You Know You Know
8. Awakening

Amazon.com

Reissued with sparkling audio and exclusive photographs, this first, 1971, Mahavishnu album certainly vies for the title of the greatest of all jazz-rock recordings. Through spiritually questing flights of intense fury and exquisite quiet, it never loses its sense of inexorable force. Jan Hammer (keyboards), Jerry Goodman (violin), and bassist Rick Laird are completely sympathetic with guitarist John McLaughlin's vision as the music abandons the standard jazz format of successive solos in favor of rapid, heightening, braided, interactive contributions--a structure much drawn from Indian classical music. Astoundingly, the music retains discipline. For that, thank Billy Cobham: Through all the expressive, irregular meters, he remains a steady, resolved engine of percussion, vastly resourceful but ultimately reserved. McLaughlin's alchemy distills many worlds of music­-the jazz-guitar masters, flamenco, blues, Indian forms, and his experience in the innovations of the seminal jazz-rock outfits of Miles Davis and Tony Williams. Of course, distortion, feedback, and arena-rock amplification were crucial, as was the influence of Sri Chinmoy, McLaughlin's spiritual guide. "The Noonward Race," "Vital Transformation," and "The Dance of Maya" are music for the ages. -- Peter Monaghan

Customer Reviews:

a must own album.......2007-05-27

While bands like Deep Purple played some lightning fast guitar rock back in the day, little did most people know that "The Inner Mounting Flame" by the Mahavishnu Orchestra featured some of the fastest and craziest rock and roll put on record. Okay, so the album is remembered mostly for being a blend of jazz and rock, but seriously, many parts of this album are VERY close to heavy metal. It's amazing an album with this much speed and relentless power actually existed in 1971.

If there was ever an album that needed to be heard from the very beginning all the way to the last track, it's this album. Why? Because each of the eight songs gradually builds and progresses into other musical sections. The album was designed to be heard all the way through, to appreciate the entire thing as a whole.

One thing about this album that really fascinates me (and puts emphasis on the fact that it's an "orchestra") is the way each of the band members seem to be playing their respective instruments and seemingly making their own compositions by themselves. It's like each member of the band has their own theme going on, and when the time came for the band to come together and put their ideas on tape, they did so without blending in with what the other members and instruments were doing. For example in one song, while a fast and furious violin jam is occurring, at the same time, a burning hot guitar jam is taking place. It opens a door for the listener and gives you an option "Do I want to listen to the violin, or the guitar?"

I think the best word to describe this album would be "detailed" because that's exactly what the music is. Any time you are given an option on what musical instrument you'd like to listen to (because of all the creativity taking place) you KNOW you are in for a treat.

Even though the album is only 46 minutes long, it really feels like it's much longer than that. A very interesting listen. Oh, by the way- why does "The Dance of Maya" sound like something King Crimson was doing at the time? Seriously, listen to the Islands album and see if you can hear some similar musical ideas from both artists. Also, listen to the King Crimson song "Larks Tongue in Aspic Part II" and tell me there's some similarities between that and a song on this album called "Vital Transformations". I think there's a connection between the two bands.

There are some bits of melody thrown in occasionally too. I think if the album has one weak point, it's a bit of a dated sound to the whole thing. One second you're listening to some really intense guitar playing, and the next it's like the Carpenters walked in the studio. Strange.

You really should own this album. Whether you like jazz or rock, there's something here for everyone. The question is- can you handle it? It's one intense listen. Just keep that in mind before listening to it.

oldie but a timeless goodie!.......2007-05-17

everyone else has pretty much said it:great musicianship which places your mind into a different spectrum for a while.it does to you what true music should.

light up the incense and dig.......2007-01-29

while i am not a big fan of john mcLaughlin or mahvishnu orchestra - i cannot deny that they really had something with this album.. It is something new - not just an extension of miles davis - they were breaking new territory... There is a cohesiveness amongst the band members - of course abounding with improvisational talent - this is fushion but first of all it is music.

DE COMO LA CRUDEZA SE VISTE DE VIRTUOSISMO.... .......2006-11-13

ELECTRIZANTE DEBUT DE ESTA MAGNIFICA BANDA, CON LOS PIES EN EL JAZZ MAS FURIBUNDO Y ECLECTICO....MAGNIFICAS CANCIONES (CANCIONES?) QUE EN ALREDEDOR DE 5 MINUTOS CADA UNA OFRECEN UN DESPLIEGUE INIGUALABLE DE POLENTA Y TALENTO...PUNTO CULMINE DE LA FUSION QUE ABREVA EN LAS EXPERIENCIAS PIONERAS DE MILES DAVIS

The Classic Fusion album of all time!!.......2006-10-11

If you see four and a half to five stars when nearly 100 people wrote a review, then that's your answer. BUY IT!

Average customer rating:

The Inner Mounting Flame Mahavishnu Orchestra With John McLaughlin ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000024HHH Release Date: 1997-02-01

Tracks:

1. Meeting of the Spirits
2. Dawn
3. Noonward Race
4. Lotus on Irish Streams
5. Vital Transformation
6. Dance of Maya
7. You Know You Know
8. Awakening

Average customer rating:

Inner Mounting Flame-Vinyl Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00064X8FY Release Date: 2004-11-02

Average customer rating:

Inner Mounting Flame ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000EGCZZI Release Date: 2006-04-25

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