Mahavishnu Orchestra - Noonward Race (Which Alt Universe Did We Step In???) 😆

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[@andrewedelen2420]

What’s happening here is a lot of improvisation--each guy getting a solo, with the main riff introduced by the soloist as a cue for the group to play the riff in unison before passing it to the next guy. This is, in Indian music, a “jugalbandi.” McLaughlin begins the piece with a completely improvised section that only sounds “organized” because Billy Cobham, the drummer, is so good at picking upon what his bandmates are playing. Essentially, this piece of music as “written” consists only of the riff that each guy plays when he’s done (played three times each iteration, as is common in Indian music) and the riff that McLaughlin plays at the end of his solo to lead into the violin solo; this riff also ends the song. Everything else is loosely structured, if at all. It’s a testament to their musicianship that it seems like an actual song.

[@robertsullivan6246]

"It feels like he is playing anxiety" Bingo! It's called "The Noonward Race" and the energy of the song I think was intended to reflect the anxiety in our lives as we start the busy day rushing and racing towards the noon break. The guitarist, John McLaughlin played on several Miles Davis albums along with the drummer before forming this band.

[@MaddyReactions]

Ahhh, makes sense!!

[@substantialopinion1055]

@@MaddyReactionsfunny lady😂😂

[@neildonley9626]

This band is one of the pioneers of jazz (rock) fusion. I would suggest Return To Forever (Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola, Lenny White) Fusion, but more melodic.

[@fredkrissman6527]

MUCH more melodic!

[@jamesreeves7934]

These guys are musician's musicians...the best of the best. Progressive jazz rock fusion. You're not ready for this yet. Not everyone likes or appreciates this style but someday you'll see the creative and soulful picture this great music paints...and it's LIVE! Just incredible.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Mahavishnu has some pieces that you would like more. This piece being a show closer makes more sense after a set of their music. All top musicians but not everyone will find this appealing, most of the best music is like that. This is like Be bop jazz mixed with Jimi Hendrix acid rock.

[@DavidPChristian2]

You called it. Both John McLaughlin, the guitarist, and Billy Cobham, the drummer, had been in Miles Davis' band.

[@MaddyReactions]

Makes sense!!

[@DavidPChristian2]

PS John wasn't a junkie. He was, and still is far as I know, an extremely devout mystic and yogi.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

@@DavidPChristian2 many mystics took substances since forever, basically the psychedelic type, like roots and mushrooms... But it's true that those drugs aren't adictive substances, they just frie your brains

[@alldayadventures5418]

Billy Cobham has a lot of solo albums. All of them are fantastic. One of his best Intro Songs/ Album is: "Sea of Tranquility" from Total Eclipse album. That tune is anything but Tranquil. Also while the album has a space-theme to it, I think Total Eclipse means that Billy Cobham totally eclipses all other drummers.... which he does.

[@carbonc6065]

@@alldayadventures5418 Agreed ... Also, it's my fav of his solo albums ... Magic being second!

[@michaelhodge6779]

The fact the you even did a Mayavishnu song reflects your openness as a person. I’ve been listening to them for nearly half my life at age 30 and am a jazz musician myself. They’re the best technical band of all time and one of my favs. They changed my life, my mind, and what I thought I knew about music and reality. I’ve searched for years for someone to do Mahavishnu reactions, your maybe 1 of 4 or 5 channels I’ve ever seen so thank you. 🙏🏻 peace & love as McLaughlin said.

[@dhoyp14]

Check out Andy Edwards. He doesn't do reactions, but talks about music. He loves Mahavishnu. He'll give you some new music you've never heard also. I found things with him I never heard and I have 20 years on you.

[@ytflix776]

This performance has some of the best pockets of groove ever. Esp between Billy and John, and Billy and Jan. I think it takes a listen or two to bob your head to this one

[@nrd515]

You either get it or you don't. I liked it from the first time I heard MO when the "Inner Mounting Flame" album came out.

[@quentenjones3626]

Maddy, glad you had a listen to this. Unfortunately this may not be a piece that is welcoming to you. However, this particular performance of the tune is monster, especially the intro. I would hope that you might find the time to see this whole episode. The performance of "A Lotus on Irish Streams" is particularly breathtaking. These gentlemen were and are (except for the deceased Rick Laird) musicians of such a caliber that few ever reach that level. The sad thing is this line-up split up so soon. Ah, but that is the way of musicians. In closing, you might think of this as akin to Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring".

[@rccnw]

Obviously you attracted a lot of Mahavishnu fans, as I am, but it was fun to hear your reaction. When I was 19 back in 1971, it took me 3-4 listenings to open up to this music. (LSD finally did the trick, I decided all these guys were gods then). Your candid reaction took me back to my own 'what on earth is this chaos' first impressions. Glad you connected with Billy Cobham's drumming, that's enough for any one lifetime anyway :) . Each of these players have had fascinating and varied musical careers since and became legends many times over, McLaughlin astonishingly so. You might find it interesting to sample other work by this band and each of the players since. This is just one perspective on the band and fit the times. This stuff was absolutely unheard of then. For some tasty Billy Cobham focus, check out the more peaceful 'You Know You Know' from the album Inner Mounting Flame. And Billy Cobham's later landmark 'Spectrum' album. Thanks for sharing your take!

[@spiderbass65]

Billy Cobham on drums. He and Bill Bruford are my favorite drummers.

[@MaddyReactions]

Very skilled drummer 🎉

[@vicprovost2561]

Both in my top 5, awesome percussionists.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Bruford and Cobham are my two favorite drummers as well.

[@substantialopinion1055]

@@MaddyReactionsreally!? 😮

[@robcramer823]

You happened upon one of their more intense (especially live) tunes for your initiation! So it's more understandable that you'd find this piece and/or the playing 'chaotic'. Then again it does feel like you're over-reacting (in lightning-fast fashion!) to each moment instead of stepping back a bit and just letting it happen. You know, much of the music we hear today is so pop oriented, where the sense of the tune is neatly packaged for us and therefore instantly understood (and marketable). Yes, there is wild intensity in John's playing and you are sensitive in hearing some pain there (he went thru a rough time, but got OK) but if you check out more of this band's work, I'll bet more love would result!

[@pierretoureille7359]

"There are other worlds they have not told you of" - Sun Ra

[@gj8683]

It's not the most accessible Mahavishnu, for sure. Try "Lila's Dance." Different personnel (except for McLaughlin), in a later version of the band. Certainly easier to get into.

[@tvccs6542]

You may (or may not) be pleased to know the audiences for this type of "hard-core" fusion are usually 90-95% male, and it's been that way for 50 years.

[@jpsmaj3235]

Juste realize that these are the best guitar player and drummer ever….

[@BarbarraBay]

the drummer was/is the "greatest" - Billy Cobham

[@Raiderblack]

They were playing much of that in unison so how could it be that they were making it up... Jazz Fusion Masters ...

[@stringrip]

On the studio version of this song from Inner Mounting Flame album I believe the guitar used was a Gibson Les Paul. The guitar may sound disjointed because of odd time signatures and Indian music influence. There is an even longer louder more extreme version of this piece recorded at the Mar Y Sol Festival, Puerto Rico in 1972 which is also available on KZbin. One thing that never gets commented on about on this video is that during the final drum guitar duet Jan Hammer starts having an animated conversation with bassist Rick Laird - what were they talking about ? R.I.P Rick Laird.

[@carlkelly9236]

This is a musicians super group. This group heavily inspired even YES. Mahavishnu John Mclaughlin and William Cobham came fourth from Miles Davis's "Bitch Brew". A girlfriend of mine introduced me to this group in the 70's. At first listening, I thought the record was scratched and broken. After hearing it a few times, i realized they were playing in a musical reference point that was evolved far beyond normal conventional mainstream musical reference points. This is Jazz/Rock Fusion in the rawest form. Very few females I've known liked this genre. The exception was my very progressive female friend who turned me on the Mahavishnu Orchestra and YES, two of my favorite bands.

[@Sammylu-greenbeatsred]

Yes this music was written by the guitarist John McLaughlin and this is considered Jazz Fusion. It sounded more PROG (progressive) than Jazz Fusion and I agree that this song didn't quite hit the mark for me either. The guy on keyboards was Jan Hammer and I love his work with guitarist Jeff Beck (RIP). The drummer here was amazing and this band has a long list of songs that are easier to listen to.

[@MaddyReactions]

Thank you for your honest thoughts ❤

[@allendesalme197]

I thought that was Hammer...

[@donnielsen154]

Also, remember, this was recorded with the technology of the time - which over 50 years ago - and John (guitar), Billy (drums), Rick (bass), Jerry (violin) and Jan Hammer (keyboards) were just awesome and SO ahead of their time. Imagine them now, using the best electronic equipment available today.....WOW

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

I love the Mahavishnu Orchestra but they certainly aren't for everyone. Brilliant musicians all!

[@MaddyReactions]

🩷🩷🩷

[@paulkazakoff9231]

They can play anything and everything.There 's a lot more to this band than this one piece of music here.Most Mahavishnu albums are tremendous !!

[@philipbenner]

I’m surprised people didn’t react more negatively to your negative reaction, it’s refreshing to hear a negative response to a group of musicians who I adore

[@MaddyReactions]

Haha 😋

[@jazzmandolin5004]

You tackled Mahavishnu, pretty cool, good for you.

[@hokiedoo]

It is a double necked guitar

[@joeskorbinhorbinchuk3286]

You have to remember that you literally walked into a sausage party, lol....the emerging Prog of the the day was typically a Male thing. It's "thinking" music, not "dance" music. Once you've surrendered yourself to that, just let the music take you somewhere. In this case, the anxiety of the "Noonward Race". I'd suggest you do more of these reaction videos, and here's some songs start off with, I'd love to see your reaction: Return to Forever - Vulcan Worlds Billy Cobham - Quadrant 4 Jeff Beck - Sophie Jean-Luc Ponty Live - Egocentric Molecules Enjoy, ✌

[@MaddyReactions]

Haha thanks for explanation 🩷

[@jamesdalton8539]

I have loved this band for years & years!! John McLaughlin is one the greatest guitarists in the world, you should also check out his work with Al Di Meola and flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía. Jean-Luc Ponty is an amazing electric violinist!! Their lineup changed over the years at the time, amazing music though!!

[@heyheyjk-la]

That live "Friday Night in San Francisco" album with Al, John, and Paco, is one of my favorite albums of all time. I loved Mahavishnu Orchestra as a teenager, but I actually agree with Maddy that this track is a little too chaotic for me, too. I seem to remember much more accessible tracks from MO but, then again, they weren't exactly going for catchy 'ear worm' melodies. Insanely talented musicians, nonetheless. You can certainly listen to traditional jazz performances and hear similar staccato riffing that's impressive in terms of talent and skill, but not necessarily the best listening experience, depending on what hits your heart/soul, anyways.

[@slowfinger2]

JLPonty was in the band later on. Not here. That's original member Jerry Goodman. btw: Nights in San Francisco is sure a great album with Paco and Al (RIP).

[@warriorpitbull1170]

Very perceptive, Maddy. You're picking up on elements of early jazz that most people miss completely. As a guitarist.musician with 40+ years in the making, I'm amazed that you picked up the Miles Davis element so quickly. Much of the early jazz of the late 60s and 70s was extremely experimental. For the record, I agree with you about how the guitar sounds disjointed or as you put it 'a mess'. It relates to the 'race' but it's sometimes hard to listen to and effectually makes a din of the sound, but then when the pace picks up, the urge to groove with it becomes hard to overcome. LOVE your reactions! Keep up the amazing work, you're a star!

[@MaddyReactions]

Thank you 🩷🩷🩷🤗

[@louisgreen3915]

First I would say, people need to stop calling instrumental music "songs". Songs (by definition) have singing in them. This is not a band that most folks would "get into" by hearing them once (me included). They have a drive and a groove that is partly organised and partly improvised. And yes, the drummers job in this (like all modern Jazz) is to follow the soloist and react accordingly. I love many styles of music, but this band for me is so far above others that they are almost alone. If you had asked me when I was younger if I would ever in the future, like this music, I would have called you mad, now it looks like I'm the mad one, BUT I no longer care about that. Your first reaction to the Mahavishnu Orchestra was a correct one. I also said WTF when I first herd them, but great grooves done by drummers like this always brings me back to try and understand what these guys are doing. Oh yes, fun fact. You know when at all the big rock concerts (and now pop concerts) when people hold up a lighter and wave it from right to left, well, the audience that followed this band were the ones that invented this idea due to the MO debut album "The Inner Mounting Flame" They were first doing it in the tiny clubs in New-York were this band first played, then they were followed around and the audiences started getting bigger with more lighters. Anyway, great reaction.

[@shannonvanpatten8341]

You should hear Frank Zappa, Cheapin's, live at the Roxy

[@marrkhicks]

One neck is a 12 strung. The other is an 8 string

[@juliopratico9892]

She is definitely the diatonic girl! 😂😂😂 I want to see her reacting to Hermeto Pascoal "Quebrando Tudo"!

[@mrtveye6682]

Maddy, it's all connected, those are all fantastic musicians that know exactly what they do and do together. But 60/70s Jazz-Rock is definitely very complex, to a point where it can become more of a "with how much can I get away while still fitting into music-theory"-game for trained musicians, than a pleasure for the casual listener. I don't understand anything of the music theory myself, I'm just a stupid rock drummer. And it took me very long to like that kind of music (when I'm in the mood for it). It takes time to get used to that weird harmonies, rhythm and tempo-changes, all that chaos and those dissonant melodies. But once you get used to it, and you connect the dots in your subconsciousness - and you are in the mood - it can really flip around and become relaxing and meditative - as strange as that might sound. For example, there are days when I really focus better on my job listening to jazz-rock, free-jazz etc.

[@vicprovost2561]

Shr might like Jeff Beck or Weather Report for a less crazy vibe.

[@MaddyReactions]

I am just not a huge prog jazz/ Miles Davis era fan. I prefer Dave Brubeck, Jobim etc. Jazz that is a little experimental but mostly smooth and relaxing.

[@mrtveye6682]

@@MaddyReactions I can completely relate to that. It's probably my favourite style of Jazz too. Brubeck, Chet Baker, the early to mid Miles Davis (the Kind of Blue era), Stan Getz, Wayne Shorter etc. I could never completely enjoy Bebop (Charlie Parker etc.), too hectic for me, though I really tried (my late father in law loved Charlie Parker and was a big Jazz geek - great memories spending long night with him, drinking Gin, and listening left and right through his record collection). But for some reason, I started to enjoy the later experimental/free Jazz stuff at some point.

[@chriswilliams8849]

You're right. This is not for you. But these guys skill level are unparalleled. And take in the fact that this was recorded in the early 70s, there's you haven't it. It's intended to be chaotic. That's the point. The name of the song is Noonward Race. It's meant to depict a frenetic pace. A race

[@MaddyReactions]

I expressed I can tell there is talent in this performance. lol I feel like the best music is accessible to most, as music typically has a message that the artist would like to get across to the largest amount of people.

[@chriswilliams8849]

It could be that this type of music is directed at a certain audience. The genre is jazz/fusion. No musical constraints. Music for musicians and fans of this particular genre.

[@jlb6]

The noon ward race depicts workday life and is meant reflect anxiety. I would recommend some of John”s work with Carlos Santana. A life divine is special.

[@MaddyReactions]

Ahhh, makes sense! I love Santana!

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

As someone who grew up with the Prog Rock of the 70s I can honestly say that even that never scaled the dizzy heights of pretentiousness that this does , although the musicianship is undeniably superb . I think Ren sums up perfectly the attitude of musicians like this in " Hi Ren " - " Music is all about the creative process and if people can find something to relate to within that then that's just a bonus " 🤷‍♂

[@MaddyReactions]

True!!! 🩷

[@Al-ji4gd]

What is pretentious about this? Nothing. At least with fusion, they're letting the music do the talking, whether you like it or not. Prog rock is where people are dressing up in capes, singing about Lord of the Rings and flying across the stage on wires...

[@DavePaterra]

Perfect assembly of talent Nothing better than this. However I understand your perspective here. Most people hate this stuff(all of my friends and basically everyone I know) however if you enjoy this there is nothing better.

[@DaveyL1954]

I got to 3.34" before I had to challenge you to A) please be quiet and listen B) This is head music. It is a dialogue between John and Billy, spontaneous and together C) This was a brand new music in its day, 1972, when nobody had ever heard anything like this. It is a twin necked Gibson SG 6/12 string. once again a rare thing played to perfection by a Yorkshire/English musician. Please stop yakking in future. Listen to what the musicians produce then comment at the end with your pearls of wisdom. John is 82 years old today. He plays with his tow bands Shakti, and The Fourth Dimension. Both Indian influenced. Both superb.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Good reaction! Mahavishnu Orchestra can be an aquired taste - the opposite of Easy Listening Music - In fact, Difficult Listening Music. Not elevator music or K-Mart PA music. Their music is technical to an extreme and not always accessible to the ear of the popular audience. You have to be in the mood to do some "Out of the Box" listening. This is why my current favorite group is Band-Maid: they write and perform hard rock with clean vocals and memorable melodies that can be appreciated for both their simplicity and complexity. But you know that! I have many Mahavishnu Orchestra and John McLaughlin albums. Johnny was a huge influence on Prog Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion in the sixties and seventies. At 81 years of age he still tours today. Johnny always played with a long list of great drummers. For John McLaughlin, this song is definitely one of his Controlled Chaos pieces, my favorite of which is "Phenominon: Compulsion"(with Billy Cobham) and it also sounds a triumphant mess! He does have more melodic music, but stylistically he goes all over the map, dipping into Indian Raga, symphonic orchestral compositions, Flamenco guitar, and a variety of Fusions. You can hear his influence on Eddy Van Halen in "Mean Streets" During this period Johnny was a follower of Chri Chimnoy, Transcendental Meditation, practiced yoga, and eschewed all drugs. He led his great friend Carlos Santana into Transendental Mediatation.

[@darrylguerrant5101]

John McLaughlin, was a devotee of Sri Chinmoy. An Indian Buddhist guru. At this time in the early 70s, people were looking towards eastern mysticism, meditation, etc. Hence Chinmoy, baptized him with the name Mahavishnu. Carlos Santana, was also a devotee, he was baptized Devadip. Anyway, McLaughlin was already doing this before he left Europe to join Miles Davis, Tony Williams and then create the Mahavishnu Orchestra. So his demeanor was more measured and calm, because of the such practices. Ruth Underwood (Percussionist), for Frank Zappa's band during this time described McLaughlin as charismatic, they toured for a time and the MO was an opening act.

[@darrylguerrant5101]

No race is ever without anxiety for someone.

[@darrylguerrant5101]

Or chaos for that matter

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

You must learn about the Band, All are right at the Top in musicianship and Maha pretty much started the "Jazz Fusion" sound along with Return to Forever !! John the Guitarist is well known to be one of the "Greatest" Jazz Fusion Guitar players ! 👍🎶🎸🎹🥁🎻🎼✌

[@voiceover2191]

Thanks Maddy for reacting, it was a struggle for you experiencing what felt like a group of individuals ad libbing incoherently, but I can promise you in reality they knew exactly what they were doing. The band members are legends and to me Billy Cobham is in the top 5 best drummers of all time as John McLaughlin is one of the best guitarists of all time as Jerry Goodman and Jan Hammer have equal legendary status on respectively violin and keyboards. Jazz Rock, sometimes also called Jazz Fusion is very far removed from what we experience today as music and so I fully understand that you had a hard time enjoying it. I grew up with it in the 70's, too young to understand, but my big brother had their records and in time I grew to appreciate and love their music. Just for kicks try and check out some of the project John McLaughlin did after this band, called Shakti where he played with Indian musicians, mind blowing. Anyway, you gave it a shot which is all one could hope for.

[@DavidKolbSantosh]

it is meant to be erratic at that point. McLaughlin often plays in that erratic style but not exclusively...Mahavishnu is an acquired taste but once the musical palate is educated you'll savour it.

[@MaddyReactions]

Maybe, but probably not. 😆 I can tell they are talented, I just prefer more relaxing music.

[@valentinagarciafernandez9031]

Doble-necked guitar. John McLaghlin and Jimmy Page use the same model of Gibson.

[@glass2467]

Yes that first part did sound erratic. But little did you know that he is now considered one of the best guitarist to ever walk the earth. You haven't heard much of what he does over his entire career, which is vast. He's a true master musician. It's unfortunate you heard this one first.

[@marrkhicks]

You have the right to your opinion. Every one of these musicians is sublime

[@evertvanderhik5774]

A honest review. I listened to these guys for over 30 years. I had the same with Return to Forever, another monster group you need to grow into it. When I first heard it, it was very complex, etc. Weather Report is a third major fusion group of the 1970s. They are more accessible I think, especially their later work, Black Market, Birdland. All these groups had musicians who played with Miles Davis. One thing I could never grow into is Free Jazz.

[@charlesmyers8150]

Maybe Jan Hammer scored the movie you like. He wrote and played the Miami Vice theme and Jerry Goodman, violin, also scored movie . We get it, the 1st hearing of Mahavishnu is difficult. I prefer the studio albums. You should have listened to Inner Mounting Flame. They were the leading edge of jazz fusion, and there' 19:13 s a history to that with many musicians. Miles Davis to name only one. You seem like you would be a Return to Forever (Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke) fan. Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, those are incredible jazz fusion bands. If you only like Beyonce and Taylor, well, not much chance you are a jazz fan. If you do Hendrix, and don't like it, then you are wasting our time.

[@jordan0010]

13:05 When you thought it would only be a silent fart🤣

[@jordan0010]

Keep being honest Maddy 👍😂

[@MaddyReactions]

😂😂😂😂

[@Blue-qr7qe]

That is a double necked guitar. If you look at the tuning pegs you'll see that one one neck has 6 strings and the other has 12. The guitarist can switch between them without having to change guitars. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin used one in some songs.

[@robertsullivan6246]

I heard Page got the idea to use a double neck from McLaughlin from whom Page had some guitar lessons.

[@johncagnettajr344]

Well yes you’re wrong. It was cohesive but they not playing in traditional time signature. Not toe tapping music for sure. You need to hear the musical theme and how they play around with it.

[@tonybaloneys]

I remember getting this album when it came out. I loved this song the first time I heard it and every other song on the album. Being a musician and leaning into Jazz helped. Simply put, this is not music for most people. No dominant beat or vocals. The times were different. So many new styles and artists. I still listen to this album. That song is off "The Inner Mounting Flame" album. I'm surprised they could even play that song live. I think it's amazing. I would suggest listening to the entire album. It might help you to see it in a different light. In the 60's and 70's we wanted anything different. Zappa, King Crimson, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Gentle Giant, Yes, Genisis, etc. It was a great time for music.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

There are Better songs of theirs on YT but if you can't open your mind to a broader "Sonic Universe" it really won't matter for you ! 🎶✌

[@davorcihak7330]

Cobham secured a place on Olympus a long time ago. One of drumming gods.

[@levpoplow7354]

Welcome to the world of jazz fusion. I must admit that you started by jumping right into the deep end. I would suggest you try wading into the pool with something a little easier to understand and connect with like Return to Forever and their Romantic Warrior album.

[@robcramer823]

It pays to be not so quick to judge something that's maybe new to you! And listen closely - there's subtlety mixed with intensity here.

[@wohltemper]

Maddy, you are not wrong, this is THE most anxiety-inducing piece on the MO’s first album - not a good place to start. Plus it’s a live reworking of it, even more intense than the studio album. John McLaughlin is now 83 and has just completed a US and European tour. He is one of music’s living legends, described by Jeff Beck as the Best Guitarist Ever (you do know Jeff Beck I hope). Try listening to the following: Lila’s Dance; You Know You Know; Eternity’s Breath pt 1, and India by Shakti (his acoustic group).

[@wohltemper]

Your comment about how John was whispering into our souls was spot on! I interviewed John two years ago and he’s a lot more talkative now!

[@wohltemper]

Final comment- when I bought this album in 1972 my friends, who listened to Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, couldn’t handle this and thought I was weird! It’s now recognised as a classic and of major importance in modern music.

[@PedroMFont]

the fact that they are ridiculously great musicians doesnt mean that you have to like it maybe being in the concert changes the experience actually im pretty sure anyways a fan here pd: youre are very risky with the songs you choose to react thats new i love it thanks

[@MaddyReactions]

Thanks for the kind words 🩷🩷🩷

[@philerrup9948]

Basically it's music for musicians by musicians. Namely guitar bass and drums.

[@LuvHrtZ]

Art is not meant to be comfortable. It's not wallpaper. FFS!

[@headofamonster]

The look on your face for most of this was outstanding! 😂😂 This band is definitely not for everyone. Cool that you do appreciate the musicianship, though. Billy Cobham on drums = 🤯

[@MaddyReactions]

True!!

[@jamesolson2334]

Maddy, kudos for your honesty in your reaction. Mahavishnu is an acquired taste, one that I have yet to acquire.

[@MaddyReactions]

lol thank you 🩷

[@eggburtdilusia9599]

Back in the day, I owned this album. I have listened to it many times. To understand this particular piece, you have to understand that John McLaughlin traveled to India and learned how to play music by counting cycles. The best way to explain it would be to listen to some Konnokal videos. This particular song IS harder to listen to than the rest of the album, but is is more a a "hey! Look what we can do!" song. Here is a link to some Konnakol (It's a counting technique from the classical music of India. It is taught and learned verbally, and based on the sounds of THE MOST AMAZING DRUM ON EARTH - the Tabla) kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6bVmZ2id9qgZtE also Here is a quote about the guitaris, John McLaughlin, couresty of Wikipedia: "McLaughlin's solo on "Miles Beyond" from his album Live at Ronnie Scott's won the 2018 Grammy Award for the Best Improvised Jazz Solo.[2] He has been awarded multiple "Guitarist of the Year" and "Best Jazz Guitarist" awards from magazines such as DownBeat and Guitar Player based on reader polls. In 2003, he was ranked 49th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".[3] In 2009, DownBeat included McLaughlin in its unranked list of "75 Great Guitarists", in the "Modern Jazz Maestros" category.[4] In 2012, Guitar World magazine ranked him 63rd on its top 100 list.[5] In 2010, Jeff Beck called McLaughlin "the best guitarist alive",[6] and Pat Metheny has also described him as the world's greatest guitarist.[7] In 2017, McLaughlin was awarded an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music" Thanks for at least giving this particular song a try. My favorite song off the album is "Inner mounting flame", by the way. Peace.

[@erikahlander3489]

It was mean to let you start with this piece (but also a little funny...). It is appreciated that you didn't pretend to like it! First after listening to this kind of music at least some 5-10 times I can really appreciate (I have not heard this one before, but I have a number of other album since the 70s). I suggest that you start with some medium difficult, like Zappa from the mid 70s. Someone suggested "Cheepnis". "Inka road" is another starter. (But also Zappa composed realy complex weird things like "Amnerika"). You seems to have an enough open mind to be able to learn to like also this kind of music. But only if you want!

[@MaddyReactions]

LOL 😆 I can’t pretend

[@littlealchemistolympics2884]

This band changed my life.... It's discordant. It's mind altering... and it seems like it made you think. Which is good.

[@BarbarraBay]

the best Mahavishnu Orchestra album to start with is Birds Of Fire. The best song on it is One Word, which is pure cohesion. Also, check out the tune Lila's Dance (from another album).

[@scottwontorski1274]

Maddy, I think you were punked😂 thanks alot FRIENDS

[@MaddyReactions]

😂😂😂😂😆

[@richgaluppo4417]

When they showed up at the Beacon Theater NYC in 71 or 72 they blew many minds. The short hair and white suit was something totally new. Not to mention the music!!!!!!!

[@cobbwebs]

I remember reading somewhere that Miles Davis told John McLaughlin "You're beyond me" and then John wrote "Miles Beyond" as a nod to Davis.

[@freespiritsguitar2871]

Rare to have seen such incompetent reviews about music, just as she can't stand the guitar, I can't stand her commentary. Everyone can have his taste, but she just has no idea what's behind it. She also does not feel it because she has no relation to it and does not understand it.Could not watch the video also because of this to the end.

[@frankiegarcia4343]

Maddy, welcome to the world of Jazz Fusion that will test your ear limits and drive your mind nuts. These guys were the godfathers and the BEST. Only a music oriented person can understand what's going on and can handle a good listen. This song is about a chaotic race and it was written that way ! It's supposed to be messy and off key but it's all planned ! You're in Calculus when you are barely trying to understand algebra.

[@luizjose778]

Visions by emerald bayond narada ponty

[@bernardkelly9708]

Mar y Sol concert in Puerto Rico.mh.

[@isaacwalton56ikemin42]

Just open up your ears and take it in! This is MUSIC played from the heart! It's not that filtered pablum that they play on the radio, these days! (Don't get me wrong, I like some of the new stuff, too)! The more you listen to stuff like this, your hearing becomes more "muscular"! Just take your time with it and enjoy!

[@frederickpando9444]

Referred to as a double neck or a twin neck. In this case is it a double neck, and not a twin neck because the top electric guitar is a 12 string and the bottom electric guitar is a six string.

[@Ray-yz1rc]

I gave this reaction a thumbs up because I like your comments. Not the music so much. Love your reactions!! 😊

[@MaddyReactions]

Thank you ☺️

[@Rackelhane]

Hahahahaha..Fun watching your pretty face during the music..This is not for everyone.I completly understand that. Back in the 80 i listend a great deal to John McLaughlin he was one of my guitarheroes. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@MaddyReactions]

Hugs 🤗 lol 😂

[@zorbeclegras5708]

This kind of somewhat complex music can take some getting used to, there are few melodic hooks to cling to. It often takes several listens to get the brain used to it, a bit like when we approach traditional music which uses different scales from western romantic classical music (like Indian music). After several years of dating, it has become natural to listen to it, what was felt to be chaotic, "uncomfortable" at first time becomes organized. That's why the "first reaction" format isn't really appropriate, at least that's my opinion. I recommend listening to the group "Shakti" with the same guitarist, but with acoustic instruments, you might find the experience refreshing.

[@emjacks1]

Yo Maddy, love your reactions, but I really like is that gorgeous pair of lungs you have! Lol

[@MaddyReactions]

I will probably sing soon on another stream!

[@BuddyMohmed]

You must listen to the entire first Mahavishnu album, then you'll get it.

[@dwill123]

No, she won’t.

[@seabud6408]

It’s all about the energy of playing in the moment within the framework of the composition. I love the studio version and the other live versions I’ve heard . This will repay further listens no doubt, but as happens the first section was a bit out of sync. They play by the seat of their pants and that’s what makes being there special . Didn’t see this line up but the next in 1975. Fantastic band but this line up made up possibly the best live band of all time. Listen to Inner Mounting flame and Visions of the Emerald Beyond. Gives a sense of the sweep of both.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

John McLaughlin is very soft spoken even to this day, but I think that on that day he was high as a kite... well, more low than high, stoned after smoking something most likely. Those were the days

[@philipbenner]

Those were the days when McLaughlin was entirely drug free, if being high on the Supreme is stoned - then yes, John was as high as a kite!

[@michaelboismier1863]

John Is one of the greatest guitarists going!

[@jayumble8390]

I love John McLaughlin but the one issue I have (and always have had) with McLaughlin is that he always feels like he has to play FAST. Fast is great when used here and there but John misses so music by playing fast all of the time. Notice how the violin player sounds so much more melodic than John. It's because he plays rhythmically, slow passages and fast passages. So Maddy, your ears are hearing correctly. It's refreshing to hear someone not be afraid to call out a master. This is natural across all genres of endeavor. Masters aren't perfect either. -- very nice video content. Btw Maddy, please listen to Jean Luc Ponty's iconic classic fusion album 'Enigmatic Ocean'. If you haven't heard it, you will be blown away!

[@AudioAtmos]

You obviously have not listened to all his body of work.

[@davidspalten1304]

It's worth doing a deep dive on this group. They have an extensive catalogue much of which is composed of more "cohesive" pieces if this seemed disjointed to you. invest a little time and you'll be rewarded.

[@michaelhodge6779]

I was brought back to this after 10 months the and had to say, great Holy Mountain reference!!! ❤ Jodorowsky was my hero in film school

[@MaddyReactions]

🩷

[@michaelhodge6779]

@@MaddyReactionsthank you for your beautiful soul

[@evelyneverettgreen]

You like what you like. There is no right or wrong in this. I enjoy it you don't, no prob. And yes, Billy Cobham is such a supreme drummer, wonderful

[@william-uc2oy]

Birds of fire! I well remember hearing them as a teen. My mind was just…wow. What a lineup of musicians. Billy on drums. Jan on keys. Jon was on another level. This song is a bit to disjointed for me.

[@BarbarraBay]

Indeed. I am super MO fan. This live song is disjointed. The lady's reaction was accurate.

[@ikshields]

As many have surely mentioned, much of what you heard as chaotic, or “a mess if it weren’t for the drummer” was, of course, anything but. McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra are dealing in extreme complexity here, not chaos, and quite a bit of exotic musical language as well, much of it inspired by the forms and approaches of Indian Carnatic Classical music, and they are playing together with total cohesion. But you’re totally forgiven for feeling as though you’ve been run over by an alien vehicle moving at high speed. This is VERY difficult and demanding music, both for musicians and listeners, and makes no apologies for it. To have this thrown at you with no previous steps leading to it is probably unfair to you as a listener. As for John McLaughlin, despite his oddly ectomorphic personal manner in this youthful video, and the ear-ripping sounds of the Mahavishnu group, the music he’s made since then in his career might surprise you. He’s become an elegant elder statesman of top-drawer guitar and beautiful (but still exotic) composition. In fact, if I’d been the one to intro you to McLaughlin’s music, I would probably have seduced your ears with his delightful acoustic Indian/Jazz group, “Shakti”, which audiences have been loving unconditionally for decades now. There’s a whole lot of variety in these master musicians. Keep on listening, and don’t worry if you occasionally find yourself in the deep end. It’s the nature of good music making and good listening. Peace out ❤

[@glenn-jn8gy]

These are some of the finest musicians that have walked the planet earth. Sorry you didn't get it, but, not everybody gets Stravinsky or Chic Corea.

[@deanroddey2881]

For one of the best tunes from John McLaughlin and the MO, check out the studio version of "New York on my Mind". It's such a great tune. It's really serious fusion, but so listenable and beautiful. A lot of fusion can get into that 'how many 16th notes can we put in a song" wanky type territory. But some of it can be really gorgeous.

[@TweedSuit]

John McLaughlin was influenced by John Coltrane and Miles Davis - both horn players. He didn't listen to other guitar players.

[@renemokum]

Never heard of this song, although I have listened to quite a few of their albums. Truthfully, I didn't care for this song either. I suggest to give their album 'Birds of Fire' a chance. Same band members, but much more cohesivess to the compositions. Another album I love even more is 'Visions of the Emeral Beyond,' with a different line-up of the band. The music sounds very different, is more accessible - although still unmistakenly having the Mahavishnu stamp.

[@AudioAtmos]

Just think the one thread of all these incarcerations is John McLaughlin. “The guy who doesn’t know how to play or write music”. 😂

[@stevedahlberg8680]

She could do Al di Meola Suite of the Golden Dawn and absolutely be blown away and feel great about it.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

Its supposed to be erratic representing a race. Its Experimental Jazz/Jazz Fusion. Definitely not for everyone. I understand the technical mastery that it takes to make something so eradic but I myself cant even listen to more than one or two Experimental Jazz/Jazz Fusion songs in a single listen🤘🏼

[@MaddyReactions]

Sameeee lol

[@LarryHelmeczy]

No one that I know of likes everything. But it's worth experiencing something of good quality that you might not immediately relate to. I was a Mahavishnu Orch fan back in the early 1970's; they didn't last long. I still appreciate John McLaughlin today. He just made an album commemorating his 50 years of playing classical Indian style music. The one who suggested this to you didn't do you any favors. There are more melodic songs by Mahavishnu and/or McLaughlin that you probably could have appreciated more. But as far as jazz rock fusion goes, Mahavishnu tended to be loud, heavy and technique driven.

[@dwill123]

Listen lady, just admit that you got left at the starting gate. Do yourself a favor and don't listen to any more Mahavishnu Orchestra. Just stick to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé and you'll be fine.

[@rtornellort]

One of the greatest bands to ever step onto a stage

[@jopberlin]

All that is composed, arranged and written by THE GUITARRIST !