MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA - Visions of the Emerald Beyond (1975-1991) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As the second album to document the second Mahavishnu Orchestra, this one isn't as, well, apocalyptic as its predecessor, yet it does focus more intently on the band itself. Jean-Luc Ponty's curling electric violin lines help give this Mahavishnu band a more European sound than its predecessor, and some of the orchestral concepts of Apocalypse work their way into the picture via comments by a string trio and trumpet/sax duo. This band also had some interest in a bombastic funk direction that may have been borrowed from Mr. "Chameleon" Herbie Hancock, and would later be followed by Mahavishnu Two's drummer, Michael Walden. Gayle Moran's ethereal vocals don't date as badly as those on many jazz-rock records; at least she can sing.

Tracklist:

1. Eternity's Breath Part 1 3:10

2. Eternity's Breath Part 2 4:48

3. Lila's Dance 5:34

4. Can't Stand Your Funk 2:09

5. Pastoral 3:41

6. Faith 2:00

7. Cosmic Strut 3:28

8. If I Could See 1:18

9. Be Happy 3:31

10. Earth Ship 3:42

11. Pegasus 1:48

12. Opus 1 0:15

13. On The Way Home To Earth 4:34

Musicians

Mahavishnu John McLaughlin - 6 & 12 String guitars, vocals

Jean-Luc Ponty - electric violin, electric baritone violin

Narada Michael Walden - drums, percussion, vocals, clavinet

Ralph Armstrong - bass guitar, contrabass, vocals

Gayle Moran - keyboards, vocals

String trio:

Steven Kindler - 1st violin

Carol Shive - 2nd violin, vocals

Philip Hirschi - cello

Bob Knapp - trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, vocals

Russel Tubbs - alto sax, soprano sax