Power, Passion and Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra

John Kelman

Senior Editor since 2004

With the realization that there will always be more music coming at him than he can keep up with, John wonders why anyone would think that jazz is dead or dying.

Recent articles (2,379 total)

Published: June 8, 2006

View All 1 2 3

The three albums released during the Mahavishnu Orchestra's brief existence—The Inner Mounting Flame, Birds of Fire (Columbia/Legacy, 1972) and Between Nothingness and Eternity (Columbia/Legacy, 1973)—continue to sell today, building a following of new fans, many who weren't even born when the group was active. With Power, Passion and Beauty, Kolosky has finally righted a wrong, delivering a book that is as factual an account of the group's rise and fall as will likely ever be published.

The subtitle, The greatest band that ever was may prove hyperbolic for some, but clearly not for Kolosky. Absolutes aside, the Mahavishnu Orchestra's importance in the history of not only jazz, but music in general, cannot be underestimated or overlooked. Power, Passion and Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra will ensure that those unfortunates who missed the emergence of the Mahavishnu Orchestra can live vicariously through the clearly articulated experiences of the many people who contribute to what is, ultimately, a terrific story beautifully told.