In the world of jazz fusion, few live performances have reached the status of Mahavishnu Orchestra’s 1973 concert at Yale University. Now for the first time this legendary performance has been remastered and released on limited-edition vinyl and CD bringing a crucial moment in music history back to life!
Recorded at Woolsey Hall in New Haven, Connecticut, this performance captures the original Mahavishnu lineup in full force:
- John McLaughlin – Guitar
- Billy Cobham – Drums
- Jan Hammer – Keyboards
- Jerry Goodman – Violin
- Rick Laird – Bass
This isn’t just another live album—it’s a time capsule from one of the most boundary-pushing groups in modern music.
A Snapshot of Jazz Fusion at Its Peak
Mahavishnu Orchestra was formed in 1971 by John McLaughlin, fresh from playing with Miles Davis on albums such as Bitches Brew and Live-Evil. The band fused jazz improvisation, Indian classical rhythms, and rock intensity in a way no one else was doing. Alongside Weather Report and Return to Forever, they defined the early ’70s fusion scene.
What set Mahavishnu apart was their urgency and raw power. Their music was spiritual, aggressive, and jaw-dropping. And Live at Yale University may be one of the best representations of that.
Tracklist Highlights
The setlist leans into unreleased tracks that would later surface on The Lost Trident Sessions, but are heard here in their most electric, unfiltered form:
- Meeting of the Spirits
- Trilogy
- Sister Andrea
- I Wonder
- Awakening
From the opener’s controlled chaos to “Trilogy’s” captivating 20-minute journey, this captures Mahavishnu at their most unpredictable, authentic, and inspired.
An Essential Mahavishnu Live Set
In 1973, fusion was at a crossroads. While others started leaning electric or ambient, Mahavishnu stayed loud, fast, and spiritually intense.
This recording offers:
- A must-have for collectors of rare 1970s jazz fusion
- A perfect entry point for new listeners looking to explore the genre of jazz fusion
- A historic document of one of fusion’s most powerful live bands
Whether you’re building a collection of live jazz fusion albums or exploring jazz-rock groups like Weather Report, this release belongs in your rotation.
Vinyl and CD available now on our website!
Order now and own a piece of fusion history.
