The original incarnation of the Mahavishnu Orchestra was extraordinarily successful. Their debut LP Inner Mounting Flame (1971), achieved crossover nirvana, climbing the Billboard Jazz chart before breaking into the top 100 on the rock chart. Performed a year later and just two months after the sessions for their second studio LP Birds Of Fire, this live appearance demonstrates that McLaughlin's vision, notorious for it's intensity, also encompassed profound dynamic shifts and melodic beauty. At their best McLaughlin, violinist Jerry Goodman, keyboard innovator Jan Hammer, bassist Rick Laird and powerhouse drummer Billy Cobham were untouchable as a live act. Unfortunately for them after two full-on years and 500 concerts the band imploded. Fortunately for us, one of the best of their best nights, live at Berkeley Community Theater, CA, on November 9th 1972 was broadcast by KFAT-FM radio. First time on CD legally.
