About this Event
After several years on hiatus, The Mahavishnu Project returns to perform their interpretations of the classic music of guitar god Jeff Beck.
The Mahavishnu Project has become well-known for reaching into the jazz-rock music beyond the John McLaughlin-led originals to include songs of Jeff Beck, featuring guitar virtuoso/Beck music authority and Beck’s transcriptionist of choice, Jesse Gress (gtr, Todd Rundgren), Neil Alexander (keys, The Machine) and Zoe Zeeman (bass, Jerry Marotta Band) joining drummer and bandleader Gregg Bendian - well-known for his work with Todd Rundgren, Pat Metheny, Nels Cline, Ornette Coleman and John Zorn.
The Mahavishnu Project will present Jeff Beck (and Jan Hammer) tunes from the 1970s masterpieces, Blow By Blow, Wired and There & Back, but don’t be surprised if a Mahavishnu Orchestra blast from Birds of Fire is included in the shows!
The Mahavishnu Project was founded by Bendian in 2001, during a time of far less respect and attention for “classic jazz-rock fusion.” MP has remained to this date the only ensemble to have:
- the blessing, praise, and gratitude of ALL the original MO members, including founder and guitarist/composer John McLaughlin.
- performed the entire Mahavishnu songbook, incl. tunes never done live by the original band.
- specifically requested by original Mahavishnu Orchestra keyboardist Jan Hammer, to be his back-up band for his “MoogFest 2006” appearance and DVD release. Jan’s only other appearance during the last three decades was with Jeff Beck at the Hollywood Bowl.
The Mahavishnu Project has recorded three critically-acclaimed live albums– including a stunning interpretation of Return to the Emerald Beyond, McLaughlin’s favorite MO album. Besides that fan fave, they frequently perform the full Birds of Fire and Inner Mounting Flame.
Bendian was tapped by producer Bob Belden as "special musical consultant" for the Sony Legacy box set, "The Original MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA: The Complete Columbia Albums Collection." Gregg helped craft the bonus disc of the MO live album, "Between Nothingness and Eternity" and is rightly considered an internationally-respected authority on Mahavishnu music.
The Mahavishnu Project is also available now for special programs such as VISHNUFEST – The Complete Album Evenings, and of course the Music of Jeff Beck & Jan Hammer.
“Just a little note of appreciation for what you are bringing back to life. This musical period was the beginning of finding my own way in music, and to hear you guys playing those tunes in such an unbelievable way is quite amazing. Great job!! Keep up the good work.” -John McLaughlin
"What is primary to me is that they are all great musicians. Everyone has to be a good improviser. You have to be able to take them to another place... These guys get there." - Jan Hammer
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Cutting Room , 44 E 32nd St., New York, United States
USD 25.00 to USD 30.00