Robben Ford Discussion

fingerlakes · Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:11 am Post subject: Mahavishnu Project

After playing at the Jazz fest in Rochester on Fri eve these guys made a stop at my small town of Trumansburg,NY and played at The Rongovian Embassy, a small club. For two reasons we were able to see these guys so close to home. They are on their way to NYC to be a host band for Moogfest to play with Jan Hammer and Keith Emerson,and Trumansburg was where Bob Moog hailed from and the first Moogs were created. Also the violinist was from Aurora,directly across Cayuga lake from us.

Their first set consisted of Jan Hammer's music and really smoked. Adam Holzman ( keyboards ) showed his stuff and featured a brand new Moog Voyager. Adam was the guy who layed down a lot of the synthesized sound for the Miles Davis editions from the mid to late '80's. i spoke with him during the break and he had fond memories of playing with Robben and Garth during those years and commented on what fine players they were and that their bluesy styles added something special to those bands. They played a song i recalled from an early Jan recording with John Abercrombie and jack Dejohnette, and finished the set with a smoking version of ' Blue Wind "

The 2nd set was all Mahavishnu tunes from the first 3 albums. These were all great and ' Meeting of the Spirits " and " One Word " were exceptional. The guitarist was very technically good, and ambitous to tackle this music,but his playing didn't really turn me on. The keyboard guy was awesome throughout.The violinist played through an array of special effects and was superb it was obvious he is classically trained. Sounded very much like jean Luc. Drummer Greg Bendian led this band and is as fine a drummer as i have heard. It's hard to figure why he isn't more well known,although he is young. It was fun to watch an accomplished drummer lead the band through this complex music.

These guys are world class and may be at a small venue near you. Check them out,you'll be glad you did. Nice website also at mahavishnuproject.com

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:45 pm Post subject:

Great review, fingerlakes! Haven't heard from you in a while...

I've checked out this Mahavishnu Project online just today, and wasn't too sure about them because the original Mahavishnu Orchestra back in the 70s didn't do much for me (then). But, your review kind of piqued my interest. And, since I once highly recommended a show, the Jim Weider band with Tony Levin, and you took that chance and very much enjoyed it, I just might do the same with the MP if they come to my area!

Again, thanks for taking the time to post a great review...

fingerlakes · Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 6:13 pm Post subject:

It just happens that they are in Somerville on June 28. If my mental map of Boston is crrect. that's not far at all from you.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:51 am Post subject: