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

Male
52 years old
NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS
United States



Last Login: 7/14/2009
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Great multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband.

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Just wanted to say that I very much enjoyed your book. I've read biographies of Yes, Genesis, and Emerson Lake & Palmer, and I would say 'Power, Passion, and Beauty' was the best of the lot. I think what really made the book work for me were all the quotes by the key players, the concert recaps, and above all the fact that you concentrated on the wonderful music above all else. I wish I had been the guy who stood up and yelled "John, your music is beautiful!" as the MO were playing 'Power of Love'. ;o) Well done! :o) …John Rodda of Ascension Tampa Bay, Florida

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I recently bought and read your book about the greatest band ever was. Although it was in a different language, I really enjoyed reading the book. I finished the book in two days. In my humble opinion, it is one of the most informative books about a band I ever read… Wolfgang Seidel, Kiel, Germany

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Got the book yesterday--finished reading it last night--FANTASTIC BOOK--Walter is to be commended congratulated--maybe even knighted--anyway thanks so much--by the way---where can I get one of those cool MO shirts?... Bill Wilson

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Finally read Power, Passion, and Beauty. Great job, Walter. Not only did I enjoy the book immensely, but I played each recording as I read about it in the tome. Nice way to revisit the canon… John McCook

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I was given an inscribed copy from Walter and have been savoring every chapter. Being a collector of biographies and auto-biographies I have to say this is one of the most exciting ones that I’ve read. The spirit is high throughout and the commentary from other musicians I’ve listened to over the years who played with or were connected in some ways to members of the band were endless. Walter’s insight and documentation is excellent. And so I have been listening to and remembering their music with a big smile – sometimes laughing with amazement. Really Great. Thank you, thank you Walter…Angie (Myspace Blog)

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You signed a copy of PP&B to me at the Moog fest. I must tell you that I read it every day on the subway. It is my escape from reality to and from work. It is quite dog eared and I'm sure that the other commuters that see me everyday must think it's some kind of Bible since I've been studying it everyday for the last 2 years... Tim Curtin

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I wanted to tell you how much I ENJOYED your book. I took this picture on a whim -- as I found it, the morning after a late night in my studio. Once again, thank you so much for writing this book. When is the movie coming out (the MO in THX!!!), and who will be playing you?… Scott Pottorf

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I just wanted to write and say I am thoroughly enjoying your book. No word of a lie, I got the book in the mail on Thursday, haven't picked it up yet today, but I'm already on page 227. I can't seem to put it down. I Really like the way it's written. The way you wrote makes me picture all of the people involved in the book all sitting in the same room together, you in the middle talking, and they interject every once in a while. Great book!... Adam Duncan

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Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I now have a sense of total renewal...

I just finished reading your book. My son (21 yrs old) bought it as a Christmas present for me. I could not put it down! Your experiences paralleled mine in the essence that I was born too late to totally realize the Mahavishnu Orchestra in person except for a few hour glimpse - I saw them only once live when I was around 13 years old at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (upstate NY) - like so many that you interviewed expressed in your book- it was a life changing experience.

Until reading your book, I thought it was just me who thought this band was something special - I knew they were great but I didn't have anyone else around me who had the same level of awe. Your book confirmed after all of these years that I was right and finally I am not alone.

I have been playing drums since 5 years old (I'm now in my late 40's) and I still remain engaged to the music of Mahavishnu along with all the music of members from both MO 1 and 2. I have been following and seeing Billy Cobham perform anytime he is within 100 miles.

So, I just want to say thanks again for writing this book - it is truly a work of art - the only thing that could top it would be a movie based on it.

Regards and long live Mahavishnu Orchestra! … Ed Donohue

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I just wanted to say that the Power, passion and beauty book is awesome...it takes me back to an incredible time in music...an era that I wish I could've experienced..thank you so much for making that book and getting the history out..I loved every page of it and about to read it again.. Sean Ghannam

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I received my signed copy of Power, Passion & Beauty in today's mail and my wife commented that I hadn't put it down since it arrived. So, I did, but just long enough to send you this note to thank you for this amazing and inspiring book. I thought I knew a lot about the Mahavishnu Orchestra but there is new insight about the band with each turn of the page… John Herkimer

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I finished PPB some time ago. Really a great book. … it really did a great job of truly showing how important the band really was. As much as I love them, I didn't grasp how revolutionary they were. That is a testament to the book. …Joe Lang

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What a long overdue book! Being a listener and enthusiast of the Mahavishnu Orchestra for WAY too short of a time (since hearing Birds Of Fire in 1984, yet being previously very familiar with McLaughlin, Hammer, and Cobham; wish I had heard the band MUCH earlier!) there had been so LITTLE I knew about the band itself and its history. Well, this is no longer since reading Walter Kolosky's absolute masterpiece on "the greatest band that ever was". I am amazed at his dedication and endless research about the ins and outs of the band, its musicians, and the countless musicians it influenced.

Had it not been for Walter, it is uncertain to know whether anyone would have the time or devotion to pursue such a huge project. His efforts to communicate and reach out to so many people and convince them to open up is to be applauded, as are those who helped him to be applauded.

So much is to be learned about the band and its members, their history and their current endeavors! Not just about the music, but how the music relates to so many OTHER things and places (read the book to see what I am talking about!). The Mahavishnu Orchestra is not just music, it is part of life itself!

Finally, I wish to thank all the members of the Mahavishnu Orchestra for willing to share with Walter and indeed with all of us their stories, anecdotes and feelings about the band. You all made this book possible as well!...Douglas Walsh-(Amazon Reader Comment)

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… I went back home and started reading it and finished the entire book in one sitting. It took me four hours and I forgot to have dinner. The most beautifully told story of the greatest band that ever was. …Purely electrifying and a completely gratifying experience to read the book with the music of the band playing along on your system LOUD!!! Thank you for the lovely presentation. May you have many more editions… Sridhar H – India

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I stayed up until 2am and read it in one shot. Brilliant … With the help of your book I realize that this band changed my way of thinking. Excellent work! ... Richard Allen

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Can't put the book down....some of it really choked me up...THANK YOU for all your fine labor... Kenny Soule

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Thank you for your wonderful book. I carry it like other people carry a Bible… Thomas Klees - Germany.

Power, Passion and Beauty is a great book! Hi, my name is Mario Eduardo and I'm from Bolivia. I just got a copy of Power, Passion and Beauty and am thrilled. It was about time someone had the balls to honor the greatest band ever...Mario Eduardo-Bolivia.

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I am reading (avidly) your wonderful book, and have been richly enlightened and entertained. It seems that those brief early 1970 years, (that were, on reflection, incidentally, the most pivotal in my life), are now recalled by me with a lot more clarity. Was it really so long ago when it all happened? I am happy to be in that time-warp. Your book has brought the M.O., and those times, alive to me once again! Thank you.…Alan Smith

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I have read your book... and you're right. They are the best band ever! Thanks so much... Robert L. Perkinson

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Thank you for writing such a lovely book about The Mahavishnu Orchestra (TMO) and John McLaughlin (JM). It brought back many good memories and I've been passing on a lot of this collective cultural consciousness about TMO and JM to my eldest son, Sammy, who is 15 and knows all of the "classic" TMO music by now.

Your book included language that expresses the feeling and the thoughts as well as the visual experience of seeing TMO with great accuracy and most vividly…

…Thank you again for producing this delightful book. It's been a splendid read. You did a masterful job worthy of great respect and gratitude… Jonathan Sacks- McLean, VA.

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I devoured your book in 2 days and still wanted more . You hit a nerve, not only with me , but I'm sure with the thousands of fans who were waiting for such a book. I thank you from all of us. Your dedication to the band and your thorough research are to be commended, and on top of all that you made the book a delight to read - as if from one fan to another. I look forward to your next project... Robert Coffin

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I'm very pleased to say that I'm really enjoying the reading of your Mahavishnu book. Thanks a lot for your valued contribution to world civilization; We need something beside MTV-brainwashing. I am looking forward to seeing your further releases. Thanks again... Alexander Konviz -Zurich, Switzerland.

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You have taken a wonderful approach to covering this incredible group. I'm learning things about the Mahavishnu Orchestra I certainly never knew. This book is a unique and valuable contribution to music history. Your book is a tremendous page turner that I'll enjoy for years to come ...Don Ross

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I sat down with the book yesterday in my favorite reading chair and didn’t get up until I finished the book some 5 hours later. What a read! It brought back SO many memories. I had seen MO on a number of occasions. The most memorable show was at the – now defunct – Felt Forum in NYC. It was mind bending!! Thanks for taking me back to a great time. ...Bill Tesar

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I can't put the book down now that I have started it! I just showed it to my good guitar friend and I'm ordering one on line tonight for him. Great format - hear it from the guys who were there. I hit the interactive site for updates. ...Nils Hansen

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Congratulations to Walter on a wonderful book. I just couldn't put it down, even on the stairmaster. So it even proved to be a health aid. ...Leo Mankiewicz (From the PPB Forum.)

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I bought the book as soon as it came out and must say that I was thrilled by it. Love the narrative pattern (with the initial setting at Bendian's Mahavishnu Project date). ...Gregory Dobrov

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THANK YOU SO MUCH for your great book about my favorite group ever! I have literally swallowed the book, it's has been pure pleasure, especially if to accompany reading with listening to old good Mahavishnu Orchestra albums on vinyl (this was my way of reading your book).

I was pleasantly surprised to see in the book a couple of photos made by Pavel Korbut, a Russian photographer. I met him last week at the concert of Kenny Barron Trio in Moscow and showed him your book. He signed my page 249 :-)

Thank you once again for the book which now occupies one of the most honorable places in my home library.

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It looks like the Mahavishnu Orchestra's music finds second wind these days. I am sure that we are still at the very beginning of the process. Interest to their music will grow further in the future. It really deserves it.

Warmest regards from cold pre-winter Moscow. …Nick

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"Walter Kolosky, like me, was never the same after seeing the MO for the first time. But, unlike me, he wrote a wonderful book about the group that I am now reading. The book is titled Power, Passion and Beauty: The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra: The greatest band that ever was. It tells the whole story of the group by seamlessly weaving revealing interviews with all of the group members, supporting personnel, and other famous musicians into Kolosky's spare but enchanting history and commentary. If you have any interest in the Mahavishnu Orchestra or in the jazz fusion genre of music of which they, along with Weather Report and Return to Forever, were undoubtedly the greatest exponents, you owe it to yourself to read this outstanding book about the "greatest band that ever was." ... Nagarjuna (Naked Reflections Blog)

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I received my copy of the book last week and devoured it over the long weekend. A thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing read -- it is great to have the history of the MO's formation, recording, touring and breakup told in the voices of the people who lived it. It was fascinating to hear so many of the key musicians of the jazz-rock era talk about how the MO impacted them and their music. The book also has some great pictures and other tidbits of information too numerous to mention. I will definitely go back and read the book again to pick up things I missed in my first reading. ...Mark

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Biographies can be so boring - sometimes little more than lists and dates - but this one is refreshingly alive, especially as 98% are fresh recollections. It's interesting to see how little hindsight has tempered the almost religious fervor! ... Nic

EXCLUSIVE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA ART FOR SALE!


Museum quality prints and photos available for the first time ever! Details below:


Own a Piece of the Legacy!

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Original Mahavishnu bassist Rick Laird is an accomplished artist and photographer. You can own a signed print of this historic shot taken on stage by Rick of John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham during another explosive performance of the Mahavishnu Orchestra! This is the first time this image, published in the book, has been seen or offered to the public!

“Thank you so much for the photo of Billy Cobham/ John McLaughlin. It is a beautiful and powerful image. It is sharp and clear, perfectly composed, and electrifying. The black and white format just adds to the intensity of the moment as the stage lights and shadows created halos and auras around the artists. I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I was to see this picture offered for sale, and even more so to have it personally dedicated to me from Rick Laird!” - Eric Jeska

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"The photo arrived today, inscribed to me personally by Rick. Wow, what a beautiful piece of work. It's going to the framing store tomorrow!"-Jonathan Sacks

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"What a great photo. You feel like you're right on stage during the "wonder years" of Mahavishnu, standing right behind Billy, just as Rick Laird was when he took this photo! And you get Rick's autograph! How great is that? Wonderful. Thanks to all for making this available." - Mark Chapman

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Artist Chris Poisson.

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Print of original artwork.

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Print of original artwork.

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Print of original artwork.

Available commercially for the first time ever! These historic prints are "must haves" for any true Mahavishnu Orchestra fan or album cover art collector!

Artist Chris Poisson talks about two of the original paintings that he created for Mahavishnu albums. Museum quality prints of these historic paintings are available for purchase. For more details read the left column of this page. (Please remember to turn the music player off if you want to hear Chris).

"The print is truly magnificent! The vibrant colours and detail add a whole new dimension to what was already an amazing record cover. I bought Visions of the Emerald Beyond 30 years ago and this image has always been the perfect embodiment of Mahavishnu’s music, capturing and amplifying the artistic concepts of the band. Owning this print has upgraded the image from record cover to work of art and made me very happy. It’s pure joy to look at."Daniel Biro of Sargasso.com.

50% off Special on Mahavishnu Portraits!

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Gifted artist Ken McIntyre is a Mahavishnu Orchestra fan and the creative mind behind soon to be seen new Comedy Central programming. He drew wonderful sketch portraits of each of the band members exclusively for the book. You can own your own signed limited edition prints!

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For Mahavishnu Orchestra fans, artists and designers- unique Mahavishnu Font! Available for purchase for the first time ever!

To find out more about all of the art goto label.abstractlogix.com/mahavishnu-shop.htm (You have to copy and paste the url due to Myspace's recent technical changes which make it more difficult to create image and text links :-( )

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While supplies last! Own a Power, Passion and Beauty promotional t-shirt just like the one Bill Bacon is wearing above. Channel some of the spirit. Sorry. Sold out.

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I'm also the author of a book (unfortunately not related to music) and I know how difficult it can be to pull something like this together. I finished the book in about a day and a half. The author did an outstanding job of making the book very readable by using so many different sources and having them tell entertaining story after entertaining story. I have many other jazz fusion related books and none of them are as entertaining as this one. ... Al

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I can only imagine how long it took to gather all this material, and get all of them to sign on too. Great stories, great writing, and all about a great band. Very captiving, that's the quickest I've read a book in a long time. Thank you again, I enjoyed it very much. I'll be reading it again too. And, I plan to order it as gifts for a few of my friends who are big fans also. Now I'm off to the interactive and myspace sites. Wonderful book. - Gennation

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What was interesting to me is how he melded the quotes from a great many of the contemporaries of the band like Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, etc. along with quotes from the members of the various incarnations of the band into a complete story ! The book mainly focuses on the first Mahavishnu with Cobham, Hammer, Goodman, Laird and of course McLaughlin as they were really the best of all the versions. My humble opinion of course, and I'm sure there will be many who will disagree. Mr. Kolosky has interviewed all of them, as well as later members like Ponty, Narada, Moran, and Armstrong. So you really get a total picture of how the band evolved and changed over the years.

Even though the cover calls them "the greatest band that ever was", Mr. Kolosky didn't let his obvious affection for the band interfere with his journalistic acumen. He asked the tough questions and tackled the tough issues, especially about the acrimonious breakup of the first unit.

The photos in the book were ones I have never seen before like Billy Cobham in his Army drumming days or John McLaughlin's first real band to Jan Hammer's early group with Miroslav Vitous on bass called The Junior Trio.

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Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down and it took about a day and a half to read it all. I'm already reading it for the second time. My thanks to Mr. Kolosky for doing such a superb job. If any of you like this band at all, or are fans of fusion in general, this is a must-have. Thanks ! - Drumminfool

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I just loved the book (and the t-shirt!!!), and got more intrigued about the MO than I previously have been. So I have been listening a lot to them lately...just re-absorbing the vibe and the intensity and passion of some pure heartfelt art! Wonderful! – Sturla

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I've read this book several times and continue to read it again and again. Thank you, Mr. Kolosky, for writing this long overdue book, and let's hope that it's publishing will generate interest in the future release of archival live concert recordings and DVD's of the MO in flight. A younger generation of music enthusiasts could benefit greatly from such releases. Let's open the vaults. – Ryan Hall

Being a HUGE fan of the MO since '73- I was amazed to even SEE a book like this come out, and even MORE amazed when I read it. This is truly the STORY of the MO- not a boring, highbrow or drug-induced fantasy from someone whose cousin once met John or Billy. The author interviewed EVERYONE, including people you wouldn't expect about how this band impacted their lives. The story of the MO is told through anecdotes, photos and quotes with a good dose of wit and sarcasm, as though a friend was letting you in on something that no one else knew. Once I started reading this book- I could not put it down. For true fans of the MO, buying this book will be a no-brainer. This book also has a great accompanying website for even more photos and in-depth musical analysis. 5 stars!!- (MO Fan from Amazon.com comments.)

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Brilliant book! Read it as soon as I got it in the mail. The story of the world's greatest band is finally told. Excellent work! –Cranium

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I just want to say THANK YOU for your wonderful book. It made me relive with nostalgia some of the beautiful feelings and memories from my youth. I'm a drummer/composer; reading your book gave me some new incentives for my musical goals. – Massimo

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I loved reading the book. You rekindled my interest in their music and I learned a lot about the individual personalities, influences and struggles to keep a band together. All my favorite artists, Beatles, Hendrix, Yes, Jeff Beck were mentioned so I was excited to read it. I liked the format because it was easy to pick up after a few days and get right back into it. I was bummed when it was finished. The 2 best things I have read this year were your book and the Geoff Emerick Beatles book.– Ray Nassr

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Well done. I'm on my second time through. Appreciate your time and effort. I waited half of my life for PP&B and you pulled it off with charm and style.. Again, thanks… – Bill Bacon

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I couldn't put it down. Literally. I read the entire book in one sitting (something I have not done for years). I was completely drawn in. I think this is because a splendid amount of the text comprises actual quotes from members of the band - I like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth - you feel that you are part of the experience. But the text is also really well balanced - quotes, analysis, interesting (and to me new) information. I loved the way each album is described in detail. I actually sat there with my headphones on and listened to all the albums as I read. I feel that I understand the music much better now. Furthermore, the level of research was, I thought, exceptional. I used to think I knew a fair bit about the MO but Walter's the man. Walter - great work, sir. Your engaging enthusiasm for the MO is reflected in every page. I think Power, Passion and Beauty relates not only to the MO but also to your book. - Morrid (Frank Gambale Board)

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Walter Kolosky does a terrific job with this book, leaving no stone unturned. All former members of the Mahavishnu Orchestra contribute interviews for the book - mostly candid, plus there are plenty of guest quotes including members of other noted bands and the latter incarnations of the MO. There's plenty of history here - pre band, band and post-band. There's also a good amount of musical analysis and the book interacts with a website - so the work is dynamic and takes advantage of the modern era in technology.

The book is a quick read and entertaining; it's the kind of book you leave laying around and pick up repeatedly and reread over and over. The impact of the original Mahavishnu Orchestra is made clear and there are great stories about the bands that the MO wound up opening up for or co-headlining with. Once you've heard the music of the MO you will feel sympathy for these other bands.

I recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of the MO or for anyone who is interested in music.

I have heavy praise for Walter for putting this book together; the story had to be told and he stepped up. It is clearly the work of an educated fan of the band. I felt like a got a real feel for the personalities of all the musicians in the original band, and that's helped me to understand how things imploded for them.- JSG (Amazon Review)

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Walter Kolosky and Mahavishnu bassist Rick Laird at a book signing.

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Walter with John McLaughlin a few years ago.

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Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting Walter with 1980's Mahavishnu bassist Jonas Hellborg.

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Zodiac Sign:Capricorn
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Education:College graduate
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I am Power, Passion and Beauty

The Story of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra:
The Greatest Band That Ever Was

By Walter Kolosky. Published by Abstractlogix Books.

Finalist for the 2007 ARSC award for "Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research."

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FIREFOX!

"If you really want to know where the fusion thing began, read this. John McLaughlin and his Mahavishnu Orchestra was at the very center of this genre and Power, Passion and Beauty is at the very center of that history". - Steven Rosen for Curled-up with a Good Book ... March 2008

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Steven Rosen from Curled up with a Good Book says, “If you really want to know where the fusion thing began, read this. John McLaughlin and his Mahavishnu Orchestra was at the very center of this genre and Power, Passion and Beauty is at the very center of that history.”

Stuart Nicholson for Jazzwise magazine says, “...I enjoyed this book. It’s a good read and communicates the real significance of one of jazz’s great ensembles.”

Jeff Melton from the progressive music webzine Eclectic Moonlight says, "Mr. Kolosky has provided a distinctive insight into the inner workings of the group, and he has shed new light on arguably the first and finest fusion band on the planet."

Bloomberg News' Paul Goguen (Host of Bloomberg Muse) says Power, Passion and Beauty, "... is skillfully researched and assembled from the band's formation to its demise. It is a must read for any Mahavishnu or music fan."

Colin Harper of Mojo Magazine writes- "…definitively researched … and page-turning account - from conception to destruction to a kind of resurrection. Forget about punk: this is 403 chords and the truth."

The Boston Phoenix says that Power, Passion and Beauty is, “…an entertaining ride.”

Anil Prasad of Innerviews calls the book, "...highly informative and engaging..."

Ralph Miriello of Allaboutjazz writes, "This is a must read for any fan or musician who were mystically touched by this music... What this book did for me was to reignite my love of this music and give me the impetus to research the music of the other players interviewed, that were also, like me, inspired and awed."

Randy Allar of Cleveland's WCSB's The Fusion Show says, "Power, Passion and Beauty is a brilliantly written book that now answers questions the fans would never have thought of asking."

Music Radio host Len Davis of PBS (Australia) says, “The power of this book is such that I could not put it down once I started!

Jordan Rich of Boston's WBZ Radio says “If you're not a fan of the band before reading it, you will certainly grow to appreciate the music and the inventive artists who fashioned it...and probably come away hunting down their CDs."

John Kelman of Allaboutjazz.com, says Walter 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...a terrific story beautifully told."

Marco Anderson of Allaboutjazz.com says, "...as a fan, I found it riveting."

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"I am very happy about this book. Walter's heart is in the right place and he is a very good writer." - Mahavishnu founder and guitarist John McLaughlin.

"That book (Power, Passion and Beauty) is great! - Chick Corea.

"I read it straight through. It really allowed me to see things from other peoples' perspectives. It made me feel very proud of all that we had accomplished. Walter's book really captures the spirit of the whole thing." – Mahavishnu Keyboardist Jan Hammer

"Power, Passion and Beauty tells it like it was. I was there and I should know." - Mahavishnu Violinist Jerry Goodman

"...a most enjoyable read, Walter knows more about the MO than I do and I was the bass player! If you were a MO fan, you've got to read this book." – Mahavishnu Bassist Rick Laird

"Ring, ring, ring the bells for the new hot book about the Mahavishnu Orchestra! It is the truthful and captivating story about Musical Geniuses who have not been touched to this very Day.” – Mahavishnu II Drummer Narada Michael Walden

"Walter's Mahavishnu book is just amazing!!!! There is SO much information (much of which I didn't know!), and just an incredible accounting of the history of this band. For me personally, it's great to see how our Mahavishnu Band fit into the entire picture. From reading, I am learning so much new information- about John, his music, his contemporaries, and my peers. I highly recommend this to any music enthusiast, and I believe it will certainly rank as a definitive work!" – Danny Gottlieb from the 1980’s Mahavishnu.

"I read the book in one day. I loved it! They are giants...all of them!" - Steve Lukather

"...a very fine book." - Steve Khan

“I just finished reading the Mahavishnu book. I couldn't put it down. Read it in one stretch on the 9 hour trip to Baltimore. Fascinating! So much I didn't know about John and his band mates. I loved how the author wrapped it up with a Chinmoy style poem. There were some facts that were really surprising, such as Ralph Armstrong getting his kid through college by suing Massive Attack!” – Kai Eckhardt

"I read your book - Power, Passion & Beauty cover to cover on my flight to NYC a few days ago! I loved it. I learned more than I have ever known about Mahavishnu. I especially liked how you approached each section/movement of your book - like the way the MO would approach a tune. Very artistic, sir!" - Guitarist Lindsey Boullt.

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****The Mahavishnu Orchestra.****

(Photo by Renate Damm.)

The Story:

Starting in 1971 and lasting in one form or another for five years, the Mahavishnu Orchestra exploded onto the popular music scene while simultaneously trashing all existing conventions, forging a new direction that is still controversial to this day. The loudest and fastest band in the entire world, the MO literally could scare people yet also could create music of great beauty. Today, its genre-busting music serves as a foundation for many musical movements.

All five members of the original band, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Jan Hammer, Jerry Goodman and Rick Laird, cooperated with the author. In addition, almost 150 people, including some of the world’s greatest musicians and artists, provide comments exclusive to this book. Among them are Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, Sir George Martin, Jean-Luc Ponty, Peter Max, Joe Zawinul, Bill Frisell, Dennis Chambers, Bill Bruford, Peter Erskine, Jimmy Herring, John Scofield, Steve Lukather, Lyle Mays, Steve Morse, Narada Michael Walden and many, many more. Experience this remarkable story through those that lived it and are still living it. You will be captured by the Power, Passion and Beauty of it all.

Suggested Retail $24.95

Paper Back. 313 pages. Abstract Logix Books ISBN 978-0-9761016-2-9

..

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Mahavishnu fans, music fans and people who enjoy a good story. To purchase a signed copy of the book, please send me a myspace email for details.Or...

Buy me at:

AbstractLogix, Amazon.com , Audiophile Imports, (Available as a special order at Barnes and Noble, Waldenbooks and Borders), AMOEBA MUSIC. BOP SHOP RECORDS, BYRD'S AUDIO SUPPLY, CAPRI PRODUCTS, DOWN HOME MUSIC STORE/ARHOOLIE, FREAKBEAT RECORDS, JAMEY AEBERSOLD JAZZ, INC., Jan Hammer.com, JAZZ RECORD MART, John McLaughlin.com, MADD RHINO, MELODY RECORDS, MUSIC MILLENNIUM, NEWBURY COMICS, PEGASUS BOOKS, PLAN 9 INC., RASPUTIN'S, SILVER PLATTERS, TWIST & SHOUT I.

Power, Passion and Beauty is now available as an E-Book at Mobipocket!

Signed copies of Power, Passion and Beauty are also available! Send a Myspace message for ordering details.

Mahavishnu News:

Jazz.com is world premiering the historic fine art jazz photography of Mahavishnu bassist Richard Laird! Richard’s amazing images can be viewed and purchased at Jazz.com

Power, Passion and Beauty will be a part of the required reading curriculum at Berklee College of Music beginning in September of 2009.

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The great Mahavishnu violinist Jerry Goodman visits Walter at his home.

The Czech (Slovak) translation of the book has just been named by the Czech music magazine HIS Voice as the Best Music Writing of 2008!

Walter just interviewed John McLaughlin for Jazz.com. John talks about his new album and DVD and many other topics. Read Here.

Don't forget to check out the hundreds of reviews Walter has written for Jazz.com as well. Included are many Mahavishnu reviews.

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John McLaughlin and fusion fan Kerstin at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. (March 2008)

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ESC Records will be releasing a two-CD all-star tribute to the Mahavishnu Orchestra sometime in 2008. It will be entitled Mahavishnu Re-Defined.

Power, Passion and Beauty is now one of the first Amazon Kindle books available! Kindle book price is only $ 9.99. For details Go Here.

Wolfgang’s Vault is now offering wonderful and historic Mahavishnu Orchestra Concerts for download! These concerts are culled from a collection found in the concert promoter Bill Graham archives and painstakingly remixed. Many of the source tapes also come from the work of famed sound engineer Dinky Dawson. It is rumored that there are many more to come! Click on the Wolfgang's Vault link at the beginning to discover!

Sri Chinmoy, John McLaughlin's spiritual guru in the early 1970's, and the man who gave John the name for the Mahavishnu Orchestra, died in New York on October 11.

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John McLaughlin and Rick Laird together again!

The former Mahavishnu Orchestra band mates had not seen each other for 25 years when this shot was taken backstage at NYC's Town Hall after the recent John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension show.
(Photo courtesy of Rick Laird.)

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Another shot of Mark in concert with the 4th Dimension.

(Photo courtesy of Kerstin Baramsky.)

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The great Drummer Mark Mondesir after the 4th Dimension’s performance at Town Hall in New York City. (Photo by Ted McCallion.)

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Author Walter Kolosky with John McLaughlin in Durham, NC the night before Walter emceed the first show of McLaughlin's new band The 4th Dimension. To read John Kelman’s fascinating multi-part look behind the scenes of the formation of the 4th Dimension and its subsequent tour- go to Allaboutjazz. (Photo by John Kelman).

Guitarist Frank Gambale joined Billy Cobham in Australia in March, performing Mahavishnu Orchestra music with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra! Rave reviews!

Jeff Beck paid honor to the Mahavishnu Orchestra by beginning his fantastic set at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival on July 28 with two cover versions of The Mahavishnu Orchestra's "Resolution" and "Eternity's Breath."

Power, Passion and Beauty will be available in Slovak and Italian translations! Other translation announcements are expected soon! (Those publishers interested in purchasing translation and/or distribution rights may contact me via myspace mail. We are interested in French, Spanish and German in particular.) (We are also looking for a retail distributor in the UK and India)

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Editor Roderick Sibley, Walter and researcher Ted McCallion in NYC for a book signing.

There is a brand new interview with Walter discussing the book at the progressive-rock webzine Eclecticmoonlight.

Power, Passion and Beauty was a finalist for the 2007 ARSC award for "Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research." "The ARSC Awards typically recognize histories, discographies, or biographies representing the "Best Research" in these recording genres: Blues or Gospel Music; Classical Music; Country Music; Folk or Ethnic Music; Jazz; Popular Music; Rock, Rhythm & Blues, or Soul; and Spoken Word."

Power, Passion and Beauty is now available as an E-Book at Mobipocket!

Yet another Mahavishnu Orchestra Tribute album was released on April 17! The Radio String Quartet Celebrating the Mahavishu Orchestra on ACT Records.

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Great Musicians at the NAMM Show dig PPB!

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There are three new CD releases paying homage to the legacy of the MO! Original Mahavishnu drummer Billy Cobham revisits his past on Meeting of the Spirits- A Celebration of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. His drumming propels the HR BigBand as it interprets the music of the Mahavishnu Orchestra through the wonderful arrangements of Colin Towns. Multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband presents A Meeting of Spirits, which is his solo piano offering to the compositions of John McLaughlin. Several Mahavishnu pieces are included. Finally, The Mahavishnu Project has released its latest tribute to the MO called Return to the Emerald Beyond.To purchase these CDs, click on the appropriate album cover.





After over 30 years, Alfred Publishing has just re-released John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra score book! It contains images, poetry and the transcriptions to Mahavishnu tunes through the album Visions of the Emerald Beyond.





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Power, Passion and Beauty's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 813 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Jeff





Jul 15 2009 6:57 PM


Buddha On Mars





Jun 8 2009 2:35 AM

I'll be getting my three days pass for the NY Maha gigs.
Planet-Drum





May 29 2009 3:08 PM

Thanks for your friendship.

www.planet-drum.com
STAFF
KING CRIMSON tribute by THE GREAT DECEIVERS





May 16 2009 6:55 PM

Thank you so very much for the add!!!!
Did you hear our tribute to "Dance of Maya" on our page???
Take care!!!!!!

P.
Ede





Feb 15 2009 12:59 AM

Greetings Walter, Thanks so very much for listening to my record, I look forward to to reading your book.

Peace & Blessings

Ede
Rev. Psycho Matthias





Jan 9 2009 10:06 PM

I bought the book and read it in a few days... I enjoyed it immensely.
Progster John





Oct 14 2008 12:54 AM

Hi Walter,

Just wanted to say that I very much enjoyed your book. I've read biographies of Yes, Genesis, and Emerson Lake & Palmer, and I would say 'Power, Passion, and Beauty' was the best of the lot. I think what really made the book work for me were all the quotes by the key players, the concert recaps, and above all the fact that you concentrated on the wonderful music above all else.

I wish I had been the guy who stood up and yelled "John, your music is beautiful!" as the MO were playing 'Power of Love'. ;o)

Well done! :o)

John Rodda of Ascension
Tampa Bay, Florida
Marty Power





Sep 21 2008 3:45 PM

Excellent work! I've been giving this as a gift to the younger people I'm gigging with - it's nostalgia for me, but it's a history lesson for them.
You're to be commended for a great job!
Curtis Wicks





Aug 7 2008 9:51 AM

Looks like a great book!
Kenneth





Aug 5 2008 8:57 PM

I think it's wonderful that you made a page devoted to Mahavishnu Orchestra!!! I have Birds Of Fire and Love,Devotion,and Surrender w/ John & Carlos on it. By far Birds Of Fire was the most inspirational guitar/instrumental albums I've ever heard. It introduced me to odd/alternate time signatures.
Kerstin


Online Now!


Aug 1 2008 3:55 PM

Watch a 2 minutes video snippet from "John McLaughlin & the 4th dimension" in Duisburg/Germany, July,5.,2008 here:

http://www. traumzeit-festival. de/

Go to "News", then "Impressionen von der Traumzeit 2008" and scroll down to the video. Enjoy!

MSW





Aug 1 2008 1:24 AM

Wow! A great page for a great band.
Personally the incarnation with Jean Luc Ponty was my favorite.

Kerstin


Online Now!


Jul 9 2008 8:34 PM



power, passion and beauty...
Ami





Jun 27 2008 1:16 PM

Wow, what a fantastic MySpace page!
Thanks for having added me to your friends, I hadn't been listening to John Mac Laughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra since my early years in New York City, and have just realized that since I've been living in France (since 1981) and after the disappearance of vinyl records, I had forgotten all about this quite extraordinary artist!
Also, I've since become initiated into the Aumist religion - based on the sound AUM - and now use this mahamantra, also called "pranava", in morning meditation, so your very nice logo, with its 3-dimensional golden "OM" is like returning full circle.
Thanks for making this rediscovery possible!
OM SHANTI OM
Dhimat
OM
Angie





Jun 25 2008 2:20 AM

Walter, It was exciting to read your book. I savored over every page. I can't thank you enough for sending it to me. What a wonderful work you've done. I've been listening to the band alot and remembering.
It makes me very happy! Thank you so much ~ Angie
Kerstin


Online Now!


Jun 2 2008 9:31 PM

Hi Walter,
I'm just uploading pics of the last 4th dimension concert and thought you would like this one...

regards

Kerstin

Lumina





Jun 2 2008 2:40 PM

Hi! A real tribute for these great MO musicians!
Check out LUMINA's music when you have a time.
Cheers
Ray Vas





May 25 2008 7:31 AM

I'm feel so honored by your invitation!

I Love these great artist here, & of course I grow up listening to them.

Love & Peace,

A Point of View
Grimpresle





May 19 2008 9:47 PM

Hello friends,
It's a great,great thank , to every of you, for having request my friendship , that I give you, with whole my heart!!!
"Hope" is a marvellous title, a perfection in Jazz Rock; a special thank for Mr John, who has so much heart engraven in our memory.

Soon to meet you again ,for those I know from before,and the new of course also !
Robin Hill





May 19 2008 9:11 PM

Hi,
Thanks for finding us!
I shall certainly be getting a copy of the book!
Anna
h3ttory





May 15 2008 6:52 PM

HI THANKS FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL SPACE....
HAVE AN EXCELLENT DAY.....
PEACE,LOVE AND GREAT MUSIC FOR EVERYONE..
Ted





May 13 2008 3:02 AM

I'm going to get reacquainted with John Mc and MO! Like the power of "Hope".

Ted from Chicago
Gianfranco Continenza - interview Just Jazz Guitar


Online Now!


May 4 2008 6:01 AM

Hi Walter!!!
Have a great day!!!!
Best regards,
Gianfranco
Matt Stevens


Online Now!


May 2 2008 7:31 AM

Hi

Still love the book!

Hows it going? Thought I'd get in touch

There is a free EP to download on my site in may

Speak soon and take it easy

MS

Matt%20%20StevensQuantcast
muck groh





Apr 26 2008 10:49 AM

Hello author,
thanks a lot for your request! Greetings
from franconia!
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