Mahavishnu Orchestra Inner Worlds  
 

Every McLaughlin album has something to offer. As does Inner Worlds.

However, it is McLaughlin's weakest outing. Released in 1976, Inner Worlds features the third and scaled down edition of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. No more strings. No more horns. No more Ponty.

Michael Walden, Stu Goldberg on synthesizer and Ralphe Armstrong on bass add their highly capable talents to the mix. McLaughlin unveiled an early guitar synthesizer on this album to varied results.

Without question the worst tune McLaughlin ever recorded appears on this album. It is entitled "Miles Out" and should be avoided like the plague. We'll just call it an experiment which didn't work. Conversely, check out "Way of the Pilgrim". This is stellar work. Walden penned this piece and much like "Cosmic Strut" Short RealAudio samplewhich he wrote for Visions - It kicks ass! Inner Worlds also offers some other fine tunes but extra-curricular vocals and a concept looking for an album prove to be its ultimate downfall. Use your CD skip function and enjoy the worthwhile tunes.


Walter Kolosky
smsi@attbi.com


Walter Kolosky is a jazz fan and founder of Ecomonics.com who lives in Braintree, MA, USA

 

1. All in the Family - (6:01) (J.McLaughlin)
2. Miles Out - (6:44) (J.McLaughlin) Short RealAudio sample
3. In My Life - (3:22) Short RealAudio sample

(N.M.Walden - J.McLaughlin)
4. Gita - (4:28) (J.McLaughlin)
5. Morning Calls - (1:23)
(J.McLaughlin, N.M.Walden)
6. The Way of the Pilgrim - (5:15) Short RealAudio sample
(N.M.Walden)
7. River of My Heart - (3:41)
(N.M.Walden - K.C.Anderson)
8. Planetary Citizen - (2:14) (R.Armstrong)
9. Lotus Feet - (4:24) (J.McLaughlin) Short RealAudio sample
10. Inner Worlds Part 1 & 2 - (6:33) Short RealAudio sample
(J.McLaughlin - S.Goldberg)
 

Tracks 1, 2, 6, 10, 11: Stu Goldberg - keyboards; John McLaughlin - guitar, synthesizer;

Ralphe Armstrong - bass guitar; Michael Walden - drums, percussion.
Track 3: Stu Goldberg - vocals; John McLaughlin - acoustic guitar, vocals;
Michael Walden - piano, vocals; Ralphe Armstrong - bass guitar.
Track 4: Stu Goldberg - keyboards; John McLaughlin - guitar, synthesizer, vocals;
Michael Walden - drums, percussion, vocals; Ralphe Armstrong - bass guitar.
Track 5: Michael Walden - organ; John McLaughlin - guitar, synthesizer.
Track 7: Michael Walden - piano, vocals, percussion; Ralphe Armstrong - bass guitar.
Track 8: Stu Goldberg - keyboards; John McLaughlin - guitar, synthesizer, vocals;
Michael Walden - drums, percussion, vocals; Ralphe Armstrong - bass guitar.
Track 9: Stu Goldberg - keyboards; John McLaughlin - guitar, synthesizer;
Michael Walden - drums, percussion.

Recorded at Le Chateau Herouville, France, July & August 1975.
Produced by John McLaughlin and Dennis MacKay

 
  Sony Columbia 476905 (p) 1976, 1994