MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA - Apocalypse (1974-1990) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The first recording of the second Mahavishnu Orchestra was a real stretch for John McLaughlin, an encounter with Michael Tilson Thomas and the London Symphony Orchestra. The union wasn't taken seriously at the time, and it ended up harming the reputation of Thomas -- a remarkably adventurous young conductor who defied the stuffy classical powers-that-be and thus probably delayed his eventual rise to the top -- more than McLaughlin. But those with ears, then and now, beheld a remarkable series of pieces that neatly juxtapose and occasionally combine the combustion of McLaughlin's group with rich, tasteful symphonic statements orchestrated for McLaughlin by Michael Gibbs. The new Mahavishnu-ites, electric violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and keyboardist/vocalist Gayle Moran, have their moments, but the real focus of this disc is the quality of the symphonic conceptions and how well McLaughlin blends his lyrical and fiery guitar into the mixture. The best stretch is the breathtakingly ethereal opening of "Hymn to Him"; the promise of fusing rock, jazz, and classical elements had never been executed so alluringly before -- and wouldn't you know, an old experienced hand at introducing classical textures into rock, the Beatles' George Martin, is the producer. Don't let old, outworn preconceptions on either side of the fence prevent you from checking out this beautiful record. by Richard S. Ginell 
Tracklist
1 Power Of Love 4:36
2 Vision Is A Naked Sword 14:16
Piano – Michael Tilson Thomas
3 Smile Of The Beyond 7:56
Lyrics By – Mahalakshmi
4 Wings Of Karma 6:12
5 Hymn To Him 19:23
Credits
Bass, Vocals, Bass Guitar – Ralphe Armstrong
Cello, Vocals – Philip Hirschi
Composed By – John McLaughlin
Conductor – Michael Tilson Thomas
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Michael Walden
Guitar, Vocals – Mahavishnu
Keyboards, Vocals – Gayle Moran
Leader [London Symphony Orchestra] – Hugh Beau
Orchestrated By – Michael Gibbs
Viola – Marsha Westbrook
Violin [Electric], Violin [Electric Baritone] – Jean-Luc Ponty
Violin, Vocals – Carol Shive