The Mostly Mahavishnu Ensemble
The Mostly Mahavishnu Ensemble highlights one of the great musical innovators of the 20th century, John McLaughlin. This course focuses on the Mahavishnu Orchestra and some other compositions from that era, and emphasizes understanding odd time signatures and using creative melodic development techniques. Once students gain familiarity with these concepts, they integrate current grooves (e.g. from hip-hop, J Dilla beats, drum and bass, techno, and/or electronica) as John incorporated rock, the music of his time, into his music. All compositions are by John McLaughlin unless otherwise indicated. Towards the end of the semester, students are encouraged to write original compositions in his style.