Which Is The Best Miles Davis Spin-Off 70s Fusion Group?

Guybrush · 09-08-2009, 08:18 AM

Hey guys!

As you know, Miles Davis' Band was a training ground for many famous jazz musicians. In the late 60s, he laid down the groundwork for what we know as fusion, jazz fusion or jazz rock. Take your pick. Anyways, some of the guys playing with Miles Davis would expand on fusion in their own bands in the 70s. This lead to the birth of the 3 great 70s fusion groups.

I'll give a very short intro to each of them, I guess.

Mahavishnu Orchestra
The orchestra was led by famous guitarist John McLaughlin, also known as Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, hence the name of the band.

Return to Forever
The band was led by famous keyboardist and scientologist Chick Corea who initially wanted a softer and more accessible sound than Miles Davis' experimentations.

Weather Report
The founders here were pianist Joe Zawinul and saxophonist Wayne Shorter who had already played together in Maynard Ferguson's Big Band met before they collaborated with Miles Davis on the staple fusion albums In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew.

So, to summarize .. These 3 are all celebrated core fusion groups of the 70s with a lot of yum-yum in their respective discographies. Which of the three is your favourite?

At the moment, mine's still Return to Forever.

Nicktarist · 09-08-2009, 03:51 PM

Miles was an *******. I could tell you a million funny stories I've heard from people who went to go see him. They would make you cry to the point of tears.

Mahivishnu is awesome, and I love *almost* anything Chik Corea does, but Weather Report is my favorite. I grew up with Heavy Weather and Black Market. My brother picked them up back when he was a middle schooler for about 9 bucks each.

peace,
-nick

pabloom7544 · 09-22-2009, 06:11 PM

ah hard choice. i would probably go with weather report, even though chick is one of the greatest. i prefer his acoustic stuff though, and havona is just out of this world

Howard the Duck · 11-13-2011, 03:43 AM

Herbie Hancock's Headhunters is somewhat a spin-off band as well.

I voted Mahavishnu, that's the one I enjoy most.

sonar1 · 11-15-2011, 10:43 AM

My oldest brother turned me on to Light As A Feather - Chick Corea.

I've been trying to play "Spain," from Return to Forever, ever since.

Bill Conners and Al Dimeola set the bar high.

I loved what John McLaughlin did for Carlos Santana: really got him to the next level.

Actually I love all these groups, but Return to Forever won my vote by the tiniest of margins.

For Fusion guitar I like Larry Coryell, but he didn't make the Miles Alumni. Mike Stern did though.

View Poll Results: Which is your favourite of these three 70s fusion groups?
Mahavishnu Orchestra	5	45.45%
Return to Forever	3	27.27%
Weather Report	3	27.27%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll

09-08-2009, 08:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	Which Is The Best Miles Davis Spin-Off 70s Fusion Group? Hey guys! As you know, Miles Davis' Band was a training ground for many famous jazz musicians. In the late 60s, he laid down the groundwork for what we know as fusion, jazz fusion or jazz rock. Take your pick. Anyways, some of the guys playing with Miles Davis would expand on fusion in their own bands in the 70s. This lead to the birth of the 3 great 70s fusion groups. I'll give a very short intro to each of them, I guess. Mahavishnu Orchestra The orchestra was led by famous guitarist John McLaughlin, also known as Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, hence the name of the band. Return to Forever The band was led by famous keyboardist and scientologist Chick Corea who initially wanted a softer and more accessible sound than Miles Davis' experimentations. Weather Report The founders here were pianist Joe Zawinul and saxophonist Wayne Shorter who had already played together in Maynard Ferguson's Big Band met before they collaborated with Miles Davis on the staple fusion albums In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew. So, to summarize .. These 3 are all celebrated core fusion groups of the 70s with a lot of yum-yum in their respective discographies. Which of the three is your favourite? At the moment, mine's still Return to Forever. __________________ Something Completely Different

09-22-2009, 06:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
pabloom7544 Groupie Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 4	ah hard choice. i would probably go with weather report, even though chick is one of the greatest. i prefer his acoustic stuff though, and havona is just out of this world

11-15-2011, 10:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
sonar1 Groupie Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: West Coast U.S. Posts: 26	My oldest brother turned me on to Light As A Feather - Chick Corea. I've been trying to play "Spain," from Return to Forever, ever since. Bill Conners and Al Dimeola set the bar high. I loved what John McLaughlin did for Carlos Santana: really got him to the next level. Actually I love all these groups, but Return to Forever won my vote by the tiniest of margins. For Fusion guitar I like Larry Coryell, but he didn't make the Miles Alumni. Mike Stern did though.