25 years ago in early October 1984 the World was yet again priveledged to hear the sound of a progressive entity known as The Mahavishnu Orchrestra. The band was totally new save for the sole directing member and guitarist John McGlaughlin. This new more mature version, simply called "Mahavishnu". Tapped into the digital age of musical instruments and recording. An album was recorded in April and May of the same year long before the American tour ensued. McGlauglin was experimenting and working with new sounds being created and played on the expensive Synclavier II Digital Music System from the then sparkling company New England Digital. Though the Synclavier System was mainly a keyboard synth computer based system, McGlaughlin instead of using a keyboard opted for the Aria Pro II/Roland Guitar Controller originally from the Roland GR series controllers of the time. It is important to know that this system helped to drastically change the Mahavishnu sound of this era along with Bill Evans on Saxes, Mitchell Forman on Keybaords, Jonas Helborg on bass, and, Dan Gotlieb on Drums. Also take note that Billy Cobham was the drummer on the studio album with Dan Gotlieb listed as percussion. Cobham opted not to tour however. The album itself at first listen reveals no fireworks on first listen. If fact it's almost a given that one had to see the show with these fantastic songs and musicians as a companion to this music. From the opening funk driven "Radioactivity", leading into the gentle and reassuring "Nostalgia", to the joy of "Clarendon Hills" are among some of the album's highlights. The album as a whole is a compelling listen from beginning to end. One of the few albums I will never be bored with. For years it was neglected to be pressed to CD. In the late 80's when CD's were becoming the rage for everyone it was briefly released on CD never to return until 2005 and currently still available. I personally enjoy this era of The Mahavinu Orchestra more than any of their previous incarnations. From the recording itself to the concert. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the shows. Indeed it was a meeting of the spirits. Positive vibes were in air and in abundance at the Wax Museum in Washington, DC that October night in 1984. Each member of the band took an extended solo while the others sat in circle fashion and listened attentively to what their fellow band mate came up with musically. Up until that night I'd never seen a guitarist play as fast McGlaughlin. Though that clearly isn't the goal speed has it's places. Funk slappin bass was in full swing by this stage of the game but no one played a bass quite like Jonas Helborg. His performance that night riveled many a Jaco performances I had seen. Most of the extended soloing and music centered around the new album but 2 encores were from the Mahavishnu catalog and McGlaughlin donned a Gibson Les Paul for them instead of closing the show with the Synclavier. A true meeting of the spirits indeed. Visit Jon McGlaughlin on the web at www.johnmclaughlin.com/

New USB 2.0 recording interface from Tascam. The US 100 does it all. Record your guitar/bass directly into the US 100 along with a mic and/or stereo inputs. Not tomention the stereo inputs are switchable to accomodate a turntable so you can finish getting your vinyl into the digital and cd World. Read the specs from Tascam below.

TASCAM's US-100 breaks the price barrier for great-quality recording into your computer. The microphone input captures great-sounding performances, or you can plug in your guitar or bass directly into the instrument-level input. Stereo line inputs can be switched to RIAA phono level for digitizing your vinyl collection from your favorite turntable. The USB 2.0 connection guarantees playback without hiccups on your Mac or Windows computer, and the compact aluminum construction withstands the hazards of the road, studio or dorm room.

The US-100 records in stereo at CD-quality 48kHz/16-bit resolution and includes a free copy of Audacity software to get you started. An XLR or 1/4" microphone input is provided, as well as unbalanced stereo line ins and outs. Step up to TASCAM quality without breaking the bank with the US-100.

The Specs:

* Bus-powered USB 2.0 audio interface
* XLR or 1/4"microphone input
* RCA line inputs switchable to RIAA photo inputs with ground lug
* 1/8" stereo headphone output
* 48kHz/16-bit audio resolution
* Zero-latency hardware monitoring
* Mac and Windows drivers included
* Audacity recording software included
* Solid Aluminum case construction