I have been a Mahavishnu fan most of my life, ever since I first saw the original band play live back in my college days. Although I would never have initiated a tribute thing on my own, when asked to join "Treasures" I jumped at the opportunity to play this music since I have never really had a line up available to do so. I thought it could be fun, good for my chops, and provide a chance to revisit my roots as I do with The Berend Bothers Band which indulges my blues and blues-rock side.

Folks familiar with Mastermind probably know The Mahavishnu Orchestra had some influence on my own music over the years too, especially on our Excelsior! album, but in many other places as well. How could it not? This music was hugely influential. John Mclaughlin was one of my favorite guitarists and in my way of seeing things, Mahavishnu took off where Cream left off, so this is very natural for me although the music is still quite technically challenging!

Calvin has quite a pedigree, playing with Ornette Coleman in his younger days and recently with Vernon Reid, amongst others. All the musicians here are accomplished in their own right. My goals with this band are not to duplicate the recordings note-for-note, but rather, to evoke the spirit of what it was like to sit in the audience at a Mahavishnu concert 40 some years ago. Unless you actually saw that I don't think you can really appreciate the intensity of the experience, on many different levels. It certainly left a lasting impression on me.

Although nothing will ever duplicate the orginal band, I believe we have the potential to nail the right vibe. After seeing one of our live videos on Facebook Gary Husband commented "Very, very good work... The guitarist really gets the vernacular - more than any I've heard in any of the other tribute bands out there. He really brings the right spirit to it for me."  Cool.

Bb