Walter Kolosky

News and Message Board

Welcome to my new website!

Welcome to my new interactive website featuring the Mahavishnu Orchestra Gig List and my latest book Mahavishnu Memories — The Remarkable Tour History of the Legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra (1971 – 1973). In addition to my news updates, this page is to share any memories you may have of seeing the original Mahavishnu Orchestra live! Feel free to comment on my book(s) too. Do you have any images of the original Mahavishnu and its live performances that you would like to share with fellow fans? Submit images to [email protected]

How to purchase the Paperback

Mahavishnu Memories is scheduled for release on December 1, 2024.

Mahavishnu Memories is available in 2 different paperback print formats!

  1. The Premium Print Format, featuring high resolution images, is available for $29.95 for continental U.S. customers only at this time. 
  2. The Amazon Print on Demand (POD) version, available worldwide for $24.95, is for those on a budget or for  readers outside the Continental United States who cannot wait until the Premium Print Format becomes easily available. The POD has the same content, however, its pictures aren’t quite as crisp as in the Premium Print Format book. The POD edition is also manufactured geographically closer to customers, allowing for lower shipping costs. If you have any questions, you can contact us at [email protected] 

Message Board

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Walter Kolosky
The link is for my live Youtube appearance with the great Bret Primack, the JazzVideoGuy and esteemed writer, on Thursday Dec 19 at 1:00 p.m. EST to discuss my new book Mahavishnu Memories. Anyone signed into Youtube can send questions or comments during the event! I hope you are able to join us as we discuss the remarkable tour history of the legendary Mahavishnu Orchestra. - Walter https://tinyurl.com/MahavishnuMemories
December 18, 2024
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Stephen P. Keating
Love your new book Mahavishnu Memories, I was at opening night Quiet Knight, Chicago IL,1971, when John got his Gibson double-neck. Got there early and met John and Jerry coming down the stairs then Billy came from a taxi and I assisted him going back in with some of his drum gear. The album was not available yet so we didn't know what to expect. What an incredible performance! Saw the band several more times. When can we see a print copy of Mahavishnu picture book.
December 18, 2024
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Pryso
I became aware of John McLaughlin with two Miles Davis albums, "In A Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew". My musical tastes are pretty broad but jazz has been the cornerstone most of my adult life. So in the beginning of the '70s when I heard this wild new band on FM I realized John had expanded his musical approach, that was the Mahavishnu Orchestra. I quickly started buying their albums. Then I heard they were coming to San Diego. Again acting quickly I got tickets for my girlfriend and myself. I'd long forgotten the date but thanks to Walter I now now that was June 12, 1972. Funky Quarters was a rather small, dingy club that booked a surprising number of great musical groups. I say surprising because capacity had to be less than 200. There were two shows and I'm certain both sold out. Small tables were arrayed in front of the stage, with just chairs behind that. We lucked out with a table front-center. I began attending live performances more than 10 years earlier while in college. I've never tried to count them all, but I'll say that night was among the TOP FIVE in all my experiences. Along with the unbelievable high level of energy throughout the concert, what amazed me the most was the interplay between each of the musicians. I've attended many concerts with top level jazz stars where musical ideas were bounced back and forth, all the while being expanded, but none were better connected than the five Mahavishnu members that night. McLaughlin was amazing as expected, but the level of energy, with each musician feeding off the others was amazing and joyous. I say joyous, not only for the audience, but it was plain in the faces of all five, they were into it! That energy level was driven by Billy Cobham. He was like a coiled spring, expanding the drive as the concert raced along. Had he collapsed at the end I wouldn't have been surprised. I didn't remember the date but the experience is etched in my mind.
December 2, 2024
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Anant Sundaram
Simply FABULOUS site! There's so much to mine.... What a stunning labor of love! Thank you, Walter, 🙏 for the incredible efforts, and thank you to all of you involved in making this project come to fruition 🕉️
November 30, 2024
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Ted McCallion
It's been a great pleasure to assist Walter on all of his Mahavishnu books ! The one thing that Walter stressed when doing all the research needed to compile a complete story is accuracy ! And that is what I and the other editors and contributors made sure to do . Every fact, every story, every quote are true and hopefully will honor the memory of "the greatest band that ever was " !
November 30, 2024
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John McGloin
Great looking website. Looks like being a valuable source of info for all things Mahavishnu. Great job Walter.
November 30, 2024