Jan Hammer — The Synth Prophet

Musicians like virtuoso keyboardist Jan Hammer are rarely ever mentioned in conversations relating to “greatest” players which is a shame. Mr Hammer’s stamp in the music annals is colossal and his influence far reaching.

Besides penning and performing the seminal “Crockett’s theme” which was the soundtrack for the sun drenched definitive 80s series “Miami Vice”, he also was one of the forefathers of the Acid Jazz movement by linking up with Billy Cobham and forming The Mahavishnu Orchestra (A psychedelic melting pot of fusion jazz ala Weather Report with early 70s experimentalism) founded by Miles Davis affiliate John McLaughlin

One of the premiere fusion groups, the Mahavishnu Orchestra were considered by most observers during their prime to be a rock band, but their sophisticated improvisations actually put their high-powered music between rock and jazz. — Scott Yanow

Jan Hammer founded another outstanding group The Jan Hammer Group in which he expanded his synth vocabulary. Listen here.

Watch the Mahavishnu Orchestra

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