Mahogany Rush

Mahogany Rush
Scene from a performance in 1983
Scene from a performance in 1983
Background information
Also known as Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush (1980–2021)
Origin Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Genres
Years active 1969–2021
Labels Nine Records, 20th Century Fox Records, Columbia Records, Just a Minute Records
Members Frank Marino
Dave Goode
Mick Layne
Avi Ludmer
Mark Weber
Past members Paul Harwood
Jimmy Ayoub
Phil Bech
Johnny McDiarmid
Vince Marino
Timm Biery
Claudio Daniel Pesavento
Peter Dowse
Josh Trager
Website www.mahoganyrush.com

Mahogany Rush was a Canadian rock band led by guitarist Frank Marino. Formed in Montreal, Quebec in 1969, the band had its peak of popularity in the 1970s, playing venues as large as California Jam II.

The band is perhaps best known for Marino's soaring lead guitar which bears a strong resemblance to the playing of Jimi Hendrix. Long-term members of the band have included bassist Paul Harwood and drummer Jimmy Ayoub, and Frank's brother Vince on guitar; Frank Marino is the sole continuous member of the band. Starting in the late 1970s, the group recorded and toured as Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush.

Musical style

Marino has described the band's sound as "The Grateful Dead meets jazz".

Beginnings

In an effort to gain press attention, the original record company created a fictional story that Frank Marino, prior to starting the band, had spent time in a mental institution after taking LSD and was visited by Jimi Hendrix in a vision.

Over time, the band migrated to a larger and more financially supported record company and achieved its greatest radio hit success with the song "Strange Dreams". The single "New Rock & Roll" reached #70 on the Canadian charts.

Members

Last line-up

  • Frank Marino – vocals, guitars, keyboards (1969–2021)
  • Mick Layne – guitars (2000–2021)
  • Avi Ludmer – violin, guitars (2004–2021)
  • Dave Goode – drums (1992–2001, 2005–2021)
  • Mark Weber – bass (2008–2021)

Former members

  • Paul Harwood – bass (1969–1986)
  • Jimmy Ayoub – drums, percussion (1970–1982; died 2023)
  • Phil Bech – piano (1969–1974)
  • Johnny McDiarmid – keyboards (1970–1974)
  • Vince Marino – guitars (1980–2000)
  • Timm Biery – drums (1982–1991)
  • Claudio Daniel Pesavento – keyboards (1982–1989)
  • Josh Trager – drums (2001–2005)
  • Peter Dowse – bass (1986–2008)

Discography

Studio albums
Others
  • 1978 Live (CAN #67)(US #129)
  • 1988 Double Live
  • 1996 Dragonfly – The best of Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush
  • 2004 Real Live! (double album)
  • 2005 Full Circle (remaster)
  • 2005 From the Hip (remaster)
  • 2008 Mahogany Rush IV / World Anthem (remaster)
  • 2009 Mahogany Rush Live / Tales of the Unexpected / What's Next (remaster)
  • 2012 The Power of Rock and Roll / Juggernaut (remaster)