Barry's Recollections: George Olliver and The Mandala
By: Barry V. Munro
Last Updated: Monday May 24, 2004
Well, when you discount the effects of time and the intoxication of youth you sometimes wonder about the validity of your memories. Still, all you have to do is play the record and you can tell there was something totally unique about Mandala. Of course, there are many artist that please on tape but die in live performance, and then there are the artist that never can seem to translate the excitement of their on stage performance to recordings. Mandala is probably in that later group even though I absolutely love the sole recording they produced.
I guess the real proof of Mandala’s impact though is the fact 30 years later I am still talking about them. Being a typical critical musician I’ve seen and heard about everyone, and I like so much from many different venues, but few times have I been absolutely floored by a group or an artist.
Mandala did that for me. I wasn’t saved at the time but musically and spiritually they really touched me. No doubt George Olliver is one of the best vocalist and performers I’ve ever seen. I only wished they hadn’t of broken up, because I know they could have produced much more great work.
However, in this life there is just no sense lamenting about time and tides. I guess the really important thing is I am very grateful to them for the experience and the memories. Like so many fans, I wish George the very best in his continuing pursuit of music and his new found walk with Jesus Christ.