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 mid-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 in the later days, 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 "A New Rock & Roll" reached No. 70 on the Canadian charts. It also reached No. 88 on the Cash Box Top 100 chart.
Band members
Final 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
Paul Harwood – bass (1969–1986)
Jimmy Ayoub – drums, percussion (1970–1982; died 2023)