The Mahavisnu Orchestra
This band has always represented to me a technical, musical, virtuosity. No singing and insane musicianship! I am THE music nerd, so cut me some slack. These guys are widely unknown everywhere. You can't imagine how many blank stares I've seen when I bring these guys up at parties. They were as big as any jazz fusion band went back then (1970's), but they didn't have any real fame. But they toured arenas, which barely any jazz bands get to do. Particularly because they were electric. A mash of jazz, indian, classical, blues, and drum n bass. They toured the US as one of the highest paid arena rock jazz fusion bands in the US in the 70's (a small list of bands in this genre really). The band was also made up of musicians from all over the world. This video shows an utterly original band that no one can touch in the chops department. Check it out. You may not dig it, but it's one of the most complex pieces of music ever played live by 5 people.