Artist:  Mahavishnu Orchestra

Title:  Birds of Fire

Date:  1973

Label:  Columbia Records   PC 31996

Album Design:  Ashok (Chris Poisson)

Photography:  Pranavanda

Notes: A stellar collection of musicians came together and produced some incredible records. More than just speed for speeds sake this album has intensity and great feeling. McLaughlin has always had a hankerin' to do jazz tunes by Miles and Coltrane on his guitar and does a fine rendition of "Miles Beyond" here. A wee lad I was in 1973 when I got to see this ensemble live (in Scranton Pa. no less) and I think it radically changed my view of what music was or could be. I can only assume that others also experienced this via the Orchestra and friends. Bright cover colors and a few live shots of the band complete this package. Not for everyone, but if you're a jazz/fusion fan go for it.

Line Up:

John McLaughlin: guitar
Rick Laird: bass
Billy Cobham: percussion
Jerry Goodman: violin
Jan Hammer: keyboards, moog

Track Listing

Side 1

Birds of Fire
Miles Beyond
Celestial Terrestrial Commuters
Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love
Thousand Island Park

Side 2

One Word
Sanctuary
Open Country Joy
Resolution