Led by jazz fusion legend John McLaughlin, Mahavishnu Orchestra was one of the pre-eminent jazz fusion groups operating in the early 70’s. Prior to the band’s formation McLaughlin had played in jazz icon Miles Davis’ band during the bulk of the 1960’s, and after going out on his own to form a solo career, formed Mahavishnu Orchestra as a way to scratch a more electric artistic itch. With McLaughlin’s creative direction the band would go on to combine elements of Indian classical music, jazz, and psychedelic rock to create what can simply be described as a unique experience. The guitars are all over the place, the rhythm section is untethered, and the melodies are almost cosmic in nature. It’s such a distinct sound that it’s perhaps not surprising the band has influenced bands in a wide variety of genres– just one example, but hardcore band Black Flag‘s guitarist and primary songwriter Greg Ginn has listed them as a strong influence on his creative work.
Birds of Fire was the band’s second album while also being the last with their original lineup. The band would go on to see various lineup changes throughout the 70’s and 80’s, but nothing came close to the sheer creativity they put forth on Birds of Fire.
Standout Songs: “Celestial Terrestrial Commuters”, “Hope”, “One Word”
