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Mahavishnu Orchestra

Birds of Fire

Speakers Corner

Columbia KC 31996

LP Black $39
  • 180 gram LP w/ Standard Sleeve
  • Recording: August 1972 at Trident Studios, London, by Ken Scott and CBS-Studios, New York, by Jim Green

Description

Of the three ‘incarnations’ by the spiritually inspired Mahavishnu Orchestra, the first is the most full-bodied. The enlightened John McLaughlin and his musicians were immortalized through their début album “The Inner Mounting Flame”, which was included in the list of the 100 Best Jazz Albums; a short time later they recorded their highly concentrated studio compilation “Birds Of Fire”. Long before today’s saleably labelled World Music, the quintet set the standards for a meaningful amalgamation of dynamic rock with complex Indian rhythms and occidental conventions. Already in the title piece, the musicians combine a sharpened Hendrix style with expansive melodies, and with smacking grooves and fine riffs draw all that is grand in jazz (“Miles Beyond”) into the musical centre. With almost chamber-music-like density, “Thousand Island Park” blossoms out in soft colours, whilst as a contrast unremittingly flowing cascades in “Hope” search desperately for...

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Preview Tracklist

  • 1 Birds of Fire
  • 2 Miles Beyond
  • 3 Celestial Terrestrial Commuters
  • 4 Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love
  • 5 Thousand Island Park
  • 6 Hope
  • 7 One Word
  • 8 Sanctuary
  • 9 Open Country Joy
  • 10 Resolution