Album: Birds of Fire by Mahavishnu Orchestra (1973)
Genre: Jazz
Record Label: Columbia
Format: Album

Description: Birds of Fire is the second studio album by jazz fusion band the Mahavishnu Orchestra. It was released on January 3, 1973 by Columbia Records and is the last studio album released by the original band line-up before it dissolved.

As with the group's previous album, The Inner Mounting Flame, Birds of Fire consists solely of compositions by John McLaughlin. These include the track "Miles Beyond (Miles Davis)", which McLaughlin dedicated to his friend and former bandleader.

The back cover of the album features the poem "Revelation" by Sri Chinmoy.

Artist Background: The Mahavishnu Orchestra was the name of two jazz-fusion groups led by John McLaughlin, in 1971-1976 and 1984-1987. The band's original lineup featured "Mahavishnu" John McLaughlin on acoustic and electric guitars, with members Billy Cobham on drums, Rick Laird on bass guitar, Jan Hammer on electric and acoustic piano and synthesizer, and Jerry Goodman on violin. This first incarnation of the ensemble was a multinational group: McLaughlin is from Yorkshire, England; Cobham from Panama; Hammer... Part of the New York City, New York, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Jazz movement.

Music Scene: Part of the New York City, New York, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1970s era. Associated with Jazz movement.

Tags: Jazz, 1970s, Album, Columbia

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Birds of Fire is the second studio album by jazz fusion band the Mahavishnu Orchestra. It was released on January 3, 1973 by Columbia Records and is the last studio album released by the original band line-up before it dissolved.

As with the group's previous album, The Inner Mounting Flame, Birds of Fire consists solely of compositions by John McLaughlin. These include the track "Miles Beyond (Miles Davis)", which McLaughlin dedicated to his friend and former bandleader.

The back cover of the album features the poem "Revelation" by Sri Chinmoy.

Birds of Fire

Mahavishnu Orchestra

Track List

Buy Now

You May Also Like