BIRDS OF FIRE

One thing about this album and band is undeniably true and that's the fact that this is progressive music. Progressive music of the highest caliber that is. And it's more that than jazz rock/ fusion in my opinion. Ok, of course it's pretty jazzy and in the end it fits in this subgenre but it strikes me most that this is intricate music primary and jazz just secondary.

Another big plus for Mahavishnu Orchestra is the fact that it's a unique group of musicians creating a sound and style that's never heard before nor after their era. The distorted violin is very significant for the band's sound and is the main reason the band sounds so unique. On One Word the band has some resemblance with Brand X, another leading jazz progband. But also here MO is very distinctive.

Other huge tracks are of course the title track, Sanctuary and Open Country. Objectively this is indeed a masterpiece but I will also have to let my personal taste interfere with the final rating. This means I will have to leave it at 4 stars because in the end this is not music I will play for my sheer enjoyment. I will play this only at moments I want to hear something special and unique. In that case Mahavishnu Orchestra is just about the best example I can think of.