BIRDS OF FIRE

Birds of Fire is the second full-length studio album by multi-national jazz/ fusion act Mahavishnu Orchestra. Besides some splendid musicianship the group´s debut album Inner Mounting Flame (1971) didn´t do much for me as I felt the album lacked compositional structure and memorable themes. So I was a bit catious when I approached Birds of Fire which left just about the same impression as the debut when I listened to the album the first time 15 years ago. Unfortunately my opinion hasn´t changed much in those years.

There are some notable differences between the debut and Birds of Fire though as the more extensive use of synth really boosts the sound in a positive way. The compositional structures are also a bit more intriguing than on the debut but as on the debut too much focus is on soloing ( Read: Noodling) for my taste and too little focus is on actual themes and melodies. When Mahavishnu Orchestra decides to play some composed parts instead of improvisational noodling it sounds fantastic though. Listen to Hope or the last minute of One Word. Simply amazing. Maybe my biggest problem with the songs on Birds of Fire is that they have an unfinished feel to them. Like they were composed in a hurry so the band could go on the road and have something to noodle along to.

The level of musicianship is outstanding. Five virtuosos in the same band is such a treat. The musicianship is without a doubt the biggest asset on this album.

The production is organic and well sounding.

Birds of Fire is a notch better than the debut IMO but it´s still not really striking a cord with me. It´s not that I can´t appreciate improvised playing but it just doesn´t work for me here. I really wish the band had used more time composing music instead of just playing it. Of course it´s not a bad album or anything like that. I just don´t find it excellent. I read another reviewer calling the music cold and I would like to add emotionless to that statement. I´m simply not touched by the music. A 3 star rating is still warranted though as the technical level is so extremely high and the music doesn´t get too much on my nerves.