Birds Of Fire [180 Gram], Mahavishnu Orchestra, Vinyl

Long before it was 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.