There are plenty of examples where a musician’s geographical home bears no resemblance to the music they’ve made their own. City boys playing outstanding country music or kids from Minnesota inhabiting the sounds of musica Norteña from Mexico, for example. In the case of western Colorado-based, string band Birds of Play, the relationship seems to be more symbiotic. This is highlighted in their new album, Birdsongs of the American West, recorded in Ridgway, Colorado, just over the mountain from Telluride.
The CD opens with Texture, where “texture is the language of time” is metaphor for the beauty of canyons and mountains. Guitarist and band co-founder Alex Paul takes us flying through the landscapes. Animas is more of a bluegrass number about finding, or at least understanding, your soul. It bears a nod to the indigenous spirituality so unique to the American Southwest. In Stargazer, fiddler Anneke Dean takes a turn on lead vocals, noting the character of a dreamer where, “you will find your own way, but it won’t satisfy.”
While the beauty of the land may inspire many of the songs, the band isn’t afraid to show off some musicianship. Linden and Oak is an instrumental piece somewhere between bluegrass and various European traditional styles. Aftermath, a commentary on today’s society, offers everyone a chance to exhibit their chops. Peace is probably the funnest song with 3?, 4?, 5? different time signatures keeping you on your listening toes.
This is the fourth album from band. It has a little more polish and color than their previous couple of records, which I enjoyed as well. Whether that can be attributed to more time together, a different sound guy, or just the comforting surroundings of a familiar recording venue, who knows. Regardless, if you haven’t explored the sounds of Birds of Play, Birdsongs of the American West should be your introduction.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.