Birds of Play

After heavily touring the left coast, Pacific northwest and northern Rockies this year, we’re thrilled that the Birds of Play want to return to the listening room of the li’l old Coaldale Schoolhouse. They played to a very large crowd there in January so we’re anticipating a possible sell-out. 

They also found time to record a new album, “Birdsongs of the American West”, which is getting great reviews. Read what American UK had to say about the album here and check out their new song “Aftermath” here.

If you’ve seen them before you have an idea of what to expect: lush songwriting, exquisite arrangements, warm harmonies and a Colorado vibe sweeter than Olathe corn 

If you aren’t familiar with them, here’s the skinny:

Birds of Play is an Americana Roots quartet based in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. Their distinct sound is rooted in and inspired by their connection to the land in which they reside. The band features multi- instrumentalists and songwriters Alex Paul on Guitar, Upright Bass, Mandolin and Vocals; Eric Shedd on Upright Bass, Mandolin, Guitar and Vocals; Anneke Dean on Violin, Guitar and Vocals and Jack Tolan on Guitar, Mandolin, Electric Bass and Vocals.

Their arrangements and compositions are a reflection of their vast and teaming pools of inspiration from artists such as Wood Brothers, Punch Brothers and Andrew Bird. Birds of Play’s high-caliber musicianship and song craft are laced with imagination and a vibrant, intuitive understanding of the human condition - while their live shows weave together an intricate tapestry of place, authenticity, magic, and humor.

Four years into this journey, Birds of Play are venturing further out of the nest to create community and bring people together to share in universal themes of love, connection, and wonder. With an uplifting and joyous exuberance - and a fourth studio album on the horizon for release this summer - these four dear friends are riding the thermals of their creativity to ever-greater heights.

“With a broad palette of sounds to draw on, Birds of Play have produced an album (Birdsongs of the American West) that adds a new dimension to the traditional string band” – Americana UK

“The gentle mandolin picking and the cooing acoustic guitar lines fall together in a gorgeous cascade, like a serene creek babbling in the woods. Over top, Paul’s smooth and steady voice carries a sense of sincerity that’s a true rarity” – American Songwriter