Birds of Play in Concert

I had heard of the Birds of Play for a couple of years before I finally saw what the fuss was about on Labor Day this year, when they opened for "folk superstars” Rising Appalachia. The nuts and bolts of the band are this: they are an acoustic quartet (mandolin, guitar, violin, bass) with many members trading instruments frequently, they write incredible songs, they’ve recorded three albums in their short history, they’re clearly good friends who enjoy sharing and creating music together and they are on a spiral toward much, much larger stages.

I find it so difficult to describe their lush sound that I propose a new genre, “Acoustic Wash”, as the intricate interplay between them flows so easily and delicately that it reminds me of a sonic experience in nature, like listening to wind in the pines, the trickle of a mountain stream or even the space of total stillness.

And that may all be by design and a reflection of their deep mutual love of the outdoors and landscape of the American west.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hlNriaeuxg

https://birdsofplaymusic.com/track/1650284/fate-of-saints

When reviewing their album “Murmurations, Vol. 2” Glide Magazine said this:

“You don’t have to be a musician to enjoy this album. That being said, this is the sort of album that musicians are likely to study for composition, including harmony vocals and changes in tempo within a song. It is a very well-crafted album that is especially good when you listen with earphones so you can hear all the nuance included in these songs.”

I can’t think of a better place to hear those nuances than the Coaldale Schoolhouse. Only 95 tickets will be sold ~ please join us for a musical heart massage by Birds of Play

— Bruce Warren