The Iridium Controversy by Birdsongs Of The Mesozoic

02 Jul

Written by Glenn Astarita
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If the cover of this CD looks familiar to many of you old-time prog-rockers out there, then you may recall Roger Dean’s somewhat infamous artwork for the band, "YES." With that, Dean’s blurred spoof of nature amid hazy depictions of a prehistoric age (Mesozoic era), suggest a lighthearted aura to this complex yet uncannily accessible affair. Perhaps the artwork mirrors the unclassifiable musical qualities of this continually inventive Boston MA., area band. On the heels of its previous outing titled "Petrophonics," this multitasking quintet once again furthers its sojourn into a cross-polarization of musical boundaries. But what separates the group from many others, resides within a distinct musical sound, featuring compositions that contain elements of classical, prog-rock, jazz and more. That’s only a portion of the differentiator. Take asymmetrical parts of rigidly arranged classical overtures and combine them with saxophonist Ken Field’s jazzy choruses, then top it off with an oscillating ebb and flow. The band interrogates the jazz waltz format on "Make the Camera Dance." Elsewhere, they dish out guitar/keyboard-based grooves, awash with sinuously designed time signatures and regimented unison choruses. To that end, guitarist Michael Bierylo, keyboardists Erik Lindgren and Rick Scott work thru a bevy of multipart arrangements. And where others miss the boat, by haphazardly fusing variegated styles and genres into one program, these folks have most assuredly concocted a formula that works. In addition, melody signifies a key ingredient within the musicians’ collective methodologies. (Highly recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Birdsongs Of The Mesozoic
CD Title: The Iridium Controversy
Genre: Fusion
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Cuneiform Records
Musicians: Erik Lindgren (acoustic grand piano, washboard, acetone organ), Ken Field (saxophones, flutes, percussion), Rick Scott (synthesizer, piano, percussion), Michael Bierylo (guitars, programming, sound design, floor tom) - Additional Musicians (Selected Tracks): Larry Dersch (Percussion, drums), Terry Donahue (percussion, djembe), Roger Miller (piano), Eric Paull (drums), Ken Winokur (percussion)
Label Website: http://www.cuneiformrecords.com
Rating: Four Stars