Birdsongs is an instrumental quartet created in 1980 as a more classical/New Music, keyboard-oriented side project of Boston’s famed post-punk rock band, Mission of Burma. Desiring an outlet for his piano music, in 1980, Burma’s guitarist Roger Miller embarked on collaboration with keyboardist and studio producer Erik Lindgren, the former composer and keyboardist of Moving Parts, the Boston art-punk band that had spawned Burma.
To play a short, live set of Birdsongs’ music for the sampler’s 1981 record release party, Miller and Lindgren invited “tape-manipulator-turned–guitarist” Martin Swope, Miller’s co-member in Burma, and keyboardist Rick Scott to perform. Although originally assembled only for a one-shot performance, the quartet became Birdsong’s regular working lineup. The four skilled composer/musicians operated Birdsongs as a composers’ collective, with each member contributing pieces and having equal say in the group’s artistic direction.
Roger Miller left the Birdsongs in 1988 on very friendly terms. Since 1989, when Birdsongs of the Mesozoic signed to DC-based Cuneiform Records to release its 4th recording, Faultline the band has released over 10 albums and earned well-deserved, international recognition for its innovative, cross boundaries sound.
ProgDay is the longest running progressive rock festival in the world. For more information, and to hear music from this year’s bands, visit www.progday.net.