Birdsongs of the Mesozoic

The Profile

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic is an American avant-prog ensemble formed in 1981 by Roger Miller and Martin Swope (ex–Mission of Burma) with Erik Lindgren and Rick Scott. Their largely instrumental music fuses chamber rock, jazz, electronics, and minimalism; Ken Field joined on reeds in 1988, shifting the sound toward a lighter, jazz-inflected direction.

Per the review: formed in 1981; early lineup included Roger Miller, Martin Swope, Rick Scott, and Erik Lindgren. Music mixes free jazz, electronics, chamber music, and minimalism, with prepared piano a hallmark. Ken Field replaced Miller in 1988, adding jazzy sax. Albums cited: Birdsongs of Mesozoic (EP, 1983), Magnetic Flip (1984), Beat Of Mesozoic (EP, 1986), Soundtracks (1987), Faultline (1989), Pyroclastics (1991), Dancing in A’A (1995), Petrophonic(s) (2000), The Iridium Controversy (2003), Extreme Spirituals (2006). Pyroclastics includes covers of Brian Eno’s Sombre Reptiles, Brian Wilson’s Our Prayer, and The Simpsons theme.

An American avant-prog group blending chamber rock, jazz, electronics, and minimalism. Formed by ex–Mission of Burma members with Erik Lindgren and Rick Scott. The review spotlights Pyroclastics (1991), noting its variety, accessibility with Ken Field’s sax, and several covers. Highlights include prepared-piano textures and complex polyrhythms. Overall sentiment is warmly positive.