B.Mez - 2026 - Under Circuitous Skies

(68:50; Cuneiform Records)

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic released their debut album all the way back in 1984, although it has been more than 20 years since their last album. One of those who played on that debut was Rick Scott, and along with Michael Bierylo and Ken Field, who both joined later, he formed an improvisational trio in 2007 which played homage to their roots by calling themselves b.mez (all lower case). In May 2019 the trio had the opportunity to record for three days and they invited Roger Miller, co-founder of BotM to be involved, which means the line-up was very close indeed to the last BotM album, with Miller playing instead of Erik Lindgren.

Michael Bierylo (guitar, modular, synthesizer, loops), Ken Field (alto & sopranino saxophones, concert & alto flutes, percussion, loops), Roger Miller (guitar, Rogue lap-steel guitars, prepared piano, loops) and Rick Scott (synthesizers, loops) have together created an  album which makes me think of nature every time I listen to it, as if we are in a jungle or forest with birds and insects calling to each other. The layers of sound at times become a beautiful cacophony, almost as if a dawn chorus has been captured and is being replayed in front of our ears. There is huge depth to this album, and it is difficult to comprehend that this was improvised and recorded in just a few days as it feels like it  has been worked on for many months, ensuring everything is just right and has its place. Imagine if VDGG has been thrown into a Brazilian jungle and told to make music with the tribes they find, and one may almost get close to what this is like. It is strangely compelling and beautiful, while also refusing to conform to any particular norm and is certainly very different to the improvised music I normally listen to (and I guess I listen to more than many). Here we have an album which contains music for the curious, for those who seek something away from mainstream and following a path seldom travelled. My one hope is that if this was recorded some seven years ago does that mean we can expect another one very soon? I certainly hope so. 

Kev Rowland, June 2026

Links:
http://www.cuneiformrecords.com/