Brenda Reviews Birches Bend: While We’re Waiting

Sep 8, 2022 | Brenda and the Reviews

www.birchesbendband.com

Song List:  Dusty Fields, Bent Creek, Crossing Muddy Waters, You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go, When Joy Kills Sorrow, Far Away, Oxen Run/Lily Pond, Way Up On the Mountain, The Slender Loris, Weaving Butterfly Rag, Marry Me, Lyrebird at the Crossroads/Old Gnarly Oak, Forever Young.

With three band members still in their teens, it’s hard to believe this band was formed in 2018.  Jasper Manning, Lucy Khadder and Sophia Sparks were all students with Chad Manning and their prowess on fiddle and mandolin led to a string ensemble anchored by Jim Kerwin on bass and Chad Manning on guitar.  The band showcased at the 2019 IBMA CBA suite and won first place at the 2019 Berkeley Old Time Music Festival contest.  They are back performing in 2022 with appearances at festivals and the release of this album.

Their music can’t be put into any genre; the songs range from Bob Dylan to the Ye Vagabonds to Bela Fleck plus some original compositions from Lucy, Sophia, and Jasper.  Bela’s “Joy Kills Sorrow” begins with a mournful cello passage and then picks up speed with fiddle and mandolin picking a dance beat bracketed by guitar and bass rhythm.  It’s a tour de force but other compelling instrumentals include Chad’s “Lyrebird at the Old Crossroads/Old Gnarly Oak” and son Jasper’s spirited “Weaving Butterfly Rag.”  Brian and Diarmuid Gloim’s “Way Up on the Mountain” begins with a mournful mandolin passage followed by a close vocal harmony singing intoning the “first creation” and ancient words set to new music.

Lucy’s songs have a wistful viewpoint, and her “Slender Loris” is a conversation with a Slender Loris lemur living in a tree.  “Dusty Fields” has a bouncy upbeat melody coupled with the singer’s regret at leaving fields that no longer grow crops.  It may have a message for our times.  Dolly Parton’s “Marry Me” has a young girl’s viewpoint of marriage where a kiss is a promise, and happy ever after is guaranteed.  Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” is an interesting contrast when sung by a teenager but it is a classic song.  Looking forward to more innovative and delightful music from this band!