FREE BIRDS

posted in: Artist Features • Country

The high lonesome sound of bluegrass may have been born in Appalachia, but over time the wind has carried it west to new ranges, where it’s been chiseled accordingly. A mile high in Colorado, mountain music has enjoyed an unflagging popularity. There’s bluegrass, newgrass, folk and Americana to be found in every nook and cranny of the Rocky Mountain music scene. In the midst of all that pluck and twang is one uniquely elegant interpretation”that of Denver’s Paper Bird.

The seven-member ensemble is comprised of upright bass, guitar, banjo, trumpet, trombone and a trio of bell-like female vocals. Together, Paper Bird blends old-time country, bandstand, swing, bluegrass and indie folk into winsome melodies with vintage charm. The a cappella harmonies alone are spine-tingling, transforming singers Sarah Anderson and Esmé and Genny Patterson into the Appalachian Andrews sisters. Though spare and desolate at times, there’s plenty of joy to be found in the music”whether it’s a plucky banjo, bright trumpet or the shimmy of a tambourine. Paper Bird takes that high lonesome sound and turns it into a swinging mountaintop party. All ages welcome.