Of Monsters And Birds

Barnes & Barnes might have taken their fish head to see a movie in 1978, but these days, if you want to do something similarly zany, why not take your ears to hear a movie that’s not yet been made? That’s what people have said about this big band album, that it is cinematic or has strong soundtrack qualities. Roscher not only wrote this music and leads the pack with her prog guitar and voice, she conducts her 18-piece jazz ensemble in this brazen display of her compositional powers. Clearly she revels in the presentation of the music, making it as beautiful, interesting, and showy as possible. Something to talk about. Something to compare to other impressive acts you’ve heard out there letting their albums unfold in an aesthetic arc. This whole affair starts as a soirée, as the birds chatter in their nestling down to sleep, and then the party breaks out beyond the closed doors now thrown wide open. Masquerade eye masks are on the table. Grab one before entering. The participation-theater is filling up, but be careful, for not all is what it appears to be!