Paper Bird: “Sounds Like Rain”
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They say we’re all a product of our environment. In the case of Denver-based chamber folk outfit Paper Bird, they’re right. Hailing from a state that has about 300 days of sun a year, the eight-member band showcases the joyfulness that is the Colorado outdoors. Paper Bird features three female vocalists, trumpet, trombone, banjo, piano and just about every other string and horn instrument you can think of. Their sound mixes bluegrass, soul and pop with a sunny disposition.
Paper Bird’s third full-length album, Carry On, is the score to an original full-length ballet of the same name, the result of a collaboration with Ballet Nouveau Colorado. The album was recorded live during the first six sold out performances of the ballet back in February 2011. Carry On‘s 70 minutes (stitched together into two acts) features compositions from nearly all of the bands members. “The arrangements were made as a band, taking into account some suggestions from Ballet Nouveau Colorado’s lead choreographer,” says guitarist Paul DeHaven. “The transition from songwriter to stage happened pretty seamlessly, and very quickly.”
“Sounds Like Rain” was originally written on piano by vocalist Genevieve Patterson. A solid, soulful pop song, it showcases the harmonies Paper Bird is known for. Watch this video from Ballet Nouveau to get a look at the critically acclaimed performance of Carry On.
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