The Bird Architects CV Page
Bird
ArCHiTectS
All four original members of the Bird Architects punk-jazz group that last played live in 1987 got back together to perform at the Totnes Jazz Collective's gig on May 8th. The band caused a stir in Bristol and was variously described as "punk jazz" "electric bebop" and "the best band around".The music has been revised and improved, is new, passionate, intensely rhythmic and tuneful. Combining and exploiting the diverse backgrounds, influences and passions of it's members the Bird Architects form a new and exciting jazz weaving structure and improvisations, rhythm and flight.
The band features;
Peter Evans - Violin
Since his initial classical violin training he has played in a variety of formats including free improvisation, street bands, contemporary and afro jazz fusion, klezmer, country and eastern, orchestral and chamber music. Pete's violin style is completely unique drawing on an awesome technique and an individual approach to improvisation.
Recent appearances have been in the Wild Strings Quartet (ESC Records) with Marco hi life/jazz combination of Mixed Fruit and with the mbira and string group Zango, as well as numerous orchestral performances around the South West.
The coming season will include appearances with Bird Architects, New Bristol Sinfonia and Brandon Hill Chamber Orchestra.
Marco Anderson -Drums, keyboards and soundscapes.
Marco is a drummer, guitarist and keyboard player with an extremely varied background in music and in particular jazz.His very long list of accomplishments, collaborations and groups includes; being the drummer for seminal Sheffield band The Extras, Scream & Dance which appeared at Peter Gabriels first WOMAD festival, Graffi Jazz (with Cameroonian Guitarist Asaah Papa), the Bullitt Big Band and Will Mentor's Overflow, He has played with Eduardo & Antonio (Forcione) and was percussionist in Viv Stanshall's opera "Stinkfoot". Drummer for The Groundhogs, Tony McPhee's seminal prog-punkrock band 2006-2008 including the Classic Legends of Rock Tour UK with Focus and Wishbone Ash.
He has also played with Dai Pritchard (ex-Loose Tubes), Dennis Rollins (Courteney Pine), Andy Sheppard, John Paricelli, and with Indian singer Najma Akthar.
More recent project include the power fusion trio Paroksha featuring Paul Dunmall -saxophones. The Wild Strings Quartet featuring Pete and Marco, recently contributed a track to the 2008 compilation Mahavishnu Re-defined (ESC Records). Marco is a fantastically powerful drummer, who manages to combine a stunning technical ability with a real passion and is the drive and rhythmic complexity that is part of the Bird Architects' hallmark.
Aaron Standon - Guitar and Alto Sax
In the 1980s Aaron played the alto and soprano saxophone in a number of Bristol based projects most notably the Bird Architects writing much of their material.In the past he has performed extensively as a solo saxophonist and has also performed with Derek Bailey and Lol Coxhill. His collaboration with flautist John Eaves resulted in the album "Playing for Time".He was also a member of Will Menter's Community. He toured Belgium and Holland both with Community and as part of an improvising trio and collaboration with dancers for a performance at Rotterdam's free jazz festival.
In 1994 Aaron, now living in Devon changed to the guitar and in 1999 Ideas for Modern Living was formed with David Murphy (saxophones). He has also played with many of the amazing musicians found in and around Totnes and performs on a regular basis.Now that the Bird Architects have reformed Aaron has been inspired to return to the alto sax in addition to his guitar.
Mark Turner -Buffalo bass
Mark has spent most of his bass playing career in Bristol where he played
and recorded with a number of well known and highly regarded local bands including Rhythm and Noise, The Insurgents, Fission Brothers, the amazing singer Jo Swan and of course The Bird Architects.
After six years living and playing in Spain he is now back with the recently re-formed Bird Architects. Reviewers at various times have described his sound and style as "robust", "driving", and "buffalo bludgeoning".He lists among his many bass playing influences Robbie Shakespeare, Percy Jones, Jah Wobble and Flea. Mark provides much of the kick and funk within the band, he has a subtle sense of harmony (often playing chords on his bass) combined with a enough thrust to make strong men weep!
