The first song on an album is important. It sets the tone for what’s to come. Get this right, and everything flows. Get this wrong, and, well… it’s better to get it right. Unfortunately, Mark Deutrom’s The Blue Bird (Season of Mist) is in the latter category. The opening track seems messy and disjointed and is followed by ninety seconds of a solo guitar playing whole notes…. Slowly…. The listener is unsure where this is going to go. 

The great thing about music is that it invokes images in the listeners’ brain. Each scene is specific to the background, mood, and experiences of that listener. It’s my hope, that someone else listens to this and “gets it”.

The album fluctuates between instrumental songs and songs with plaintive vocals. Some parts have a Black Sabbath like heaviness which is evident in the drumming and pacing. Other songs make an attempt at being Pink Floyd but just don’t quite make it. The languid quality that is meant to make it moody diverts the listener to boredom. In smaller doses, the expressive passages are ethereal. ‘Somnambulist’ has some beautifully crafted bits and bobs. They just go on a bit too long. ‘They Have Won’ is the most accessible song on the album, it’s slow and warm and boasts a wonderful saxophone solo by Joe Morales . The lyrics are poignant and the song includes a short cover passage of ‘All Along The Watchtower’, which fits nicely with the overall composition of the song.

Overall, the production is sleek and clean. Each of the instruments shine, not one overpowers the other. The bass runs are luscious. The tone is warm and chocolatey.  It’s complemented by solid drumming and rhythm guitar playing. There is a high level of professionalism on The Blue Bird. Mark Deutrom is an amazing musician. However, The Blue Bird will not be everyone’s cup of tea.

5 / 10

VICTORIA ANDERSON