Trace - Birds (1975) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Philips
Country: Netherlands
Released: 1975
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

"Birds" marks the second studio album by the Dutch symphonic rock trio Trace. Released in May 1975 on Philips Records (catalog number 6413 503), this LP features a blend of jazz, rock, and classical influences. The album showcases the band's evolution, especially with the introduction of new drummer Ian Mosley, who would later gain fame with Marillion.

Musical Composition

The album consists of two distinct sides. Side A features classical rearrangements and original compositions. Noteworthy tracks include J.S. Bach's "Bourrée" and "Opus 1065," alongside Bix Beiderbecke's jazz piece "Janny (In A Mist)." These selections illustrate the band’s ability to merge intricate classical elements with jazz and rock styles.

Side B is anchored by the ambitious, 22-minute multi-movement suite titled "King-Bird." This piece combines diverse musical styles, incorporating classical counterpoint with energetic jazz-rock rhythms. It highlights the complex keyboard textures provided by Rick van der Linden, alongside the dynamic drumming of Mosley.

Instrumentation and Production

The lineup of "Birds" includes Rick van der Linden on various keyboards, including the Grand Piano, Hammond B3/M3, and ARP 2600, as well as other instruments like the pipe church organ and steel drums. Jaap van Eik plays the Fender Precision Bass and contributes guitar and vocals. Ian Mosley offers a varied percussive palette with his drumming and additional instruments like the timpani and tambourine.

Guest musician Darryl Way, known from Curved Air, adds acoustic and electric violin contributions, enriching the album's orchestral textures. The recording took place at Soundpush Studios in Blaricum, Netherlands, with Jan Schuurman serving as the engineer.

Conclusion

Trace's "Birds" was released in May 1975 and features a combination of jazz, rock, and classical music elements.

Tracklist

A1	Bourrée Written-By – J. S. Bach*	2:26
A2	Snuff Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	2:24
A3	Janny (In A Mist) Written-By – W. H. ChallisWritten-By – B. Beiderbecke	1:12
A4	Opus 1065 Written-By – J. S. Bach*	7:44
A5	Penny Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	2:42
A6	Trixie Dixie Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:22
B1	King-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	4:06
B2	First Avenue Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:31
B3	Sculptor-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	1:29
B4	Second Avenue Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:15
B5	Preacher-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	2:10
B6	Third Avenue Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:27
B7	Birdcorps Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:52
B8	Firecorps Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:43
B9.a	Birdcorps Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:12
B9.b	Mail-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:29
B9.c	Fourth Avenue Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	1:54
B9.d	Soul-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	1:41
B9.e	Mail-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	1:24
B9.f	Sculptor-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	1:29
B9.g	Second Avenue Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:15
B9.h	Preacher-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	2:16
B9.i	Last Avenue Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	0:12
B9.j	King-Bird Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	1:20
B9.k	Reflection Written-By – Rick Van Der Linden	1:09

Credits

Design [Sleeve] – Rens Benerink
Drums, Timpani, Gong [Chinese], Reeds [Duckcall], Tambourine – Ian Mosley
Engineer – Jan Schuurman
Grand Piano [Kawai], Clavinet [Hohner], Electric Piano [Hohner Pianet], Organ [Hammond B3-m3, Church Organ, Riha Classica], Harpsichord [Neupert], Synthesizer [Arp 2600, Emi Synthi A, Solina String Ensemble], Mellotron [Choir Strings Bass], Keyboards [Optigan Music Maker], Steel Drums, Arranged By, Directed By – Rick Van Der Linden
Guitar [Fender Stratocaster, Fender Fuzz, Phased], Bass [Fender Precision], Vocals – Jaap Van Eik
Performer [Assorted Monkeys] – Coen Hoedeman
Producer – Trace
Violin [Acoustic], Electric Violin – Darryl Way