"In this art, scenes from nature, human activities, and all other real world phenomena will not be described for their own sake; here, they are perceptible surfaces created to represent their esoteric affinities with the primordial Ideals." - Symbolist Manefestro

B'ee
of In Gowan Ring / Birch Book
more press photos HERE Audio mp3 samples:
- Crack of the Sun
- White Angel 
- Sleepless Search		 Info on Latest album: "A Hand Full of Days" Here

As poet, pilgrim, progenitor of wyrd-folk and maestro of In Gowan Ring and Birch Book, B'ee has developed a homespun sonic tapestry with peculiar richness of vision; recording over ten full length albums and performing throughout North America & Europe in veritable itinerant fashion.*


Variously labeled 'Wyrd', 'Psychedelic' or 'Symbolist Folk', In Gowan Ring is rooted in poetic-folk traditions and veneration for the natural world while cultivating an inimitable, self-attuned writing style which endeavors the quest of self discovery undertaken by the Symbolist and Metaphysical poets.


‘Birch Book’ marks an evolution in sound away from the overtly psychedelic towards a simpler, highly effective, direct song based approach, reflecting the distillations of a perennial rambler, reckoning a road less traveled.

 

 

 

 Bee in Copenhagen
photo by Sarah Hepburn
  

As well as composing the original material for In Gowan Ring / Birch Book, B'ee designs and creates the acoustic instruments he uses for his compositions utilizing inspired and uncommon forms.  Though an inveterate autodidact, he has studied academically the music of the Trouveres and Troubadours, the counterpoint of the High Renaissance, and modern orchestration.

*Birch Book/In Gowan Ring have shared bills with Faun Fables, Woven Hand, Vashti Bunyan, Sharon Kraus, Amber Asylum, Martyn Bates, Feathers, PG Six, Aranos, Julia Kent (Antony & the Johnsons), Stone Breath & others; and appeared on compilation albums featuring Acid Mothers Temple, Nico, The Strawbs, Einstuzende Neubauten, Steven Severin (Siouxsie & the Banshees), Tiny Tim, and William Burroughs among others.

 

Praise for Birch Book

"a master-work of contemplative genius by an artist at the peak of his songwriting powers." - Barl Fire [full review here]

"Fortune & Folly" is an album that must be experienced. Atmospheric and almost downright spooky, its melancholy is rich, while the harmonies are thick and juicy. Addictive." - J-Sin for Smothernet [full review here]

"Birch Book writes music that is almost painfully pleasurable to listen to. This is still true folk music in the striking power of its simplicity. The relationship of artist and guitar is noticeably intimate and the vocals drift gently, sometimes barely - deliberately - out of the shadows. The listener's mind is caressed and the soul is stirred." - UpchuckUndergrind, fishcomcollective [full review here]

"This is one of only a few recent releases that might genuinely be called inspired. As a songwriter and musician B'eirth is easily the equal of psychedelic folk legends Robin Williamson (Incredible String Band) or the late Nick Drake. Comparisons to virtually any other musicians exploring similar territory would simply not do this justice." - Joshua Buckley for TYR Journal

 

  
by william schaff
 
   


.