A tale of passion, serendipity, and the transforming power of music, The Beard and The Bird are more than just a musical partnership. Based in Ramona, California, the two partners in this unusual partnership, Jon and Cat, have combined their distinct skills and life experiences to create a work of art that speaks to a broad range of people. Jon, known as “The Beard,” is a seasoned musician whose journey began in the small-town punk scene. His expertise spans across guitar, slide, and vocals, with influences that range from Bob Wills to Django Reinhardt. He is not just a performer but also an entrepreneur, owning the Ramona Music Center, RMC Afterhours Studio, and C&G Guitars.
His co-founding of the Ramona Music Alliance, a community-driven program that honors the local music scene, is proof of his extensive ties to the music business. Cat, who is lovingly referred to as “The Bird,” provides the pair with an additional set of abilities that work well together. She is as formidable in the business world as she is on stage, having worked in technology before earning a master’s degree in international business. Passionate in writing novels, Cat’s love of narrative comes through in both her lyrics and the way she engages listeners with her music. Her journey into music started in the same small-town punk scene, where a broken guitar string during an “angry punk music” set led her to meet Jon.
Their partnership has since flourished, blending their diverse influences into a sound that spans from 1920s Western swing to modern folk, with a distinctive Rockabilly twist. The Beard and The Bird have been touring together since 2021. They originally lived in Southern California but now call the East Coast—near Buffalo, New York—home. Their music is nostalgic yet innovative, fusing aspects of the traditional and the modern with those of the ancient and the futuristic. The intense feeling of authenticity that permeates their performances attests to their sincere love for what they do and their steadfast dedication to writing songs that have a personal connection for the audience.
“Dust If You Must,” the most recent song by The Beard and The Bird, was released on May 31st, 2024. It is a musical adaptation of the poignant poem of the same name by Rose Milligan. This track, which was recorded with the assistance of the excellent musicians John Aaron Troy on clarinet and Tyler Westcott on banjo, is a deep, moving fusion of Western swing and reflective poetry. It acts as a gentle reminder to embrace life to the fullest and place a higher value on experiences than stuff. “Dust If You Must” combines the duo’s distinctive Western swing with the melancholic, contemplative words of Milligan’s poetry. It was recorded across the nation, including sessions at GCR Audio in Buffalo, New York, and Afterhours Studio in San Diego, California. Jon and Cat’s harmonious vocals, accompanied by the melodic strains of guitar, upright bass, banjo, clarinet, and drums, create a rich, evocative soundscape that invites you to slow down, breathe, and embrace the simple joys of living.
The song “Dust If You Must” by The Beard and The Bird is a meditative and peaceful composition that skillfully combines jazz, Western swing, and poetic lyricism to produce an engrossing soundscape. Warm and atmospheric, the song envelops the listener from the first note, creating a timeless yet modern soundtrack. The introduction is particularly striking, with its gentle guitar strings that seem to shimmer like the first light of dawn. These strings, both celestial and inviting, set the tone for a piece that is introspective yet comforting, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil jazz flow that follows.
As the song unfolds, the instrumentation begins to expand, introducing layers that are both rich and meticulously arranged. The cello’s contribution gives the music depth and refinement, anchoring the track’s lighter, more delicate portions with its powerful yet lovely tones. Each instrument is given a chance to shine while yet contributing to the overall harmony of the composition because to the fascinating and harmonious dynamic contrast that the guitar and cello generate together. This harmony demonstrates how The Beard and The Bird can create music that is both easily understood and sophisticated, enticing the listener to delve into its numerous facets.
The vocal rendition of “Dust If You Must” is similarly amazing, as Jon’s serene, gentle voice wonderfully accentuates the warm, personal mood created by the instrumentals. He delivers the song with a calm yet confident demeanor, giving the words a cozy yet thought-provoking quality. The superb quality of Cat’s female background vocals enhances the emotional impact of the song by adding a layer of depth and texture. With a sense of ease and grace, the listener is led through the story by the beautiful blend of calming and uplifting vocals.
One of this track’s most notable features is how well-integrated different instruments are within the arrangement, resulting in a rich, varied, and unified tapestry of sound. Tyler Westcott’s banjo playing lends a touch of rustic appeal to the composition, its bright, bold tones offering a dynamic backdrop to the arrangement’s more somber components. John Aaron Troy’s clarinet, meanwhile, adds a whimsical and carefree quality to the piece with its delicate, melodic lines that flow effortlessly into and out of the mix. Together with the bass and drums’ constant beat, these components produce a complex and enticing atmosphere that invites the listener to lose oneself in the song.
The touching lyrics of “Dust If You Must” serve as a poignant reminder to give priority to the things that really matter in life. The song’s theme, which is based on a poem by Rose Milligan, is to live life to the fullest and welcome all of life’s events rather than letting the ordinary or materialistic things consume us. The music brilliantly captures this idea, its upbeat melodies and soft, flowing rhythms acting as a musical translation of the poem’s wisdom. Inspiring and contemplative, The Beard and The Bird have masterfully captured the essence of the poem in a piece of music that begs listeners to pause and recognize the wonder and simplicity of life.
The Beard and The Bird’s skillful blending of genres, intriguing soundscapes, and profound message delivery are all evident in the exquisitely composed song “Dust If You Must.” A calming and thought-provoking listening experience is produced by the song’s passionate vocals, rich accompaniment, and gentle jazz introduction. This song encourages listeners to consider their own life and the decisions they make by striking a chord not only on a musical level but also on an emotional and intellectual one. The song “Dust If You Must” is one that should be heard and treasured, regardless of your taste in jazz, Western swing, or just well-written music.
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