Without Fear of Wind or Vertigo…Aristocratic Splendor Gone to Seed!bar•on <[b>bar-uh n] – noun. A specific title of nobility. A person who possesses great power or influence. Origin: Frankish baro and Middle English beorn meaning "freeman, warrior, nobleman.â€Barons in Trees is a newly formed experimental indie-folk group of leading Portland musicians led by songwriter Kyle Lange. Lange, whose music is akin to the songwriting and compositional styles of Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley, recently moved from New York City drawn in part by the pulse of the Portland music scene.Barons in Trees creates a nostalgic blend of indie, folk, and classical music. With influences that conjure Paul Simon, a hint of Sufjan Stevens and a dash of DeVotchKa, their unique polyphonic sound is just the kind of performance for which Portland’s musical palette yearns.Barons in Trees’ music and live shows are proficient and performative, with no small amount of whimsy. This capable group comes together with extensive and varied stylistic experience from other groups with roots in Portland and throughout the country. The Barons draw from west coast jazz, modern classical, beatboxing, folk, and Americana (not to mention architecture). Because these styles have different means of collaboration, each member brings a unique voice to the conversation of music.The name of the band takes inspiration from the novel by magical realist Italo Calvino entitled The Baron in the Trees. In the story, a young boy, Cosimo, altogether decides that he has had enough: of family, of his proper role in society, of decorum, and literally, the ground. He escapes to the trees. An eventually self-sufficient Cosimo finds that the more he tries to remove himself, the more he affects those below - thus drawing people closer to him. His idealized lifestyle and philosophy leads others to aspire to a life they had not thought possible for themselves. Barons in Trees fell in love with Cosimo’s sentiment and strive to create the musical equivalent of an artistic life in the trees.Barons in Trees is:
Carley Baer (vocals, guitar, plastic bag)
Galen Cohen (cello guest star)
Kevin Jackson (cello everyday star)
Karen Lange (keyboards, clarinet)
Kyle Lange (vocals, guitar, beatboxing)
Tim Renner (vocals, bass)
Robin Way (percussion)Band bios can be found in the Blog section (go to "View All Blog Entries").Booking:
Kyle Lange, [email protected]PR Consultant:
Nicole A. Lane, [email protected]
The Art of Sharing
Marketing & Public Relations
Brand DevelopmentPhotos:
Tree photos: Ericka Heidrick 2007, erickaheidrick.com
Alberta Street Pub photos: Nat Bourne 2007Bird Illustrations: Karen LangeUPCOMING SHOWS:Mississippi Pizza, 11/29, 6 pm. Come join us for this Early Bird Special! Non-smoking, all-ages dinner show! Bring a friend who hasn’t seen us before and get a special gift. Treats for those who sign up on the mailing list. These went fast last time, you don’t want to miss out!December 5th & 6th at Holocene, 9:00 pm. $8. With the Portland Cello Project, Horsefeathers and 3 Leg Torso. More info at www.portlandcelloproject.com
