Is Bird Song Music? - the title of the book; Absolute Bird - the title of the double CD set – both being launched in tonight.  Evening@Peggy's. Dr. Hollis Taylor presents an exciting compendium of research, analysis, and transcription previously unavailable – the music of another species with which we share planet Earth. Some 13 million years in the making, Pied Butcher Birds are masters of music making, with each bird delivering their own unique songs which they transform and develop every year. Performing these avian compositions are Claire Edwardes, Jason Noble, Margery Smith, and Hollis Taylor.

"Hollis Taylor has given us one of the most serious books ever written on animal music. Is Birdsong Music? is so engaging that all who care about humanity’s place on Earth should read it. We are certainly not the only musicians on this planet."  —David Rothenberg, author of Why Birds Sing

"One of the best books ever on birdsong—perhaps the best." —Dominique Lestel, author of L’animal est l’avenir de l’homme

"Her pioneering quest for an answer is heroic and wide-ranging, both physically and intellectually, and she shares it with us in this fascinating book." —Bjorn Merker, editor of The Origins of Music

After the music, Hollis will be heard in conversation with Stephen Adams of ABC radio. The evenings will be recorded, becoming a New Waves podcast on the ABC website. 

Evenings@ Peggy's begin promptly at 7pm (doors open at 6.30, so plan to arrive early for a chat and a drink) and finish by 9pm. These are free events, but seating is limited to 40 punters, and they require early e-mail booking registration:

So if you wish to be part of this, please send Jon Rose an e-mail to register. (If you register and then don't turn up, somebody will probably have been turned away who could have taken your place; if you don't know his address, there are plenty in Sydney who do.)

Or you can email us! at...

emus.contact AT gmail DOT com

Donations are encouraged in the form of buying CDs of the featured artist or by bringing some wine and nibbles.