The Bernia Suite is a new work by composer Mick Bass, blending computer music, a rock band, and a full orchestra into a unique musical experience.
The work was inspired by the Bernia Mountains in the Alicante region of Spain — a dramatic natural barrier with jagged ridges, hidden caves and far-reaching valleys. For centuries, this striking landscape has inspired tales of travellers, shepherds, conflict, and folklore.
Mick’s suite is his musical response to this landscape and its legends — a journey through sound that reflects both the physical grandeur of the mountains and the myths that surround them.
The project has also been shaped through the significant contribution of long-time friend and collaborator Zak Skjerdal-Evans. Zak has played a central role in the production of the suite, dedicating many hours to mixing and refining the tracks, as well as bringing his deep understanding of digital sound and composition to the work. His input has been instrumental in helping realise the full sonic depth and character of The Bernia Suite.
There are currently four piano tracks available to explore, offering an early insight into the themes and musical ideas behind the wider project.
You can listen to these tracks in the media player. Or if you hover over the three dots next to each track, you can download it. Sheet music will soon be added for those who would like to play or study the pieces in more detail.
Additional tracks will be added over time, leading up to the release of the full orchestral versions of the suite. If you have any questions or would like to know more about what’s coming next, please use the enquiry button below.
(in alphabetical order)
Liz Avis
Graham Bailey
Dick Crookes
Mike Crane
Marc d’Aboville
Ashley Dow
Debbie Dow
Joe Dworniak
Pamela Duff
Gus Goad
John Greenhalgh
Brian Harpwood
Debbie Heard
Simon Heard
Tom Russell
Zak Skjerdal-Evans
Tot Taylor
Paul Walmsley
Mick Bass co-founded The Look in the late 1970s. Their debut single I Am the Beat became a UK chart hit in 1980, leading to an album on MCA Records. The band later released Pop Yowlin’ on Angel Air Records and Tunes and Stories on Beat Town Records.
Beyond The Look, Mick toured Europe with Anne Clark, worked as a session musician for the BBC’s What’s That Noise, and co-wrote new age relaxation albums with Jonny Whetstone.
In 1990, he released Music for the Left-Handed with Tot Taylor — an experimental album exploring how left-handers hear music differently. He also co-wrote the musical Just a Man, telling the true-life story of Walter Tull, Britain’s first black professional footballer and a First World War hero.
Mick continues to write instrumental music, blending the serious and the playful, with works such as Bearsville, Snowball and Theme 1053.
Zak Skjerdal-Evans is a musician, producer and sound designer with deep expertise in digital music production. As a musician and frontman in multiple bands, he has developed a distinctive musical voice rooted in both performance and studio work.
Alongside his work as a performer, Zak has created a range of original soundscapes and is widely regarded for his technical mastery of digital audio. His collaboration on The Bernia Suite has been central to shaping its sound, bringing clarity, depth and atmosphere to the project.