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A classically trained violinist, Andrew Bird studied music for much of his life, during which he developed a talent for merging American and European folk traditions with jazz, swing and calypso, creating a distinct style. Bird released his first solo album, "Music of Hair" in 1996, a record that displayed his skills on the violin. He soon joined up with the band Squirel Nut Zippers, with whom he recorded three albums, finding moderate commercial success.
Bird then acted as bandleader for his project, Bowl of Fire, releasing the albums "Thrills," "Oh! the Grandeur" and "The Swimming Hour" between 1999 and 2001, gaining widespread critical acclaim for his efforts, yet was unable to garner a large following, often only playing to handfuls of people at his gigs. However, following an impromptu solo performance after his bandmates could not attend, Bird received a rapturous reception, prompting his decision to go solo in 2003.
His solo debut, "Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production of Eggs" was released on Ani DiFranco's label, Righteous Babe, in 2005. The record displayed an indie-folk sound, featuring an array of instruments all played by Bird himself. In 2006, Bird signed to Fat Possum Records, through which he released "Armchair Apocrypha," a collaboration with electronic artist Martin Dosh. The album was warmly received, prompting appearances on the "Late Show with David Letterman," amongst several high profile performances. "Noble Beast" in 2009 continued Bird's eclectic explorations, also released with a bonus CD of instrumental pieces.
Having dabbled with film composition for Jonathn Segal's "Norman," Bird returned to his solo work in 2012, with "Break It Yourself." The companion album, "Hands of Glory" arrived later that year, continuing to find critical praise and a growing number of listeners. WIth his newly formed backing band, a seventh album was released in 2014, "Things Are Really Great Here, Sort Of…" a collection of covers of the Handsome Family, an act also hailing from Chicago, US.
Seeing Andrew Bird is a spiritual experience--there's no better way to put it. Few artists craft a live show so meticulously and deliberately, but with Bird, everything from the lights to the stage positioning to the way the songs progress throughout the set illustrates just how carefully this man plans his concerts. What's so remarkable about seeing Andrew Bird perform is that he's the rare artist for whom you don't need to come in with a wish list of songs. For his most popular tracks, his live arrangements are reimaginations that sound only subtly like their recorded versions, and so are really new experiences entirely. But his commitment to carefully organized live compositions ensures that even songs you've never heard before are just so incredibly gorgeous and delicate that nothing falls flat--everything pleases the crowd. He's an artist that even casual fans can enjoy live, because one doesn't expect you to know the words and sing along or move with his cues; instead, you allow yourself to soak in the sonic sounds of a man who, quite simply, knows music. Whether Andrew Bird is layering his sounds with loop pedals to fill the room or crowding his small folk group around a single microphone, you will not be disappointed by what this man has to offer. He has created a sound so distinctly his own that I can't imagine any other artist rivaling what he does on the stage. If he comes around, you have to find a way to get to the show.
alex-witkowski
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