Andrew Bird is a mad genius. After seeing him live last night at Radio City Music Hall, I realized watching him in-person is like watching a circus performer with a wonderfully weird case of ADD. He'll start on the violin. Thirty seconds later, he's on the guitar, or will have turned the violin on its side to play it like a mandolin. Then he'll start to sing. Mid-sentence, he'll stop to whistle for a spell. Then he'll quickly be back on the guitar, or perhaps go for a turn on the glockenspiel.
Throughout, he incorporates the help of his magical loop pedals, which make him sound like he's doing six million things at once. Seeing the intrepid multi-instrumentalist/multitasker perform is an incredible sight to be behold, especially given that his 2009 album Noble Beast sounds so fluid and well-produced, that you don't really stop to think about the technique behind it.
The dapper-looking whistle-blower played for the better part of 90 minutes, performing a number of Noble Beast's usual suspects: An amplified, sped-up version of "Oh No," and a spirited rendition of the tongue-twisty "Fitz and Dizzyspells."
The Beast stunner, though, was "Effigy": Bird prefaced the song with the night's only lengthy introduction, explaining the song spun-off from the chorus of "Oh No" and is about a sci-fi reading nerd whose forgotten how to interact with people. "I feel a kinship with this guy," he said, explaining that the imaginary social-awkward dude could easily be him. Then, he launched into a sleepy, romantic, largely loop-free take of the song that was simply gorgeous.
Of his older stuff, Bird sampled liberally from previous albums Armchair Apocrypha and The Mysterious Production of Eggs, with crowd-favorites like "Fiery Crash," and the jovial "Opposite Day." In the encore, he reached back to 2003's Weather Systems to perform "Don't Be Scared," a heartbreaker that features some of his very best songwriting.
Mariachi-like desert rockers Calexico — whose opening set was lively and impressive, and included personal fave "The Crystal Frontier" — joined Bird on stage for three songs. Given that Bird has a band of his own, the number of musicians on stage ballooned to nearly a dozen, each with their various instruments of choice. The highlight of the mini-set was easily the bouncy
But, of course, it was Bird's night. The whiz-kid made his intricately-layered brainiac rock look easy, when nothing could be further from the truth. He's essentially a massively-talented musical wind-up toy. Was anyone else at Radio City last night? Or have you seen Bird elsewhere and came away similarly impressed? And how on earth is he able to whistle so melodically (and powerfully)?
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Andrew Bird is amazing! I saw him in Cleveland a few months ago and it was definitely one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen live. His violin-playing and whistling are so impressive and completely genius. It was all just so beautiful and magical.
He’s just incredible! Saw him perform a completely solo gig at the Paramount Theatre in Austin earlier this year and I was blown away.
austingirlmusicguide [dot] com.
I saw him open for The Decemberists at the Hollywood Bowl. Incredible. His talent amazes me.
I first saw Andrew Bird in a bar in Providence during the release of “Mysterious Production of Eggs.” Friends brought me there, I’d never seen him before. I never got over it. I couldn’t believe what I saw that night. I knew he was whistling, but I just couldn’t believe it was true. This was the first time since then I was able to see him live. I was thrilled that he made it to Radio City and that it was pretty much a full house. The show sounded awesome, he filled the hall with sound. His voice was in perfect form. I was sorry to be so far away from the stage since he’s so entertaining to watch work the instruments and pedals. I agree that “Effigy” was a high point; it was an absolutely stunning moment. The first song of the encore, “Why?” killed me…so so good. Love this guy, so creative, so talented, so smart. Hoping to see him back in a small venue in the future.
I love Bird’s music, but this article states that the song “Don’t Be Scared” features some of (Bird’s) very best songwriting.”
“Don’t be scared” wasn’t written by Bird. It was written by a duo known as “The Handsome Family.” Bird has covered several of their songs – both on record and in concert.
I too saw Andrew at Radio City Music Hall. I agree, he was amazingly fabulous. He is unlike any other musician I have ever encountered. Left me speechless.
Amazing show. Check out my review here:
http://troubledsoulsunite.blogspot.com/
Amazing show. Check out my review here:
http://troubledsoulsunite.blogspot.com/
His opening track on “Mysterious Production” is one of the most beautifully melancholy tracks I’ve ever heard.
I’ve seen him as both a solo performer and with his backing band on stage, and both times he left me (and everyone else in the audience) absolutely stunned. He’s one of those very rare artists that is worthy of all the hype his fans generate. Truly gifted. And a really friendly guy, too.
I’ve been seeing Mr. Bird for 9 years-w/ Bowl of Fire, solo, and now w/ the new band. He has always proven himself to be a musical genius. I am so glad that he is getting the recognition that he deserves.
I saw Andrew Bird at Millennium Park in Chicago last September, and it was…there are no words. Simply stunning. Andrew has pictures from that show on his MySpace page, if you care to see the gorgeous Chicago skyline behind and above him.
So glad I came across this article. It’s all entirely true and agree with eveything. I walked away from my seat in awe at the end of his performance the other night.I saw him in spain 3 weeks ago playing solo, and I think he wouldve done just as lovley without a band in new york too. I then actually ran into him as he was leaving on the street, and he was incredibly friendly, but it was intimidating just knowing what a genius artist and person he is. ooohayy, and his agent gave me andrew birds handwritten setlist from ze show!
Good gracious the man is ridiculously fantastic. I’ve seen him twice now and its just thrilling, I was fascinated.
i wanna have his baby
absolutely amazing. Every time i see Bird, his shows keep getting better and better. I’m headed to the LA show in July and am super excited to see him again – this will be my 5th time seeing him! my favorite artist by far
amazing, yet again – everytime i see him, his concerts get better and better. Heading out to the LA show in July and am super excited! this will be my 5th time seeing Bird – he’s my favorite artist by far
love andrew bird – heading out to the LA show in July, and am super excited – this will be my 5th time seeing him live and he’s absolutely amazing
love andrew bird – heading out to the LA show in July, and am super excited – this will be my 5th time seeing him live and he’s absolutely amazing
i’m apparently dumb and couldn’t figure out the comment process – sorry for the bombardment of 5 or so of the same comment
the Birdman is unparalleled. I live in Chicago and it is a treat to run into him around town. He rides his bike and seems to go to the same spots my friends and I do.
My girlfriend and I even had the chance to attend a very special secret show he put on to tape a music video and prepare for his current tour. The venue/bar holds less than 200 and they undersold the tickets to keep it clear for the video crew. So there were literally only dozens of people there. It was an incredibly awesome experience.