Los Angeles – Though only over the last eight years or so has Andrew Bird been getting the kind of widespread recognition that his work deserves, he has quietly had an extremely successful career, releasing several of his own solo records, as well as working with his Bowl of Fire project. In addition to that work, Bird’s early career was marked by his collaborations with the swing-revival superstars Squirrel Nut Zippers. As a classically trained violinist, Bird has a rich musical knowledge that allows his works to carry the kind of depth and nuance that comes with decades of experience. Andrew Bird most recently released his excellent studio full-length Are You Serious, which was met with critical and commercial praise.
Prior to the release of Are You Serious, Bird got married, an event that altered the course and approach of his songwriting technique. The album is an extremely personal effort, delving deep into the makeup of relationships while occasionally touching on themes that relate to the general human condition. One such deeply personal track is the second single to be released from the album, “Left Hand Kisses,” which features vocals from Fiona Apple. The song begins with a stark, acoustic, vocals-only delivery from Bird, which eventually morphs into the two incredible singers trading off lyrical barbs. The video for the song is fittingly minimalist, with Bird and Apple sitting alone in a room, facing each other and delivering their lines, as if they were having a heated conversation.
While Andrew Bird doesn’t make the violin the focus of the music on Are You Serious, it is still ever present throughout the songs on the album. This kind of lush instrumentation is what sets the singer-songwriter apart from so many of his contemporaries in the indie pop scene. Each stroke of the violin adds an important layer to the already dense instrumentation that has become a hallmark of Bird’s songwriting style. Another highlight of his latest album is its first single, “Capsized.” Bird performed this song on Late Night With Conan O’Brien on the same night that he announced the album. A bit more rocking than “Left Handed Kisses,” it features a stripped-back sound that is led by Bird’s violin and a bubbling, grooving bass line.
Andrew Bird will be appearing at The Theater at The Ace Hotel for two nights, May 14 and May 15, to support his latest release. The gorgeous, intricately-arranged pop music that Bird has become known for will be right at home in the ornate and architecturally significant theater that is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Be sure to check out this singer-songwriting stalwart when he comes to town!
Andrew Bird will be performing throughout May, on his North American tour. Bird will also be performing at Bumbershoot and Austin City Limits. For a full list of tour dates, visit the Andrew Bird Facebook page.
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Matt Matasci
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