Howdjadoo...Andrew Bird

A feature of this blog I plan to maintain is a kind of brief introductory primer on some artists that have found their way into my ear and set up shop. I decided to call the feature "Howdjadoo..." after an old Woody Guthrie tune for kids about shaking hands and getting to know people. I'll include links to the artists' official sites so you can find out more about them at your own leisure.

The first artist I wanted to feature is one of the most compelling artists I've ever seen or heard; Chicago-based Andrew Bird. I can remember the first time I ever heard him, I was instantly head-over-heels. Thanks, Chip.

Bird started out with swing-revivalists the Squirrel Nut Zippers, but soon left the band to focus on his own music. Employing a violin, guitar, looping pedal/sampler, bittersweet voice, and a whistle that is all too worthy of his namesake, Bird's songs bristle with texture while defying classification; in any given song you can pick out elements of folk, blues, country, jazz, classical, and yes, even rock. The man has an uncanny sense of dynamics in his songwriting, creating songs which tend to build with complexity into densely orchestrated numbers that are as mysterious as they are tender. His concerts will leave you flabbergasted. Yes, flabbergasted.

Andrew Bird has a new album, Noble Beast, out now. My favourite album of his has always been Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs from 2005. Find it and enjoy.

Here's Andrew Bird performing the song "Section 8 City"...


Andrew Bird - From the Basement from QandnotU on Vimeo.