As a trained violinist and a long-time touring musician, he has a way of expertly melding many genres and influences into his own coherent, unique brand of baroque pop. Showcasing his impressive skills with the glockenspiel, guitar, violin, mandolin, and his formidable vocals, Bird is a picture of versatility. He's been at it for over a decade--he released his first album in 1998 fresh out of college, a jazz and folk inspired collection called "Music of Hair". Since then, he's steadily recorded several solo and band albums, live albums, EPs, and contributed to countless other artists' efforts. He's collaborated with the likes of Neko Case, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Ani DiFranco, My Morning Jacket, and The Muppets.

Bird has just put out his sixth solo studio album, "Break it Yourself". It's nothing if not heterogenous--Bird employs a kind of tender balladry in this album, ominous yet pop-flavored with his assortment of whistles, horns, and strings. His impressive lyrical bent is not lacking, and "Break It Yourself", while darker than previous releases, is full of contemplative poetry and light-hearted melodies at times. According to Bird, as interviewed on NPR, the contrast is all very intentional. "I think that dark on dark is kind of boring, but the juxtaposition is what we call melancholy. That's the basis of most music, really."



Website: http://giveitaway.andrewbird.net/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/andrewbird



Set List:
EYEONEYE                                                         
DANSE CARIBE                                                 
NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE  
GIVE IT AWAY                                                   

                

Recent Release: Break It Yourself    
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Label:  Mom & Pop Music
Band Origin: Chicago, IL