I just saw Andrew Bird for the first time last night at the Hollywood Bowl, and I'll say right off that words alone cannot describe the multi-dimensional talents that this guy and his band put on display as day turned to night.
I've been listening to Andrew Bird's music for only a couple of months, and it's a tasteful blend of technical virtuosity, creative musical ideas/patterns and quirky insightful narrative. And it's got complexity which is really engaging.
Anyway, Andrew Bird grabbed the audience's attention immediately and never let go. He was playing, like, five instruments at a time, and all these textures just took the music (and the audience)to unexpected intellectual and emotional destinations. The other two guys in the band are incredible musicians as well, multi-tasking on several instruments during each song.
Without belaboring the point, seeing the performance live brought the whole Andrew Bird thing into sharp focus. The atmosphere was perfect, the bowl glowing in different pastel shades, three musicians weaving some serious waves through the space, and this giant, double-horned rotating "Leslie" speaker, painted carnival-red and and center stage, gave the whole affair a surreal quality that made this one of my favorite musical experiences of all time!
Oh yeah, He opened for the Decemberists. Probably not for too much longer.
My Trusted MOGs
re: "it’s a tasteful blend of technical virtuosity, creative musical ideas/patterns and quirky insightful narrative. And it’s got complexity which is really engaging."
I couldn't agree more. I recently posted about Andrew Bird too. Sounds like I've got a great show to look forward to next month! Thanks for the review.
My Trusted MOGs
Thanks for your comments, Deb. I guarantee you're in for a great show. Since seeing Andrew and Co. live, I've been reinvestigating a lot of his recorded material. This guy is truly original, and a refreshing change from a lot of what's out there now. Good for the ears, mind, and soul!!
By the way, I love your mog! Question for you: I was up in Toronto, but didn't do the research on the live music scene. I know there's some clubs by the Rogers Center, and I assume there's a more concentrated area somewhere. Any help?