Last week, singer-songwriter Andrew Bird visited KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic to perform a series of pieces off his latest album, Are You Serious. Bird is in excellent form throughout his set, cycling seamlessly between violin and guitar, looping his playing and whistling into whirling melodies, and singing with an easy melancholy more pensive than sad.
Speaking with host Jason Bentley at KCRW's studio in Santa Monica, Andrew Bird discussed a range of diverse topics. Of his relationship with musician and record producer Tony Berg, with whom he collaborated on Are You Serious, Bird said:
Tony’s one of the first people I met in LA, 10, 12 years ago, and... he was so nurturing and so kind and I was like, 'Is everyone in LA like this?' I actually was a little suspicious of it at first, that’s my impulse. But he’s become a really great friend, and I never really worked with a producer in this sort of capacity before, and I wanted to... I wanted to work with someone I trust. I didn’t quite realize what a heavy musical mind he is.
As excellent as the tracks on Are You Serious may be, these live renditions shine brighter. Andrew Bird’s performance is full of energy and emotion in sharp focus; even his execution of the inimitable Fiona Apple’s verses on Left Handed Kisses is triumphantly presented.
Are You Serious is available on Amazon. You can also stream the album for free and read our review right here on Zumic.
For Andrew Bird's latest music, news, and tour dates, check out his Zumic artist page.
Source: KCRW
