The Gezelligheid concept unfolded nicely inside the church, and Andrew Bird connected with the audience in a relaxed and intimate way that nicely highlighted the craftsmanship, instrument mastery, technical wizardry, musical experimentation, and intelligence that he merges into both neat song units and more atmospheric, improvisational pieces to satisfy a whim or take advantage of the room's or the crowd's specific character. I feel like Andrew's intentions are sincere with Gezelligheid, and that he earnestly strives to create a unique experience with each night's performance. The personal "Mind of the Bird Man" moments and thought processes he reveals over the course of the show endear the audience to his enigmatic, self-conscious, and somewhat superstitious personal style and cerebral humor. Personality and showmanship notes aside, his violin mastery and song selections gripped the audience for the entire performance and gave us a look at the emotionally vivid, complex, yet subtle musical landscape that he continues to paint with masterful strokes, one performance at a time. The next concert can't get here soon enough. Very sad that this was "the last performance of the decade."
Fourth Presbyterian Church @
- Chicago @
, IL @
- Thu, Dec 17, 2009 @
Favorite moment: "I like shows where I learn things about myself, like that I can't whistle and play tambourine at the same time." @