Dual billed shows are becoming more popular, and it’s not always obvious that the artist listed second is not the “opener” for the other. Such was the surprise to some Nickel Creek fans in Atlanta, who had expected more of “their” band and less of Andrew Bird. Still, there is a synergy between the two as violin is featured in both though used much differently.
Bird has a deep jazz background and is now touring his new album of jazz covers, Sunday Morning Put-On, which he states is a perfect start to his Sunday mornings. Most of his recordings, however, are marked by his pizzicato style of plucking the strings for both a percussive and melodic texture, along with playing more traditionally with the bow. And then there’s his trademark, seriously amazing and studio-ready whistling. It makes one wonder at what age he realized that something he does seemingly effortlessly wasn’t something that everyone else can do.
Bird opened with two songs from his new album with his core trio of standup bass and guitar, moved into more familiar baroque-pop / indie songs (at times accompanied by producer/guitarist Mike Viola on electric and acoustic guitars), then to a more traditional acoustic set of songs before returning to fan favorites, such as “Pulaski at Night.” His setlist is similar from night to night, and mainstays include “Sisyphus,” “Bloodless,” “A Nervous Tick of Motion to the Head,” “Three White Horses,” “Why,” and “Table and Chairs.” Keep an eye out for his spinning horn speakers which add kind of a doppler effect.
Bird’s performance was extraordinary, and his eyes-closed delivery likely speaks to the concentration of getting everything just right including at times looped violin sections. Shortly into his set, he apologized to Atlanta fans for his last appearance which was at a new venue that he termed an “unmitigated disaster,” not the fault of himself or the audience but the venue. He then added, “Thanks for coming back!” Later he would mention that he went bike riding at Marietta’s Sope Creek park and is in the habit of biking somewhere at each stop of the tour.
What is perhaps lost amid the tunefulness, plucking and whistling ear candy is Bird’s lyrics, which cover a range of topics from references from his Chicago hometown to societal and political divisions. Clever stuff. Inside Problems is a great album for those unfamiliar with this work.
It doesn’t take much of a stage reset between the two bands, as they both have a fairly minimalist approach. Nickel Creek started strong with “When in Rome,” demonstrating their progressive bluegrass approach featuring violin, mandolin and guitar in a song that allowed each band member to demonstrate their instrumental skills in short solos. The band’s setlist shouldn’t disappoint fans even if it shifts.
Guitarist Chris Thile and siblings Sara Watkins (violin) and Sean Watkins (acoustic) each take turns at lead vocals, and they mix the pacing of the songs very well. There’s no getting bored in their set and often had the audience singing along.
Highlights included several instrumental songs, notably the playful “Elephant in the Corn” and the modern-bluegrass “Smoothie Song.” What, no “In the House of Tom Bombadil?” “Hayloft” was an enjoyable curveball in song style midway through the set. Another highlight was Sara’s cover of Dylan’s “Tomorrow is a Long Time,” a very nuanced and vulnerable rendition. Also, Sean Watkins’ intro to “21st of May” sets a high bar for comedic delivery, but the story itself is best unspoiled in a review.
“Destination,” a break-up song that best reveals bluegrass tradition with pop influences, closed the regular set before Andrew Bird joined for the two closing songs.
Both bands had their own lighting system which complemented the performance, and the sound was excellent in this venue.
For those thinking about checking out the tour, each band plays at least 1:15, they seem to swap who plays first, and whoever plays first joins the other for the final song or two. This show began at 7PM, also including a 30 minute acoustic set from Mike Viola, so grab seats or wear comfortable shoes if standing. You’re in for a great but lengthy night!
