Andrew Bird

The virtuoso multi-instrumentalist began solo, with looped violins and whistling creating a sumptuous dawn chorus.

Embracing a range of genres, from ragas to South African pop; with dashes of Tom Waits-like brooding confessionals, this charmingly modest clever-clogs built multiple layers of musical splendour, with a fine band offering understated support and angelic harmonies.

Gathering around a single mic, under a lone spotlight, an exquisite ‘old-time’ section included an authentic country cover of The Handsome Family’s ‘So Much Wine’.

Quite simply, this was one of the most unique and enthralling ninety minutes of refined excellence I’ve seen this year.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 10 June 2012

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