Andrew BirdPhoto by Cameron Wittig

Andrew Bird used to be a well-kept, little-known secret of mine. Mr. Bird’s music has graced my headphones since I set sails and settled in Montréal at the end of 2007. It was to my surprise when I saw an ad broadcasting the message that he was playing at local venue Le National, and even more to my surprise when I found out my good friend had already procured tickets for my birthday.

Andrew Bird – Not A Robot, But A Ghost – Album: Noble Beast { Released January 20^th, 2009 }

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Andrew Bird – Spare-Ohs – Album: Armchair Apocrypha { Released March 20^th, 2007 }

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A Hawk And A Hacksaw’s tunes hit our ears when we arrived, and held my interest for the performance; but I can safely say I can only take so many 32^nd notes in a row without feeling a bit antsy for something different. I was ecstatic to learn that Le National had more than adequate seating for plenty of guests. I’m thinking of starting a “sit for musical performances” revolution, anybody with me on this one?

LivePhoto by Keith Klenowski

At first glance of the stage from up above, you’ll notice Bird’s violin, glockenspiel, elec guitar and various looping/effect pedals, Martin Dosh’s drum kit and synths, among other dreamlike gear. But the centerpieces on stage which really stood out were the giant fantastical horns I belived to be tasteful decorations. I was completely fooled at thinking they were solely decorative, until two of them (attached together, see above photo) started spinning to add a Leslie-style tremolo effect. After a bit of research, it seems these horns are all active and not just gorgeous eye-candy.

A tremendous affair. If you get the chance, go check it out. Worth every penny.

(UPDATE: While researching Le National I noticed that Doves will be playing there in June. See ya there!)