Saturday, 18 Feb 2006

Andrew Bird and Haley Bonar in Madison

Last nights show at the High Noon Saloon was amazing. First because Andrew Bird put on a fantastic performance of songs from his back catalouge and also debuted quite a few new ones as well. Second because I was introduced to the great music of Haley Bonar.

Haley played delicate folk songs and was accompanied by Chris Morrissey on bass. Chris also plays with Mason Jennings.

After playing eight or nine songs, switching back and fourth from her 1957 acoustic guild and 73 Fender Rhodes, Haley left the loud and very talkative crowd to their whiskey and beer. If you’d like to hear a few of Haley’s songs head over to her myspace site and give a listen.

After a 3 song drum performance by Martin Dosh, Andrew Bird appeared on stage with his violin.

I really can’t believe how this guy can whistle as well as he can. It’s really amazing. I’d have to say that my favorite songs of the night were off of The Mysterious Production of Eggs, but I will say that the new material that was played tonight was pretty promising. He played for nearly two hours and brought back Haley and Chris for the encore.

Andrew was experiencing technical difficulties for the majority of the night with his guitar. He seemed to not let it bother him too much and just kind of rolled with it. The last song he played with the full band was a new one called “Fiery Crash,” which is written from the perspective that the plane you’re about to get on will meet that destiny. Apparently Mr. Bird thinks about that every time he gets on an airplane, “so I don’t get surprised if it happens.” The song was a fitting end to the night because of the instramental problems he was having.

All problems aside, I think that Andrew is one of the best live acts out there today. I know my friends and I all had a great time. I apologize that my pictures turned out dark. The High Noon Saloon keeps it pretty dark and I refuse to use a flash because I don’t want to bother the artist.

Andrew is wrapping up his US tour tonight in Minneapolis, but please make sure you check him out or buy his albums. I really don’t forsee you being dissapointed. If any of you were at the show last night feel free to drop a comment and let me know what you thought.

8 Responses to “Andrew Bird and Haley Bonar in Madison”

1. Aaron S. Veenstra Says:
   February 18th, 2006 at 10:50 am

   What time did the show end? My wife and I had to leave at about 12:15, but it seemed like he had to be getting close to the end by then.

   I really enjoyed the show, even without knowing a ton about his catalog, but I think that was probably the worst crowd I’ve ever seen at the High Noon. They were even more talky than the Feist crowd, especially the back two-thirds of the room, and I swear I heard at least three glasses/bottles break on the floor. I recorded “I” (or rather, the eight-minute song that I think was mostly “I”) and a new one, “Sychophantitis,” to post on Monday and Tuesday.

2. Ryne Says:
   February 18th, 2006 at 11:49 am

   I would have to say that last night’s show had one of the worst crowds I’ve experienced at a show in Madison. Even in the front where most weren’t talking, there was still about a half dozen people who seemed intent on ruining everyone else’s time. With that said it was still a great show, albeit one that made me wish Andrew Bird were still playing small venues.

3. Velvet2Step Says:
   February 18th, 2006 at 1:03 pm

   Glad you had a great time. Haley Bonar is pretty great. Born in Brandon, MB no less!

4. branko Says:
   February 18th, 2006 at 1:45 pm

   The crowd really did stink. I was up front and didn’t really notice much of an annoyance, but further back was LOUD. They drowned out Haley Bonar almost entirely. It was rather rude to say the least. In stark contrast the Milwaukee show’s crowd was attentive and repectful not to mention oversold by about 25%.
   As far as Andrew Bird, well he was great and I agree about the songs off MPOE being especially strong.

5. Chad Says:
   February 18th, 2006 at 2:06 pm

   I’m quite jealous of you for being able to see both Haley and Andrew in one night!

   I did a post on Haley a month or two ago, and I still get emails about people asking about her…I definitely think she’s got something special going on.

   Cheers,
   Chad

6. Julio Says:
   February 18th, 2006 at 3:32 pm

   Nice, I almost saw Andrew Bird last December when he opened up for Nickel Creek…I think he’s great, as for Jeff Tweedy, the show was everything you can imagine, and than some….He is quite funny and slightly moody, but in a good way…Towards the end of the show, Glenn Kotche came out and backed him up on a couple of songs…

7. Kyle Says:
   February 20th, 2006 at 12:06 am

   Nice coverage. I posted a little video at my blog too and included a shout out to your post. Peace.

8. Lucy Says:
   February 20th, 2006 at 9:54 pm

   That really sucks that the crowd was lame. I have seen this before at the High Noon. Really great talent will come from out of state and just get crapped on to the point where they leave or almost leave. It seems the High Noon crowd will only tolerate local metal bands. There should be a venue here that opens its arms to all types of music. Unfortunately I thought this is what High Noon was when it was built. I recommend to Haley and Andrew to maybe play at the Orpheum the next time. Or maybe at Kiddie Playland, where the crowd would be more mature.

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