Andrew Bird's Bowl Of Fire, Swimming Hour (Rykodisc) 9+
Part-time Squirrel Nut Zipper Andrew Bird is a supremely talented musician (violin, vocals, mando-strat) who released two albums of period pieces that mastered style and form in jazz, gypsy folk and jump blues -- Thrills (1998) and Oh! The Grandeur (1999). On The Swimming Hour, Bird and his ace band have created something unique and modern by melding their influences with pop structures and rock 'n' roll chords. "Two Way Action" leaps out of the gate with confidence, with nimble harmonizing between Bird and vocalist Nora O'Connor. Bird's singing has never been better. On the heavenly lilting "11:11," soulful blues of "Why" and "Fatal Flower Garden" he approaches the angel-voiced sphere of Jeff Buckley, but with more control and modesty. In general, the torch songs sound more convincing than the more up-tempo numbers, like the almost silly cowboy cabaret of "Way Out West." The rocking "Satisfied" isn't bad, but does not play on the band's strengths like "Headsoak," another album highpoint, thanks to the gently swinging violin and sweet duets. "How Indiscreet" is the best of the up-tempo numbers, with the raucous New Orleans bar-room rhythms. Having long ago proven his musical chops, The Swimming Hour also confirms Bird's Bowl Of Fire as a vital creative force, no doubt with their best albums ahead of them.
