Biography of Andrew Bird

Retro-swing violinist Andrew Bird was raised in Chicago, beginning his musical studies at age four and eventually attending Northwestern University. Feeling straitjacketed by the school's narrowly traditional focus, he soon turned to outside pursuits from ethnic music to theatre, additionally joining the experimental funk-rock group Charlie Nobody. Raising his profile by appearing on a series of Squirrel Nut Zippers releases, Bird then formed Bowl of Fire with fellow Charlie Nobody alums Josh Hirsch (bass) and Kevin O'Donnell (drums) as well as Squirrel Nut Zippers guitarist James Mathus and vocalist Katherine Whalen; signing to Rykodisc, the group issued its debut album Thrills in 1998. With Bird assuming full vocal duties in the wake of Whalen's departure and with guitarist Colin Bunn replacing Mathus, Bowl of Fire resurfaced in 1999 with Oh! The Grandeur. ~ Jason Ankeny