Andrew Bird July 23, 2008

Andrew Bird is a concert-trained violinist who reveres the jazz masters, but does not imitate them. He explores various styles but will not noodle. Too modern to be classic, too classic to be modern, he produces a tight, early swing sound with saucy lyrics. In the most aw-shucks, unassuming fashion, Idaho-born Josh Ritter is re-wiring the circuitry of American songwriting. Based on the strength of his critically acclaimed album, he has been splitting his time between the United States and Ireland, where he is selling out clubs and small theaters.