In their own worlds
Kristin Hersh / Howe Gelb /Andrew Bird

An Evening with Kristin Hersh, Howe Gelb, & Andrew Bird...

What one of a kind artists Kristin Hersh, Howe Gelb, and Andrew Bird share is a knack for writing relentlessly inventive songs, very much coming from their own worlds. The singular, yet similarly unflinching originality exhibited by all three both in their live performances and their albums will make them an inspired pairing for each other while on a co-tour of the US from November 6-23. Each performer will play a short solo set (likely to be cross pollinated by the others), and the evening will close with all three performers on stage together.

For decades, singer-songwriter Howe Gelb has entertained and amused by writing some of the most profound and clever songs of his generation. He is best known for his work in the acclaimed rock band Giant Sand, who in 1999 signed to Thrill Jockey and released what many thought to be their best work to date, the epic confessional Chore of Enchantment. Since then Howe has released two solo albums, 2001’s Confluence and 2002’s The Listener, both of which combined his catchy wit with a freeform rawness only hinted at on Giant Sand albums. For his latest release, Still Lookin’ Good To Me, Gelb has revived his country-tinged Band of Blacky Ranchette moniker, which has not been heard from since the 80’s. Still Lookin’ Good To Me will be released this fall on Thrill Jockey.

Kristin Hersh’s solo life — her "day job" she calls it — is ongoing with five solo albums, most recently The Grotto (Beggar’s Banquet). Perhaps the most nakedly acoustic album she’s ever made, it was recorded quick on the heels of the rampantly electric Throwing Muses album and featured Howe and Andrew as sidemen on piano and violin, respectively. "It's a dark and intense collection of songs; all atmosphere. I'd been a long-time fan of their work as individuals, solo and with their bands. They're both SO distinctive and musical. Their contributions to The Grotto created so much dimension and depth -- Howe and Andrew's presence gave that record the spooky, moody quality it needed." says Kristin.

The three played together for the first time a year before recording together while appearing on the same bill for one night in Chicago. Kristin: "The two of them came onstage with me for a couple of songs, which is a rare thing for me to do -- I'm weird that way -- but the sound that came out was so nice and creepy that it stuck in my head and I filed it away for future use. The Grotto was the excuse I needed to get them back. I'm so looking forward to this tour as a fan as much as a musician. These guys are so funny and great at what they do. It's a perk of my job that I get to be a part of shows like this -- my fan-self is so excited!"