Andrew Bird released a new album, Hark! which is a collection of holiday songs with tracks “Alabaster,” “Night’s Falling,” and holiday classics including “Holy Night,” “White Christmas,” Vince Guaraldi’s epic “Skating” and more. Bird is an internationally acclaimed musician, songwriter and composer who has released fifteen records to date. He has performed around the world at festivals and renowned institutions like Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

In his holiday track, “Alabastar,” Bird showcases his fluid vocals that weave against the holiday-like instrumentals in this new song. The song, “Night’s Falling” is a peaceful and soothing song, with Bird’s poetic vocals against violins and soft instrumentals throughout.

This December 9 through 13, Bird will play a five-night sold-out residency at Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church as part of his eighth annual “Gezelligheid” concerts. A Dutch term that loosely translates to “cozy,” the Gezelligheid performances will feature Madison Cunningham. Bird has toured across the globe this year making a stop at this year’s Americanafest with special guest John C. Reilly. The duo’s performances were noted as some of the festival’s best by the Tennessean, American Songwriter and The Bluegrass Situation, which included a later released live version of The Carter Family’s “When The World’s On Fire” they performed alongside Alan Hampton.

In the track, “Oh Holy Night” the intro begins with the whistling of the classic song, set against the light strumming of the guitar. It is a magical touch of the holiday spirit.

I’ve never had the impulse to make a holiday record until last February,” says Bird. “I found myself enjoying the Vince Guaraldi ‘Peanuts’ records and thought I’d book a few days in the studio. It was an excuse to play some classic jazz with my favorite musicians. A lot of folks have a hard time with the holidays but they serve a purpose to us as a people- to create comfort, warmth and atmosphere within the darkness and the cold that can crush one’s spirit. There are a couple originals in here that address this idea of light and warmth in the darkness as well as some classics that have some nostalgic resonance with me. Hark! What sounds come flowing alabaster?”

Hark! – Track Listing
1. Alabaster
2. Skating
3. Christmas is Coming
4. White Christmas
5. Oh Holy Night
6. Night’s Falling

Andrew Bird Tour Dates
12/09 – Fourth Presbyterian Church§ – Chicago, IL
12/10 – Fourth Presbyterian Church§ – Chicago, IL
12/11 – Fourth Presbyterian Church§ – Chicago, IL
12/12 – Fourth Presbyterian Church§ – Chicago, IL
12/13 – Fourth Presbyterian Church§ – Chicago, IL
§—with Madison Cunningham