More than a master violinist or elocutionist, Andrew Bird has always seemed like an absurdly friendly human being. His latest video series—Live From The Great Room—trades on his talents and hospitable vibes as he invites established musicians and beloved folks to his home to perform a low-key, but always beautifully done live concerts. Normally he is joined by fellow musicians, but this week he duetted with Dewey Cox himself, the multi-talented and ever-mirthful John C. Reilly.
For those only familiar with his impressive film and TV resume, and maybe also his skills as a roller skater, Reilly is also a very capable musician with a golden voice made for pre-war style Americana. Just listen to him yodel along to Glen Campbell’s “Weary Lonesome Blues.” He is legitimately great, adding an aged, but shiny croak to Bird’s skillful violin noodling. Throughout the rest of the above video, Bird talks to Reilly about his affinity for bluegrass and country music, and why his “too optimistic for the blues.”
It is a really wonderful half hour that shines a light on Reilly’s life philosophies as they are informed by music. Before leading into a spate of several great performances, the group poignantly waxes poetic about the significance of eternal mediums as the transience of digital ephemera becomes more pronounced every hour of existence. Essentially, this performance should solidify Bird and Reilly as some of the realest dudes out there, really reveling in things that they love so much, that they make it enjoyable for the rest of us too.
Image: Columbia Pictures
Matt Grosinger is the music editor of Nerdist and recommends you also watch John C. Reilly’s folk performance for NPR.
