We can’t truly say that it is without a heavy heart that the news that Birds of Chicago are about to go on some form of hiatus has reached Americana UK. It is for the best of reasons, fortunately, in that Allison Russell has a solo album about to go live, and she has been highlighted as “one to watch” in 2021 by Rolling Stone magazine. Nice work RS – about time you caught up that Allison is one of the most amazing performers in americana today: a voice to break your heart, a multi-instrumentalist of note and a great songwriter too. When that’s paired with JT Nero’s rough crack of a vocal – oh, that’s true magic.
However, with the solo album ahead and the Our Native Daughters collaboration a huge success – and there’s more coming from that direction too we hear – well, something had to give and it’s Birds of Chicago that’ll have to take a back seat. They’re saying “farewell is not goodbye” but they are also saying “Birds is on indefinite hiatus.” We love you guys and wish you all the best, but any time you can do a one off Birds of Chicago show be assured we’ll be there for you. As long as it’s in the UK, let’s be sensible about this.
Here are three reasons we love Birds of Chicago – and if you’re late to the game then do yourself a favour and buy an album or two. You surely will not regret it.
