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How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Andrew Bird

BBG News

As a music enthusiast and avid reader, it’s evident that Andrew Bird‘s life is a harmonious blend of creativity, family, and exploration. The way he seamlessly interweaves his personal experiences with the vibrant cityscape of Los Angeles paints a vivid picture of a man who cherishes the simple joys in life.

On Sundays, Andrew Bird found particular significance. It was during those days that the melodies of jazz would seep into his unconsciousness before dawn – as a young adult residing in Chicago, he’d often fall asleep to late-night radio broadcasts playing the classics from musicians such as Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins.

Today, twenty years after, the newest album of Bird’s, titled “Sunday Morning Put-On,” honors its initial inspirations. This time around, it features Ted Poor on drums and Alan Hampton on bass.

On Sundays, the singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and whistler experiences a slightly altered routine, yet it remains a period for relaxation. As Bird puts it, “I don’t follow the conventional 9-to-5 workweek, but Sunday is the most similar equivalent.” Since his debut in 1996, he has released 16 studio albums. On Sundays, he cherishes this day as an opportunity to dedicate time to creative pursuits outside of work.

The bird (a person) and his wife Katherine Tsina, together with their 13-year-old child, have established themselves in Northeastern Los Angeles over the past 11 years, which they now consider their home. At present, he is embarking on a tour and will perform at two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in August alongside Pink Martini.

Living in L.A. holds a special appeal for Bird, an ardent mountain biker, as it allows him to spend time outdoors every day of the year. He expresses his affection by saying, “I adore mountains.” His health seems to flourish more here than it did anywhere else.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.

8:30 a.m.: Wake up with pancakes and jazz

On certain Sundays, let’s prepare breakfast together, brew some coffee, play a jazz tune softly in the background, and relax at our leisurely pace. Occasionally, we’ll whip up Dutch baby pancakes laden with various fruits for a delightful Sunday indulgence. Most of the time, though, we’ll opt for eggs, bacon, and an abundance of stone fruit berries to fill our mornings.

9 a.m.: Grab my bike and hit the trails

As a seasoned mountain biker with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that my favorite spot for riding is either Dirt Mulholland or the trails in Altadena via the Arroyo Seco River, affectionately known as JPL among the local cycling community. This location, just a short 15-minute drive away, offers some of the best terrain for an exhilarating ride.

In hot conditions, it’s best to stay on the riverbed, as numerous water crossings await you on your bike ride, making you wet. The environment is almost jungle-like, giving off an otherworldly feel, especially compared to Griffith Park with its sparse vegetation, loose sand, and quartz. This location feels much more tropical and remote.

11 a.m.: Refuel with fresh pasta or sandwiches

Following that, situated not too far off is a deli I’ve been quite fond of recently named Ferrazzani’s. This establishment falls under the Semolina Artisanal Pastas company and boasts the creation of fresh pasta on-site. Adjoining it, you’ll find an Italian market offering a variety of cheese, guanciale, fresh pasta, and they prepare about five unique sandwiches. Each one is simply scrumptious. All in all, it’s a delightful location.

1 p.m.: Have a family sketch session

On one particular day, we ventured to the Norton Simon Museum and took turns sketching contemporary art pieces. Truly a fantastic experience, I must admit. The size of it is reminiscent of a Chicago museum, particularly the Art Institute, just in a smaller package. Moreover, I find the architecture charming, with its mounds of leaves scattered around exterior.

Growing up, my mother, who was an artist, often took me and several of my friends to the Art Institute. We’d carry our sketchbooks with us and draw whatever caught our eye. This practice I later adopted with my own family, wondering why more people don’t do it. It transforms the entire experience and allows for comparing sketches with others drawing the same subject matter. While I wouldn’t classify myself as a visual artist, this small tradition from my childhood remains one of my greatest joys.

4 p.m.: Stroll through Atwater Village

On Sundays, we frequently find ourselves in Atwater Village. They host a farmers market, and my wife runs a shop called Avion Clothier there. For about a decade now, it’s served as something of a central point for us. It’s simply a very hip location.

In Atwater, you’ll find establishments like Alias Books, Proof Bakery, and plenty of cafes lined along lively sidewalks. This area boasts a vibrant street life, an unusual feature in L.A., and its design resembles an old western town, complete with a spacious boulevard perfect for parades, wide walkways, and regular businesses instead of the ubiquitous beige corner strip malls you see in Hollywood. If you create it, people will certainly visit. These days, it’s quite bustling!

6 p.m.: Sunday family dinner

On Sundays, we typically gather for a family dinner with my spouse, our son, and my sister-in-law who resides nearby. We usually prepare homemade bolognese sauce ourselves, although my wife deserves most of the recognition for this dish as she does the majority of the work. Since I’m a line cook professionally, I lend a helping hand when needed.

7:15 p.m.: Watch a movie or jam with my son

On occasion, our larger family visits, socializes, and we might enjoy a group movie. At times, my son and I break off from the crowd to watch “Rick and Morty” while my wife prefers a different program. Alternatively, my son and I could be found playing ping-pong or tennis. He recently turned 13, showcasing remarkable guitar skills, but he’s not currently pursuing it as his career. His talent on the guitar flourished during the pandemic; his preferred style is finger-picking.

As a music enthusiast and his proud parent, I find it intriguing when he invites me to “jam.” My initial response is always positive, thinking, “This should be fun!” However, these impromptu sessions rarely exceed 10-15 minutes. Then, he seems to enter a passive resistance phase. It’s a puzzle I’m still trying to solve. The secret is to maintain a casual approach, but it’s challenging not to let my pride take over. He possesses a keen ear for music and demonstrates impressive skills as a musician. Yet, when I suggest he might shine in the choir with a solo, I encounter a firm “no.”

9:30 p.m.: Wind down — in bed or on a tour bus

As a movie buff, my bedtime routine fluctuates depending on my touring schedule or other commitments. However, when I’m at home, I usually pick up a book around 9:30 or 10 p.m., aiming to be asleep by 11. I tend to spend quite a bit of my evening engrossed in books. At the moment, I’m delving into Don Carpenter’s “Hard Rain Falling.” It’s a ’50s noir novel with prison and tough guy themes – a gripping read!

When traveling by bus tour, I immediately retreat to my bunk once the vehicle begins moving, often between 12:30 or 1 a.m. Sleeping in close quarters with ten others in roughly 400 square feet might not seem luxurious, but there’s a daily itinerary that outlines your responsibilities and timings for each day, leaving you fairly unencumbered otherwise. Simplicity is key on these tours, which makes it easier for me to enjoy a peaceful sleep.

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2024-08-04 18:03

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