We were just praising the one-microphone live approach to Andrew Bird’s new LP while streaming the record last week, and now here he is on Letterman’s Late Show employing that format for a take on Townes Van Zandt’s “If I Needed You.” Joining Bird on bass/backup vocals was regular collaborator Alan Hampton, while Tift Merritt — a notable singer-songwriter in her own right — played guitar and harmonized on the duet. It’s hard to imagine a performer not pulling off a timeless tune like this, but extra credit is due to Bird & Co here for reworking Van Zandt’s vision in their own way while paying reverent homage to the original to boot. If you didn’t catch the broadcast tonight, watch a replay above — it’s definitely a can’t-miss television moment this week.
Japanese Type Beat