Birds of Chicago

Birds of Chicago

Birds of Chicago is a United States-based group formed around JT Nero and Allison Russell. The act begins in 2012 and works as a duo as well as with a larger family band lineup.

Background and formation

The group grows out of earlier collaboration between Nero and Russell’s separate projects: Po' Girl, based in Vancouver, BC, and JT and the Clouds, based in Chicago, IL. Those bands work together extensively before Nero and Russell record Mountains/Forests in 2011 under the JT Nero name. That album brings their voices together across a full record and includes the wider group of performers that later becomes the Birds of Chicago ensemble.

The ensemble also includes Michelle McGrath, described as a singer and picker from Southeast Ohio, along with members of the Clouds. In the verified lineup, the group includes JT Nero, Allison Russell, and Sisters of the Strawberry Moon.

Style and sound

Birds of Chicago works in roots music, with connections to folk, blues, country-soul, mountain gospel, street-corner doo-wop, and classic soul. The songs combine Nero’s rough-edged country-soul voice with Russell’s higher vocal harmonies. In acoustic settings, the arrangement often centres on banjo and guitar; with the full band, the sound is fuller and more revival-like.

Reception and activity

Mountains/Forests draws strong critical attention and helps build an audience in North America and across the Atlantic. The group is also strongly associated with touring, appearing in a range of live settings including festivals, theatres, pubs, VFW halls, roller rinks, and private homes.

Related acts

Before Birds of Chicago, Allison Russell performs with Po' Girl and JT Nero with JT and the Clouds. Those projects form the base for the collaboration that becomes Birds of Chicago.