LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Andrew Bird has worn many hats over the years - professional whistler, '20s jazz aficionado, New York Times guest-blogger - but the one that fits best is solo artist. Since abandoning his band, Bowl of Fire, and going solo with 2003's "& The Mysterious Production of Eggs," the Chicago-based troubadour has built an impressive catalog, from "Eggs" to his latest release, "Noble Beast."