Hi there!
Well, from what I heard, I don't think Mister Bird's going to work on a new album just yet, I think he is first going to take a well deserved break, and then do some other stuff, I'm not very sure of it but rumours have been about some art project, or a score for a movie.... but well, I think you did see one of his last Paris show before quite a while!
Now, about him not playing with his band, I've seen him four times, two with Martin Dosh and co, two on his own. I think that Dosh has his own band and album to promote, and so do the other member of his band, so they aren't all the time with him. There are probably others explanation I don't know, but that's what I think!
Did you enjoy the show?