The Avett Brothers are a lot of things to a lot of people,
not the least of which is a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock
and pop – with a little jab of punk-style dynamics thrown in here and there.
They’re also a band with a sizeable following based largely on their rowdy,
infectious live shows. In concert, the high-flying ensemble tears through tunes
with unbridled energy, popping banjo and guitar strings right and left while
inciting stomping sing-alongs from riveted audiences. One thing is certain: The
Avett Brothers are a grassroots phenomenon, built from the ground up.
The uncommonly mature 21-year old Jessica Lea Mayfield’s latest album, Tell Me, is a stunningly forthright set of songs that address late-night longings, serial heartbreak and dangerous liaisons. It’s as though Mayfield stripped the sentimentality and ruefulness from a bunch of classic country songs, leaving only the stark emotions. The tone of her music is plaintive and sparse, ornamented with a voice that’s matter-of-fact but mesmerizing. Musically, Mayfield’s beyond her years as well, having started her career at age 8 playing with One Way Rider, the Mayfield family bluegrass band.
The Avett Bros once again gave a full-hearted performance. I appreciate the way they keep all their songs fresh, a clue that they still enjoy what they do, and that carries through to the audience.
Jessica Mayfield….. If anyone came to the concert who was already severely depressed, she could have been dangerous. Her singing was uninspired moaning in pain and torment while the backing band assaulted their instruments. She often could not carry a simple monotonous tune. Except for the last song which had a faster tempo, they all sounded like the same sad song. I might have named them The Thorazine Waltz, My Tortured Existence and Please Pass the Kool-aid. It is a complete mystery to me how she got on stage. Kudos to her promoter.
The Avett Brothers are a lot of things to a lot of people,
not the least of which is a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock
and pop – with a little jab of punk-style dynamics thrown in here and there.
They’re also a band with a sizeable following based largely on their rowdy,
infectious live shows. In concert, the high-flying ensemble tears through tunes
with unbridled energy, popping banjo and guitar strings right and left while
inciting stomping sing-alongs from riveted audiences. One thing is certain: The
Avett Brothers are a grassroots phenomenon, built from the ground up.
