The Avett Brothers
Another band that doesn’t stay within the lines of genres! Hailing from Concord North Carolina, Scott and Seth Avett spend their early beginnings just trying to figure out what they wanted to do in life. While one brother was into music, the other is interested in space. But as they got older, they realized that music was their path in life. Growing the brothers would record their song ideas on cassette tapes while exploring all types of music including pop, rock, and American roots music.
But really, there was no way to get away from music since it was a constant in their lives with their grandmother being a concert pianist and their dad a guitarist. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Especially living in North Carolina where you’re exposed to all styles of music, arts, and other unique things. They also studied visual arts in college. Eventually forming the band Nemo.
While they didn’t musically conquer the world with their rock music as the band Nemo, they did learn a lot of what to do and what not to do. Which down the road seems to have worked out a whole lot better for them. Along with a dedicated fan following. Plus, they now have a few partners in crime that they added to their musical artillery such as Bob Crawford, Joe Kwon as well as Mike Marsh, Tania Elizabeth, and Bonnie Avett-Rini. All of them being gifted musicians.
Seeing The Avett Brothers Live!
The first time I saw them was at New Orleans JazzFest several years ago and they exceeded my expectations when it came to playing live to a large crowd. Yet the performance still felt quite like an intimate setting. Plus, it was cool to see the band spend time afterwards signing autographs and chatting with the fans. It’s something that has taken a back seat for most bands nowadays.
One of my favorite tracks from this band is “Murder in The City” Which was my introduction to the Avett Brothers. Check out their great performance from “Live From Here” which is a live radio variety show hosted by mandolinist Chris Thile. I think it’s the best version I’ve heard. It’s just an incredible song. Also Check out the band live! Their live shows are incredible!
The Band That Keeps Things Together!
Scott Avett (banjo, lead vocals, guitar, piano, kick-drum), Seth Avett (guitar, lead vocals, piano, hi-hat), Bob Crawford (double bass, electric bass, violin, backing vocals). Along with Joe Kwon (cello, backing vocals). Mike Marsh (drums), Tania Elizabeth (fiddle) and Bonnie Avett-Rini (piano), Paul Defiglia (a touring member of the band from 2011 to 2017).
The San Francisco Chronicle describes this band perfectly:
“The Avett Brothers combine bluegrass, country, punk, pop melodies, folk, rock and roll, indie rock, honky tonk, and ragtime to produce a novel sound as having the “heavy sadness of Townes Van Zandt, the light pop concision of Buddy Holly, the tuneful jangle of the Beatles, the raw energy of the Ramones.” – San Francisco Chronicle. I absolutely agree!
https://www.theavettbrothers.com/band
Furthermore, be sure, to check out the other JB blog posts: https://jbonamassa.com/jb-blog/