The Avett Brothers By Debbie Brautman December 1, 2024 The Avett Brothers Excite and Delight Fans At The Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fl By Debbie Brautman | Photos: Chris Schmitt It was one explosive two hour performance by a most fascinating band. They are fronted by two brothers, Seth and Scott, with great individual voices, harmonies and camaraderie. Their entire spectacular band looked like they were having a ball, and that feeling of fun immediately captivated the audience. It was absolutely one of the best concerts of 2024. Some bands just shine when they play live and this band is one of them. This North Carolina band, formed in 2000, has amassed quite a following in the last 24 years. No need to pin them down to any one genre because they play it all, own it, and make it work. Their diversity shows as they delve into Americana, Roots, Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, Indie, Country and even a touch of Punk Rock. They played 25 songs in their two-hour show, six of them new songs from their superb self-titled album that came out in May. This album is their 11th studio album, and it’s a gem. The new songs included: “Never Apart,” “Love Of A Girl,” “Forever Now,” “Country Kid,” “Orion’s Belt,” and ”We Are Loved.” They blended very well with their older tried and true songs, like “Laundry Room,” “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise,” and “I and Love and You,” which was well received with a big sing along and lots of audience participation. Highlights included the cowpunk, humorous rock song, “Love of a Girl,” the rollicking country romp of “Country Kid” and the moving duet of “We Are Loved.” “Locked Up” was from the new album and it sure rocked. Their cover of Doc Watson’s song “Black Mountain Rag” was played to perfection with electric banjo and showed their love and admiration for this great American guitarist. Grammy nominated Tania Elizabeth on fiddle was a showstopper, as she was highlighted with her solo covers of the Quebec and Louisiana traditional songs, “Le Reed du Pendu/Les Barres De La Prison.” The seductive “I Wish I Was” featured electric banjo and clever lyrics, “I wish I was a sweater, wrapped around your hips. And when it got too cold, into me you’d slip.” “Ain’t No Man” was gospel rap. Scott played the piano for an emotional solo acoustic rendition of “Murder In The City.” Hell, all the songs were highlights, all twenty five of them. Not one filler song. The variety of cool instruments played by such talented performers who were clearly enjoying themselves, made all the songs immensely infectious. The members include the brothers, Seth Avett (Guitars) and Scott Avett (Banjo, Piano/Guitars), sister Bonnie Avett-Rini (Piano/Keyboards), longtime member Bob Crawford (Upright Bass/Bass Guitar/Fiddle), Joe Kwon (Cellist), and ex-Dashboard Confessional Mike Marsh (Drummer). Each band member provided excellence. No slackers here. They cracked a joke, “It’s the last stop on the tour and you can’t tell that by how fresh we’re looking. Florida has been amazing to us. Really incredible to us and we really appreciate it.” Their encore started with the Toby Keith cover of “I Ain’t As Good As I Once Was,” with only Bob Crawford, Seth and Scott. The entire fabulous band joined them for their final song “No Hard Feelings.” You know it’s a great show when no one leaves til the very end. Their fancy footwork and high intensity entertained throughout. There is no shortage of talent in this fine band. It is just mind blowing and refreshing to watch such a flawless performance. Share It!
