Review: Avett Brothers

Scott and Seth Avett at Crossroads KC on Thursday night. Photo by Jill Toyoshiba/The Star

It’s safe to say the Avett Brothers have arrived. Thursday night, for the second time in less than two years, the North Carolina band drew a huge crowd to Crossroads KC. 

Nearly 3,000 fans packed themselves into the outdoor venue, enduring the heat and humidity, and watched the Avetts put on a two-hour showcase of their often lively mix of country, bluegrass, rock and folk.

No opening act preceded them, so the Avetts took the stage not long after dusk. They opened with “Will You Return,” a pop song with bright harmonies, embroidered with banjo riffs, then “The Fall,” a jaunty country-blues ballad accented with some blues harp. 

The Avetts are led by brothers Scott and Seth, and they harmonize like so many brothers can. They showcased those voices during a three-song duo-acoustic set toward the middle of the show. 

The band’s career took a pivotal turn in 2009 when it released “I and Love and You,” an album produced by Rick Rubin. They played several of its tracks, and each drew a big response, especially the rap-infused “Slight Figure of Speech” and the percussive “Kick Drum Heart,” which ignited a tide of in-time fist pumping during the signature kick-drum riff. 

The Avetts are a lively bunch, from the brothers to bassist Bob Crawford, drummer Jacob Edwards and cellist Joe Kwon, who gives the band’s sound an occasional orchestral flourish. There is a looseness to their sound that can be appealing — a roughness that says this is not perfection, it’s enjoyment of the moment. 

They throw themselves physically into some of the livelier tunes, and that enthusiasm spreads to the crowd before them, at least among those way up front. The place was packed tight almost all the way to the picnic tables in back, where the sound was clear but the view diminished. 

There were a few lulls, especially during some of the quieter numbers, when some fans acted like they were biding time until the next up-tempo song. As pretty as the duo-acoustic set was, it looked like half the crowd in back wasn’t paying much attention. 

There were a few moments of thunder and roar that snapped any loose attentions back in place, none stormier than the end of “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise,” another crowd favorite. 

They tossed in a worthwhile cover of Tom T. Hall’s “I Miss A Lot of Trains,” and played a rendition of a song they said they learned from Doc Watson, “Blue Ridge Mountain Blues.” They also played two songs off the coming album “Once and Future Carpenter,” including the title track and “Live and Die,” another breezy pop tune with lots of banjo on its hide.

They closed with the invigorating “Talk on Indolence,” another song with a rap built into it, which sent the big crowd off on a high. Earlier in the show one of the Avetts (I was too far back to tell which) told the crowd the band goes out of its way to stop in Kansas City at Crossroads KC because it has so much fun here. 

It must be clear to them by now that their effort is appreciated and the feeling is mutual.

Setlist: Will You Return; The Fall; Down With The Shine; Famous Flower of Manhattan; And it Spread; January Wedding; Paranoia in B Major; The Weight of Lies; Wanted Man; Love Like the Movies; Colorshow; Slight Figure of Speech; Denouncing November Blue; Pretty Girl at the Airport; I Miss a lot of Trains (Tom T. Hall cover); Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise; When I Drink; Sanguine; Just a Closer Walk With Thee; Live and Die; Kick Drum Heart; Blue Ridge Mountain Blues; Laundry Room; I Killed Sally’s Lover. Encore: Murder in the City; Once and Future Carpenter; Talk on Indolence; 

| Timothy Finn, The Star

Comments

[LiveMusicFan]

I've never understood the popularity of the Avetts, but the music business works in mysterious ways.

[downtown D]

Favorite band right now. It's a goddamn shame they get lumped in with Mumford and Sons sometimes.

[onthemark]

"Earlier in the show one of the Avetts told the crowd the band goes out of its way to stop in Kansas City at Crossroads KC because it has so much fun here."

So, it would appear that the efforts of our resident dump troll have been for naught...

[pellboy]

The dump troll's head just exploded.

[Musicgal]

Good. Maybe it will take the rest of the Crossroads season for "it" to recover.

[Green]

Good show, although the heat was getting to me more than it usually does. Had a beer and a water to cool off, that helped out a lot but I wish this had been a fall show. One thing that drove me crazy was the joco snobs in front of me in the vip area that wouldn't keep there mouths shut. Not sure why you would drop that much money to just drink and talk to your friends. I was pretty embarrassed when one of them yelled rock chalk at the stage. Funny, there was charming little boy behind me on dads shoulders, maybe just a few years old, banjo in head and he seemed more mature than the group in front of me. One thing I found pretty sweet was Stretch walking through the crowd asking if everyone was having a good time. I said a few words to him, seemed like a pretty cool guy. Also noticed security handing out some bottled water, he even gave the young kid a bottle of water. I would like to see crossroads allow a bottle of water on hot days but at least the water inside was marked down, hell I bought an extra for the cool couple standing beside me.

[Green]

Correction ... "banjo in hand"

[joe]

There were coolers of water in the back by the food station with numerous, decent sized, plastic cups. The water was ice cold and FREE. REAL good show. These guys have it going on. Actually like the loose, sloppy feel. It works for them.

[Jeff Brown]

That kid was adorable.

[Green]

That kid was a trooper, made it through the entire show, no crying, no fuss at all, not sure it's the best place for a little kid, but kinda cool to see.

[JJ]

There may have been 3000 people in attendance.. but only about of 1000 of them were there to listen to music. The rest were apparently there to hang out with their friends and try to talk louder than the music.

[JY]

"One thing that drove me crazy was the joco snobs in front of me in the vip area that wouldn't keep there mouths shut."

Did they have signs identifying themselves as being from JoCo? Perhaps they may have been from......Brookside?

[Geordan]

Concerning the past couple of posts and I don't want to generalize here, but I have noticed at many of the shows I've seen in the past few years, the younger attendees are the ones who spend most of the show texting and jabbering, making me wonder why on earth they paid money for a show they apparently have no interest in. Older people can get loud as well, especially when they are drunk, but it seems to be mostly the younger folks from what I've witnessed. Maybe it's this whole ADD culture that has emerged post-internet and all, but I remember shows at the old Parody Hall in which 200 people were dead quiet during a moving acoustic song. That rarely happens at all anymore.

Case in point, I saw Sarah & The Tall Boys at Knuckleheads a few weeks back and during a ballad, a young crowd that would not pipe down were asked to leave by a few angry patrons.....and the loud group was in fact the young band who opened the show! They couldn't even respect the headliners and did get up and leave when it appeared that half the audience wanted their heads on a platter. I know that if you buy a ticket, you can pretty much do what you want at a show, but to just show up to look cool and get your picture snapped for the website of that dopey weekly, INK, is killing the enjoyment of many shows for me lately. Have fun, sure, but respect the fact that you are at a musical performance which many people paid to hear.

[Dale]

The Avett Brothers are nice guys, but I sure don't dig their music. I've tried.

[Green]

JY trust me, I heard enough of the conversation to know where they were from. Although, as a Jackson East resident I do like an occasional jab to those folks west of the city. Usually it does seem to be a younger crowd that is talking but not to young, I put the age in the low 20's. Most of the teens I see at shows are very much into the show and not talking. The teens usually are the super fans, at least up front. I will say the talking is usually in the back and rarely am I that far from the stage. A little respect would go a long way but I suppose that is asking way to much.

[Dave]

The non-stop chatter is annoying, especially at a packed show where there is little room to move away. I was really interested in hearing Just a Closer Walk with Thee, but unfortunately mostly I heard the gals behind me talking about their weekend plans and their pets. It seemed the girls were annoyed that the Avetts were spoiling their conversation with the song, so they talked louder in order to drown out the music. It was a great show, diverse set list, the "Royals themed" show poster was very cool, and I got a free ticket to see The Temper Trap on the way out. Yeah, I stood on wood chips, that didn't bother me at all like the chatterboxes did.

[Green]

Yea the girls were carrying the conversation around me as well, we asked them to quiet down and they replied, "Isn't the music loud enough, can't you hear the band, we can" and went back to their conversation, they did move up a little. Kinda wonder how they ended up at Crossroads with the P&L so close by.

[wadkc]

Green - "Jackson East" says so much.

[Green]

Haha, thanks wadkc, I know, East has it's issues, but it is so much more affordable than everywhere else. I really rather be out in the country on a little land but than you find yourself so far from everything. Sure I will find my dirt road one day but for know it's in the subs.

[wadkc]

I grew up there, so it's in my heart but joco is my home now. We're all the same, or I wish we'd all see it that way. I fly my Mizzou flag proudly so don't you worry about that.

[pellboy]

And I cancel you out by proudly flying my KU flag in south KC. :)

[Steve]

I thought it was a great show and would not hestiate to see them again. I think that they have outgrown that venue and probably should play somewhere like Starlight. There were a few kids around us as well. We were 15 yards or so from the west entrance. Capacity crowd and never had a problem getting drinks or the restroom inside Grinders. Not a lot of chatter around us, or at least I didn't notice it if there was. It seemed a good time was had by all.

[wadkc]

Touche' 'ol nemisis Mr. Pell.

[DT]

""The Avett Brothers are nice guys, but I sure don't dig their music. I've tried.""

agreed 100%, too mellow/twangy/hillbilly for me.

which explains>>>
avett brothers hillbilly music +
crossroads kc = perfect match
they both suck.

No surprises here, move along,
nothing new to see or read just
the same old shills, shilling for the dump.

[LiveMusicFan]

"There may have been 3000 people in attendance.. but only about of 1000 of them were there to listen to music."
Posted by: JJ

Unfortunately, you'll get that same ratio of idiots to music fans at every venue in America. If you're lucky you can just move closer up front to get away from them, but that doesn't always work. I just don't understand people who'll pay money to go somewhere and NOT listen to the band, considering that most venues have bars nearby where they could go talk for free.

[onthemark]

LMF, you are singing my song! Why people will buy a ticket for a live music event then spend the entire time trying to talk OVER the band has always puzzled me. Sure, I can see some chatter between songs, but to talk non-stop throughout an entire performance is just plain rude.

[Jeff]

Great show. Can't imagine seeing them at a venue like Starlight where people would prefer sitting and complaining about those standing. Avett's are great people and have always gone out of their way to show their appreciation, hence the song "I and Love and You" which I was surprised they didn't play. When Seth was off stage high fiving, shaking hands, he stopped, squatted down, pulled a pick out of his pocket, and gave it to my 11 year old. Hard to get him to bed after that. Youtube video of Scott doing "A Closer Walk With Thee" with an unwelcome assist from his daughter, priceless. And Bob Crawford was not on bass. He's dealing with a daughter with serious health issues. Keep them in your prayers. Stretch, keep on keepin' on. Appreciated the free water. Appreciate your venue.

[Frank]

6 month old kids at midnight movies?
11 year old children at concerts?

gotta ask why? havent you trailer park losers ever heard of hiring a baby sitter? do you have any clue what proper parenting is?

How about calming yourself down for a years while you properly raise future adults, versus acting like 10-11 year children are ready for the night life as if they are 18-20, you pathetic fks.

And wtf about a bar that allows children in, sheesh, just another wrong with Crossroads KC. No one wants fkn children around when we are out on the town.

Parents, stay at home with your kids, or at least stick to proper entertainment choices.

[willam]

Music is just something like that,you never know how it work,but it did.Music can relax us and make us live in peace.Find the bridge to our soul in beatsbydredresale.com.

[Bake]

I grew up there, so it's in my heart but joco is my home now. We're all the same, or I wish we'd all see it that way. I fly my Mizzou flag proudly so don't you worry about that.

[Bake]

Continuing to the post, This is a fantastic survey, very nice write up, Thanks you for sharing.

[LiveMusicFan]

"11 year old children at concerts?"
Posted by: Frank

What's the difference between an 11 year old and an 18 year old at a concert? In my experience an 11 year old is better behaved, but I've seen younger kids at The Bottleneck, the Replay Lounge, The Granada, and probably every outdoor venue I've been to. I WISH that my parents would haven taken me to concerts when I was that age...but with them it would have been shows like Neil Diamond, Chicago, and other stuff that would have bored me back then.

[Bmart]

Frank - my 6 year old daughter loves the avetts. We have seen them 4xs together. She tears up when they hit the stage. We have all of the posters, pictures and ticket stubs. I'm Proud to take my kids to take in the arts and music.

[pellboy]

Yeah, been taking my two boys to local festivals and free outdoor shows since they were in diapers. If anything, I think exposing them to music and the arts at an early age has way more of a positive affect than a negative one. Looks like it really screwed up the Avetts.

Leave parenting up to the parents, Frank. To generalize them as pathetic fks because they choose to share a fun experience with their children is what's truly pathetic.

Just out of curiosity, what's the age where this would be acceptable for you? Surely, you've given this complex issue enough thought to come up with an arbitrary number that supercedes a child's individual traits like their maturity level, ability to deal with crowds, patience, whether they like the music and the countless other things that factor into a parent's decision to bring their own child to a concert. Not that I really give a shit what you think on this subject but perhaps you can provide a much needed service to other parents in need of such profound advice.

[Green]

11 year old ... the one kid was more like 2 or 3 years old. He had a blast, seemed to know the band, even mentioned his fav song by the avetts. I thought he was a little young, it's tough though. UI love live music and would love to share that with my kid one day, but I have been to a lot of shows that are not kid friendly. I have seen fights, drug use, crowd surges, pushing, nasty language and heavy drinking. If it's outside, heat can be an issue, height is also a concern, most kids are pretty short so what can they see? For me, the age starts around 15, but it depends on the band and the venue. Sprint Center would be pretty safe and kid friendly and maybe the Uptown or Midland if you grabbed a seat up stairs but that's about as far as I would go. Pellboy has a good point, leave the parenting up to the parents. The parents should be able to know what works for thier kid and what does not.

[Steve]

Really Frank? My 11 y/o son and 13 y/o daughter love music and love going to concerts. I see nothing wrong with it in the least and we have had some of our best family outings at shows. I certainly am more responsible at shows that my kids are with me than those that they aren't. I have seen rougher crowds at a Chiefs game, Royals game or Sporting KC game than at the shows I have taken my kids to. My son has seen Paul McCartney, Foo Fighters, Roger Daltrey and other local bands in and around KC and at the lake. They love the Avetts and next time they come to KC it will be a family event. These are experiences of a lifetime for these kids and exposing them to the arts and talented artists will only make them more well rounded people. Sure you have to pick the right shows, but that where being a responsible parent comes in. I would have loved to have seen Slipnot, Slayer, Anthrax and Motorhead with my son, but that probably would not have been an appropriate show for him. Alice Cooper would have been awesome if we would have been in town. My kids were raised on the Beatles, Stones, the Who, Pink Floyd and may others. Play whose that band with my son and I bet he could hang with you. You got to raise them right. I'm with Pellboy, leave the parenting to the parents.

[Frank]

Take your 6 month kids to midnight showing of Batman, take your kids ids to concerts, make up infinite rationalizations to not hire a babysitter... but dont dream you are being a a good parent taking your kid to a bar to see a concert, and dont expect for one second for anyone to alter their behavior to respect the precence of your brats.

Dont say word, dont even give a look.

You wanna expose you children to that enviroment, then that is 100% on you.

[trollers gonna troll]

Frank is the dump troll

[Adidas Porsche Design]

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[Air Jordans]

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[EB]

Both of my boys (4 and 7 yoa) loved the show. They've both grown up listening to the Avetts and I would have missed the show before I would have left them at home. Frank, you should look for shows that are not intended for "all ages" or maybe ones geared more towards hateful pricks.

[Frank]

wha wha wha EB, cry us a river, or better yet, quit your whining you dumb ass.

You had kids, yet you still want to go out partying, and now taking little kids to bars too, how pathetic.

You drug addict / drunks who have kids and keep partying make me sick.

[trollers gonna troll]

Frank is the dump troll

[Leon]

bbbbuuuuurrrrraaaaaaapppppp

[Yeah]

Avett bros suck, bunch of stupid fkn hillbillys playining a fkn hillybilly dump that allows fkg little kids in, what a crock of crap.

you wanna rock?
How about Neil Young at Red Rocks?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZK0IQAL0_0

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq6212h3spQ

[Yeah]

...and Neil wont be rolling through KC on this tour because you retards wont support real rock, only buying 5000 tickets at his last show at SC, that is fkg criminal and stupid, and now we have to travel to see him.
THANKS!!!! THANKS A LOT KC!!!!

[pellboy]

If that means we'll get a break from your posting why you're traveling, then thanks, Neil!

[NEW]

Went to NY at RR Sunday night. Good show. Not the best show I've seen performance or setlist wise but he seemed be having a blast just jamming will Pancho, Ralph and Billy. We played a solid 2:15 but just as he did 4/28-09 at SC

IMO, the SC show 3 years ago had a much stronger set list. At SUnday night's show, hwent into the Weld stuff really early which was a bit too early for self indulgence for most of the crowd (not me mind you) but came out of the feedback with an acoustic "Needle and the Damage Done" The band came back after a couple of more acoustic numbers for another hour which was the real meat of the show, closing with "F%$^in Up", "Mr. Soul" (a first for this life long fan), "Into the Black" and "Over and Over" for the encore. Here's the complete set list (Monday night's setlist was pretty much the same with the exception of "Roll Another Number"

Love and Only Love
Powderfinger
Born in Ontario
Walk Like a Giant
Needle and the Damage Done
Twisted Road
For the Love of Man
Ramada Inn
Cinnamon Girl
F$%^in Up
Psychedelic Pill
Mr. Soul
Into the Black

E: Over and Over

Were you out here for the show as well, DT?

[NEW]

Oh and one final note, Alabama Shakes opened and were absolutely killer!

[Yeah]

Wow NEW!!! that is awesome!!!, great for you for making that trip. Good job.

Just watching those videos gives starts a twinge in my stomache, like I over slept.. excpet it says "fk fkfkfkfk how did I miss that show?? must see Neil must see Neil now!!"

PS
and no pellboy, dont get your hopes up, we can always post from the road.