By Justin Tam
Staff Writer
The alternative folk band the Avett Brothers and singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile made the Nokia Theatre the place to be Oct. 1.
These two artists combined efforts in a fantastic show sure to establish both as serious musicians. Carlile’s soulful, folky vocals and uplifting melodies provided a natural primer for the Avett Brothers, who delivered an inspired and hectic set, combining impeccable harmonies with frenetic guitar and banjo.
As the throngs of 30-to-50-something-year-olds filed into the theatre, opening adult-contemporary rockers Grace Potter & the Nocturnals began their set. Though satisfying, Potter did little to dispel the nearly palpable sense of impatience and eagerness for the co-headlining acts.
Washington-born singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile came to the stage shortly thereafter, visibly anxious; it was the first time she had played such a large venue. Her set featured songs from all three of her albums: her self-titled 2005 release, 2007’s “The Story,” and 2009’s “Give Up the Ghost,” interspersed with playful stories including one about how Elton John had introduced her to new music.
Considering the size of the venue, it was a pleasant surprise when she played a completely unplugged version of her song, “Dying Day,” during which the entire crowd was completely mesmerized. It was quickly followed up by a rousing rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” In marked contrast, Carlile closed with a cover of Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” delighting the crowd to no end.
The five-piece band the Avett Brothers, consisting of Scott and Seth Avett (on guitar and banjo), bassist Bob Crawford, cellist Joseph Kwon, and drummer Jacob Edwards, took to the stage, prompting the 3,000-plus in attendance, Avett and Carlile fans-alike, to stand up and fill the theatre with their joyous shouts and screams.
The Avett Brothers began their one-and-a-half hour set with a staple, “Laundry Room,” off their 2009 album “I and Love and You,” and the set only got better from there.
The band played a prolific, high-energy set rife with swooping harmonies and compelling melodies that only served to excite the crowd, which became louder and more energetic with each passing song, including favorites like “Kick Drum Heart,” “Salina,” and “Paranoia in B♭ Major.” They captured the entire audience and it seemed like the crowd knew the words to every song.
The few ballads played during their set were riveting, including “Murder in the City,” one of their most recognizable songs off their 2008 EP, “The Second Gleam,” and the rarely played fan-favorite, “November Blue,” off 2002’s “Country Was.”
After playing their quintessential ending track, “I and Love and You,” the Avett Brothers left the stage to deafening applause and returned but moments later to play an encore.
They covered Doc Watson’s “Blue Ridge Mountain Blues” and finished with the high-octane track “Talk on Indolence,” inciting the crowd to dance and stomp about as the band rounded out its set.
Long after the Avett Brothers departed, the crowd stood, transfixed, clapping and shouting their appreciation before trickling out of the venue. The Avett Brothers and Brandi Carlile seemed a natural fit together, both artists’ sets universally appealing.
With their show at the Nokia, The Avett Brothers cemented themselves as one of the better live acts of the decade, and Brandi Carlile continued to build on her rapidly-rising stature as a musician.
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