Mobile
Monday, March 1, 2010
Photos / Live Reviews / News Live review: Stereofidelics, Amelia's Mechanics, Jim Avett
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Stereofidelics, Amelia's Mechanics, Jim Avett
Evening Muse
Feb. 26, 2010
The Deal: Jim Avett holds release party for his new CD, Tribes — Stereofidelics and Amelia's Mechanics open.
The Good: The show opened with Asheville's The Stereofidelics, a duo that quickly impresses you with their talents — Chris Padgett plays acoustic guitar while Melissa McGinley plays violin. I've seen them before when McGinley was behind a drum set and using the violin's bow to hit cymbals and drums, but this night was all stripped down to its acoustic substance. Padgett's finger-picking is as impressive as McGinley's skills with a bow. The duo's vocals pair nicely and they left the stage with the audience craving more.
Greensboro-based Amelia's Mechanics were on stage next for a lengthy, heart-felt set of tunes. Playing a number of songs from their debut, North, South, the trio combines elements of rock, folk and country into a warm conglomerate that touches the soul.
Molly Miller, on electric guitar, and Molly McGinn, on acoustic guitar, both displayed fine examples of songwriting as the two often gave each other credit for their work. They offer solid harmonies and their musicianship fits in nicely with each other.
The electric guitar is never too overpowering, the violin gives the right hints of emotion and McGinn's acoustic is the backbone keeping the sound welded together.
McGinn also had a duet with Avett on their last song of the night — almost a warm-up for Avett's set — as they performed a song she wrote with him in mind.
Avett hit the stage for a smattering of songs and stories that gave people a bit more insight into his own musical influences and those that may have trickled down to his sons, Seth and Scott, of the Avett Brothers. He remained perched on a stool for the duration of his short set and the packed venue soaked up every note.
In addition to songs from Tribes, usually performed with his daughter, Bonnie, Avett also played a few cover songs including some by Hank Williams and Bob Dylan. His easy going style gave the feeling that you were in his living room, sitting around the fireplace instead of being at The Evening Muse. His lyrics and vocals are as warm and inviting as they are "familiar."
The Bad: Nothing to complain about.
The Verdict: This was one of those nights where, even if you had never heard any of the bands before, you could walk away knowing you had heard something great from all three. I'd recommend seeing any of the three performances on its own, but getting to see all three in one night... it must be some kind of Festivus miracle.
Speaking of...
Comments
Showing 1-1 of 1
Latest in Vibes
-
Chvrches ups the energy
Oct 17, 2018 -
Florence & The Machine offer a vocal showcase in Charlotte area
Oct 4, 2018 -
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler and Friends entertain with wit, classic arts
Oct 2, 2018 - More »
More by Jeff Hahne
-
Chvrches ups the energy
Oct 17, 2018 -
Florence & The Machine offer a vocal showcase in Charlotte area
Oct 4, 2018 -
Bill Murray, Jan Vogler and Friends entertain with wit, classic arts
Oct 2, 2018 - More »
-
Rain doesn't dampen the party with Kesha and Macklemore
Both sets cut short as storms roll through Charlotte, N.C.
-
Live review: Fiona Apple, The Fillmore (9/26/2012) 16
Fans ate it up, but it was a trainwreck of tragic and frustrating proportions.
-
Frank Ocean tops Village Voice Pazz & Jop poll
Annual critics list creates requisite buzz
