Perfection
by Lacey on 8/28/22The Andrew J Brady Music Center - CincinnatiThese fellas are talented beyond belief. Their musical abilities are unparalleled. The venue was clean and intimate and made for a one if a kind concert experience.
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About
Punch Brothers are mandolinist Chris Thile, guitarist Chris Eldridge, bassist Paul Kowert, banjoist Noam Pikelny, and violinist Gabe Witcher. Their accolades include a Grammy for best folk album for their 2018 release All Ashore, and praise from the media, including the Washington Post, which said, "With enthusiasm and experimentation, Punch Brothers take bluegrass to its next evolutionary stage, drawing equal inspiration from the brain and the heart."
In November of 2020, when the world felt so full of uncertainty, Punch Brothers did one thing that they could rely on: they stood in a circle, facing one another, and made music together. A weeklong recording session, after quarantining and little rehearsal outside of a few Zoom calls, had culminated in their new record, Hell on Church Street—a reimagining of Bluegrass great Tony Rice’s landmark album, Church Street Blues—out on Nonesuch in January 2022.
Hell on Church Street is a potent work by a band realizing their own powers and returning to the foundations of their music. Kowert considers this album to “harken back to our early days in the band when we were playing regularly on the Lower East Side, learning all this new material to expand our sonic arsenal.” Pikelny adds, “It made me think of how many times Punch Brothers closed doors for ourselves as far as covering other people’s material beyond one or two songs here and there. But I can’t imagine making a more personal record, solely through the power of interpretation and delivery. It felt right and proper.”
This band of virtuosi had spent more than a decade changing the face of acoustic music, stretching the limitations of instruments, and influencing a generation of young musicians—but life has a way of keeping a band from getting in the same room. Thile elaborates that “these sessions were a reminder for me of what’s really important. I felt silly having this band take up so little of my creative year; it reminded me that us five together is critical to my happiness”.
Church Street Blues was Tony Rice’s great statement. Rice had already made his name as a member of the legendary bluegrass band JD Crowe and The New South and pushed the boundaries of string music as a founding member of the David Grisman Quartet, but this album was him on his own, stripped back to just his guitar, his voice, and an inspired collection of the songs. Performing songs by heavyweights like Gordon Lightfoot and bluegrass founder Bill Monroe, Rice’s interpretations of these songs and tunes have since become the standard.
Punch Brothers formed in 2006. Its first Nonesuch record, Punch, was released in 2008 and combined elements of the band’s many musical interests. In 2009, they began a residency at NYC’s intimate Lower East Side club The Living Room, trying out new songs and ultimately spawning Antifogmatic (2010). In 2012, the band released Who’s Feeling Young Now?, which Q praised for its ‘astonishing, envelope-pushing vision’, while Rolling Stone said, “The acoustic framework dazzles–wild virtuosity used for more than just virtuosity.” Their 2015 album, the T Bone Burnett-produced, The Phosphorescent Blues, addresses with straight-up poignancy and subversive humor, the power and the pitfalls of our super-connected world.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rating: 5 out of 5 Incredible
by McLean on 3/31/22Ryman Auditorium - NashvilleThis show was nothing short of magical. I have been listening to Punch Brothers' music for a number of years, but seeing them live is on a whole other level. These boys have technical skill, soul, and story behind their music. Wish this night never ended!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Such an amazing performance!
by Robin on 3/9/22State Theatre - PortlandThe State Theatre is absolutely beautiful! I was surprised at the length of the line after 8:00 but it moved quickly and getting in was easy. The seats were comfy and the sound was great. I've seen the Punch Brothers a few times and they will blow you away they're so amazing. I had an issue with people in general - the guy next to us left his seat and came back four times. People yell out at the band with requests and just need to stop. Stop talking in the back - you're rude. Sit, relax, clap (AFTER the song) and just be quiet so that we can enjoy these unbelievable musicians!
Rating: 2 out of 5 Good musicians but painfully boring show
by Jeff on 3/8/22State Theatre - PortlandQuality musical talent who bored a decent percentage of the audience.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great show! Chris Thile and the gang were amazing!
by A. S. on 3/8/22State Theatre - PortlandLoved every minute of the show! The opener was great! They are all very talented musicians and Chris Thile has to be the best and most talented mandolin player in the world.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Punch Bros return to their home away from home
by Jack on 3/6/22Ryman Auditorium - NashvilleThe band did a nice blend of off-the-cuff spontaneity, a few older songs as well as songs from their newest album. Banjoist Noam Pikelny launched into his usual funny dry ironic dialogue, very much in the vain of George Burns or Buster Keaton in terms of expression. Of course the audience loved it. When the Brothers come to the Ryman, it's just family in the best sense of that notion. It's all about "we" and not even remotely close to a wall of separation between audience and band. Nashville digs these guys in a big way without any reservations. In closing, I should also mention that Chris Thile seemed especially radiant as he darted about and even jumped on stage. The whole experience was beautiful!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Tight but relaxed
by Ron on 3/6/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkTop form from 5 superb musicians. Obvious affection within the group, and clear that they were trilled to be playing NYC. Chris Thile seems more easily among the guys than before, but still is still the (wholesome) Mick Jagger. Noam and Gabe - OMG!
Rating: 5 out of 5 A post-pandemic burst of joy
by Charlie on 3/6/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkHow much have I missed the past 2 1/2 years of isolation from live music? More than I knew until I entered the theater, took my seat amongst 2,800 others. Then, out on the stage, this exquisite ensemble lit up the big space with intricate textures, soaring solos, and singing that cut to my heart. What a bounty of sound therapy pouring all over this hungry soul.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Beyond Belief
by Gary H on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkThis band is a gathering of virtuosos, but on this night, whether because of the pent up energy fee I’m the pandemic, or because it was the first stop in a long tour, they were beyond terrific. The sheer musicianship often left me breathless. I’m 75, and I’ve seen Coltrane and Monk and Wherks of Fire Clapton. This is the finest concert I’ve ever seen.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Spectacular
by Dan S on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkThe Punch Brothers, a five piece acoustic band sharing a single microphone and able to produce an ecstatic, hypnotic bliss that fills a 2,800 seat hall. Great!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great time!!
by Eileen on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkFantastic music - I loved every minute of it. Just watching these wonderful performers is a joy. The skill each one shows is mind-boggling. And they blend together so well. I've always loved the albums but seeing them live steps it up to another level.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Punch Brothers at the Beacon
by thumbwords on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkThough they play "bluegrass" instruments, their music it something else. Chris Thiele is an amazing mandolin player, and the others are all at the same level. A really amazing show.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great show 👏
by Brinker on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkLove that Chris Thile and Punch Brothers keep evolving 👌 👏
Rating: 5 out of 5 Excellent show! Punch Brothers are unique Americana music
by Slohcine on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkGreat experience at the Beacon Theater. Show sound was fantastic. PB's generate amazing sounds and textures from relatively simple instruments, and present it in an entertaining way that doesn't sell out their collective virtuosity. 'Course it helps to play to the home town crowd who loved every minute. Hoping they come back soon.
Rating: 5 out of 5 5star
by DaveO on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkUnbelievable musicianship. Great use of dynamic's take listener on a sonic and visual journey.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great band, overbearing security
by Guest on 3/5/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkSecurity guys were WAY TOO PRESENT and distracting from the main event - between the marching down the aisles and shining flash lights at various members of the audience became a real annoyance- I suggest the band manager needs to consider the cost/benefit of having this level of policing of the audience in this fashion - not cool
Rating: 5 out of 5 An UNREAL performance!
by Darrick on 3/4/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkThe acoustics. The lighting. The sheer TALENT! The performance - all were absolutely phenomenal. One of the best concerts I’ve ever been to!
Rating: 3 out of 5 Ok
by Yawbus on 3/4/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkIncredibly talented but their songs are too long. I also prefer their straight old-timey songs. Unfortunately they go too far with the experimentation. It’s kinda like bluegrass meets Philip Glass. (That’s not a good thing).
Rating: 5 out of 5 Outstanding evening of music. Kick-ass!
by Virginia on 3/4/22Beacon Theatre - New YorkHave been a Punch Brothers fanatical fan since I first saw them almost 8+ years ago at Grey Fox. It is hard to believe they just get better and better. They keep flying. More mastery of musicality, craft and freer, unleashed and a rhyming stride in the bond of the group. Loved new material.
Rating: 5 out of 5 unbelievable
by chaz kiss on 3/4/22Beacon Theatre - New Yorkthey sounded even better live than they sound in their recorded music (which is already amazing). highly recommend if you have the opportunity to see them!!!