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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.
Great, great music and a totally fun evening. The Punch Brothers are incredibly talented musicians who love to perform and play off each other so well. I have never had 2 hours pass so quickly. All-ages crowd that was fun to be with. Chris Thile is on his way to legendary status.
Punch Brothers delivered in a way that blew the minds of this Jacksonville audience. Not only are these five musicians uber talented, they take bluegrass to a whole new level, surpassing even Bela Fleck in innovation and jazz fusion. Front man Chris Thile brought the night to a new height when he stepped away from the microphone to play a Bach concerto, unplugged, to an amazed audience. It was in that moment that we all truly learned how delicate and intimate a mandolin really is. Can't wait to have them come to town again. It was a night to remember!
amazing sound and a fun group of guys. chris was killer on the mandolin.
Wonderful theater. This band is so unbelievably talented. I hope they were sincere we they said they would be back next year. I can't wait!
This was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. This group is amazing!
Five guys, five strings, and one Florida Theater is an amazing combination. From modern rock to good ole bluegrass, the interpretations of every piece by Punch Brothers was stunning. It didn't hurt to hear Chris Thile's rendetion of Bach with just the acoustics of the beautiful and compelling Florida Theater. When you tell people you are going to a blue grass show, the first thing they ask is always "Are shirts and shoes required?" Well, no need wearing socks, because the band knocked them right off with great songs like Ophelia (Robbie Roberston) and Rye Whiskey (Tex Ritter). They even showcased some originals like Alex and Next to the Trash. What a great night of good music, good people, and a great atmosphere. The only requisite was to have fun. Mission accomplished.
I am a big fan of acoustic music and of artists with amazing skills on their instruments. Given that, I found the Punch Brothers show delivered some real virtuosity by Chris Thiele and company. As a first encore, Chris did a solo, allegro movement by Bach, which was nothing short of stunning. Overall, however, I find Punch Bothers music a little bit too experimental, with many non-traditional chord progressions and dissonant harmonies. I preferred Thiele's Nickel Creek style a little more. For this reason, I did not give the show 5 stars. Anyone who appreciates great music and great talent, though, would enjoy seeing the Punch Brothers. Even a more "traditional" fan like me will get a charge out of their show.
I traveled from Seattle to Chicago to see the Punch Brothers play recently, and attended the Showbox concert. This is the best band live I've ever seen. The highest level of musicianship from every member of the band, the joy they exude as they play, the variety of music they are willing and supremely able to perform--they've got everything.. Every show is different so you can see them multiple times (as I have) and hear music you haven't heard before. They are a killer cover band with wonderfully eclectic tastes, and know how to use their bluegrass instrumentation in smart and surprising ways. At the Showbox: “Paperback Writer” from the Beatles, “2+2=5" from Radiohead, “Another New World” from Josh Ritter, and more. Their original material is first rate and not like anything anybody else is doing. The sound is acoustic but full and immensely satisfying. I’ve traveled to see them, and I will again.
Amazing muscians with great energy. They played for almost 2 hours.
They stepped onto the stage and didn't stop for 2 hours. The songs, the energy, the camaraderie...all amazing. Best show I've been to in a long time.
We got to the Chris Thile/Punch Brothers concert early to get good seats; sat in the 5th row eager for the concert to begin. During the first song about a third of the audience (probably 150 people) ran to the vacant area in front of the stage and stood there for the duration. It was not a rock concert! Standing people in the crowd danced to most of the songs, we had to strain to see in between their dancing and bobbing bodies. GREAT music, but the Aladdin Theater was greatly amiss in not removing the WALL of bodies from the front of the stage which blocked the entire viewing area for the rest of the audience unless you were seated in the back of the theater where the floor is higher. Very Disappointing.
First rule of p-bingo night; open with a song from one of your favorite albums. The Punch Brothers opened their set with a cover of Sufjan Stevens UFO, which for me after the first two notes I was sold for the night! Oh, and before I get into things, the Secret Sisters were Perfect! not second open to fault. I have seen the Punch Bro's before and new they would not disappoint, but this show was something special. It was a perfect blend of great chops, music, personality, venue, crowd, and on and on and on. Love the Bowery Ballroom, and it's intimacy for a standing venue. It lent itself beautifully to Chris's unplugged solo rendition of Bach's Presto. My friend and I already have our tickets to the next p-bingo, and have easily convinced others to get theirs.
just saw the Punch Brothers at the lovely Lincoln Theater in Columbus. what a great show. Thile and company were on: great songs from Antifogmatic and Punch. What tight band: soaring harmonies, Chris's beautiful falsetto at the end of "Alex" - wow.
I have been to several Punch Brothers shows, and Monday's show was another amazing display of their excellent musicianship.
Third time in three years I have seen the Punch Brothers, once at The Southern and twice at the Lincoln. The historical venues, with superb acoustics, are worthy of this world class band. Take a friend. They will thank you for it!
Amazing performance by 5 of the most talented string musicians today. Not to be missed, especially in the Lincoln Theater- perfect venue for the Punch Brothers
These guys have so much energy and really know how to make music. A wonderful night!
I knew this concert would be good, but was so suprised at the range of songs and types of bluegrass/folk music that was played. Each artist in there own right was so talented. It wasn't all high strung banjo music that you would normally hear. The vocals were great as well. I was also surprized to see so many of the under generation that attended. I guess when it's great music it transends all age boundries. This group is a must see if your any type of music fan. The plus factor was to meet the band personally afterword and get CD signed. Many groups no longer do this.
What a fantastic display of virtuosity! The transitions of dynamics, keys, music styles, tempo, melodies, and time signatures are astounding! Sheer genius! Don't miss any Chris Thile/Punch Brothers performance as they are ever evolving. Great!
The Secret Sisters had such a great set of old country classics and original songs. Their voices blend so well together and they were very sweet girls. I've seen Punch Brothers live a couple of times and this was by far the most fun show. They played a couple songs from their albums, some new covers, and new originals that were absolutely beautiful. All five men are ridiculously talented musicians and you could tell they were having a good time. When Chris Thile came out for an encore to play an acoustic Bach piece, the whole crowd was completely silent while he demonstrated his amazing prowess on the mandolin.
