The Punch Brothers delivered a stunning performance last night at the historic Florida Theater in Jacksonville. It was the avant-garde string band’s first visit to Jacksonville, and their impeccably inventive show drove fans to their feet for at least three ovations.
These classically trained players have serious chops as well as a playful sensibility. With perfect dynamics and an understated performance style, the upright bass, guitar, fiddle, and banjo surrounded Chris Thile, the mandolin madman master in the middle (formerly of Nickel Creek.)
Their two-hour show took fans on a sonic adventure with forays into classical, jazz, power pop, bluegrass, and even a little punk. The Punch Brothers’ quirky, original tunes showcase Thile’s clear, unusual vocals and each player’s virtuoso solos. Their Beatle-esque harmonies soar over complex picking and lightning-fast tempo changes. The effect keeps you on the edge of your seat for the entire performance.
The crowd jumped to its feet after the band played a quarter of Thile’s sublime long-form composition, “The Blind Leaving the Blind,” from the band’s record Punch. They played a few innovative covers including "Heart in a Cage" by The Strokes and The Band's classic, "Ophelia."
At the encore, Thile came out alone and performed a thrilling acoustic solo performance of Bach on the mandolin, saying he simply had to try acoustic in such a grand old theater. An ovation followed.
They continued the encore with the complex pop ballad “Alex,” from the outstanding Antifogmatic album (The New York Times accurately calls it "determinedly radical,") and ended the night with the crowd on its feet again dancing to rousing traditional bluegrass.
The band came out to the lobby after the show to meet and greet fans, which was very sweet. The Punch Brothers hit Savannah tonight and Pensacola on Sunday. If you're nearby, don't miss them.
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