When describing concerts, — especially those of the Bluegrass variety — many would probably use words like “loud” and “rowdy.” Much more rare is a Bluegrass show that has the power to bring a hush over the crowd. The Punch Brothers create that kind of experience, with lilting melodies that bring the listener to new planes of emotional levity, a place where you can’t help but fall into the moment and hang your ears onto every interlocking melody and harmony.
The group’s five string players — Chris Thile on mandolin, Gabe Witcher on violin, Noam Pikelny on banjo, Chris Eldridge on guitar and Paul Kowert on bass — create a looming, sonorous sound so orchestral at points that it’s easy to forget that it’s five different instruments working together.
The quintet, formed in 2006, has put out five studio releases for Nonesuch Records since its inception, including a 2008 debut, Punch; a pair of 2012 efforts (Who’s Feeling Young Now? and the Ahoy! EP); and its most recent, The Phosphorescent Blues, which came out at the start of this year.
As if the Punch Brothers alone weren’t enough for one show, Béla Fleck — the famous banjo virtuoso who pioneered the progressive hybrid of Bluegrass and Jazz — and his wife, banjo player Abigail Washburn, are joining Punch Brothers for a handful of summer tour shows, including this weekend’s Taft Theatre appearance.
Together, Punch Brothers and their guests are sure to foster an unforgettable musical experience, pushing the boundaries of musical plateaus without the need for light shows, stage antics or deep-bass drops. In short, their music does and will speak for itself.
Tickets/more info here.
This article appears in Jun 24-30, 2015.