Jill Andrews watches as The Avett Brothers warm up in the parking lot at Pickathon 2006
If the Avett Brothers pulled out their instruments and starting playing tunes in a parking lot at a music festival today, I believe there would be a few more people perched on that tailgate with Jill Andrews.
But that’s how it was in 2006.
The Avett Brothers onstage at Pickathon 2007
Marcus Mumford at the Crystal Ballroom 2010
A lot can happen in four or five years. Or less, as in the case of Mumford and Sons. They rolled into the U.S. last year with a huge European following but with few fans here. By fall, they hosted a giant sing-along at a sold out show at the Crystal Ballroom.
The crowd at Mumford and Sons at the Crystal Ballroom 2010
Last night both groups were on stage at the Grammy Awards with the legendary Bob Dylan. I tuned in just in time to see Justin Bieber and Usher do a couple of dance numbers. And then I exited as soon as my palate was cleansed by the Mumford/Avett/Dylan combo.
While their performances had the sterilized feeling of being on national television, there were banjos, an accordion and upright basses on stage. There were beautiful harmonies and real songwriting. So whether Dylan can still sing, or whether these guys win an award is not really important. The wonderful thing about their appearance and sudden popularity is that this music is reaching folks. And in a time of lip-synching, auto-tune and costumed antics, that has to be more rewarding than a little trophy.
all content © Tim LaBarge 2011