Brandi Carlile Brings Scott + Seth Avett for ‘Murder in the City’ at MerleFest 2019 [WATCH]
Brandi Carlile headlined Merlefest in North Carolina on Saturday night (April 27), and the Grammy winner invited Scott and Seth Avett of the Avett Brothers to the stage during her set for a moving rendition of "Murder in the City." Readers can press play above to watch a video of the intimate re-imagining. Written by Scott and Seth Avett, the song appears on their 2008 EP The Second Gleam.
Each artist took a verse of the sentimental tune, with Carlile adding her trademark edit to the lyrics. She celebrated marriage equality in her contribution, singing the lyrics "Make sure my wife knows I love her," before the artists all merged on the chorus. The touching lyrics find new life in the intricate harmonies between the brothers and Carlile, backed only by Scott Avett's guitar. The crowd responded with overwhelming applause for the performance at the finish of the song.
It's not the first time that Carlile has collaborated with the brothers. The trio appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman in 2015, following the release of Carlile's EP The Firewatcher's Daughter. That project includes a cover of "Murder in the City" as its closing track.
Carlile was also joined by the Avett Brother's violinist Tania Elizabeth at the Merlefest performance for a cover of John Denver's classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads" during her headlining set. The Avett Brothers closed out the weekend with a performance on Sunday afternoon (April 28).
The Americana superstar has been keeping a busy schedule of creative, outside-the-box live performances. She was recently spotted busking at Seattle, Wash.'s famous Pike Place Market alongside rocker Dave Grohl, and has also announced plans to make her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut in Las Vegas this fall, playing Joni Mitchell's iconic 1971 Blue album in its entirety as a way to pay tribute to the iconic performer.
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