Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

[@mayorofbasedville7680]

7 years later and I still think this was a brilliant and tragically underrated album. They really did Elliot justice.

[@ukutiki]

I totally agree.

[@Sunknbamsdunk]

100 percent this is sooooo good

[@treygibson5292]

These are without a doubt the best Elliot covers I have come across.

[@lostandfound7372]

Back 9 years later. Please, tour this again. Please.

[@sofiachildress4659]

Baby Britain 1:11 Fond Farewell 10:05 Pitseleh 17:44 Between the bars 25:07

[@Adam-y1o7w]

to the top with you sir

[@joekuvorkian]

Hero. I love this interview but I've heard so much I just wanna hear the songs

[@JonShade-fy2gm]

My god I could listen to her voice all day long... speaking, singing... anything. Such stunning covers. Pitselah is insane, just pure bliss.

[@joao_buda]

the best elliott cover i've ever heard

[@zakdriscoll]

I could literally listen to Jessica all day just her and an acoustic guitar!

[@tomkmb4120]

This album is amazing.

[@rcpmac]

Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield are so perfect on these covers and Cheryl couldn't be more insightful and articulate about the Elliot Smith's work. Thank you all for this gift.

[@MegamanXLT]

Been listening to the album while hiking through the north Georgia wilderness the past few days. It's really allowed my soul to begin to find peace and see the beauty in simplicity again, like Elliott's songs had for me originally when I'd discovered his heaping pile of his masterworks nearly a decade ago. Really glad you fit Angel in the Snow on the album! When I heard Seth do Angeles a few years back I got intense goosebumps and knew then this was something really special. I appreciate the both of you channeling your incredible artistic energies, and bringing light back to such a widely unrecognized soul who blessed the world with his pure, honest expression. As you both do so beautifully and so delicately yourselves.

[@HiGlowie]

Listening to Elliott while hiking sounds like a fantastic time. I’ll need to try that out. Keep on, friend.

[@fondfarewell2]

i like them, im a hardcore elliott dude, i usually am super protective of his music but i see there love for elliott and i respect that alot.

[@dankashell22]

yeah seth avett is a respectable human and he has a beautiful voice. not to mention jessica's they both do most covers they do justice :)

[@bridgettw4354]

That version of Pitseleh ...wow. Love.

[@jungular1]

Her singing seems so effortless. Great renditions. RIP Elliott.

[@reidwrites]

I saw their Neptune show that night. I admit I went in with trepidation-I wasn't sure I wanted to hear anyone singing Elliott Smith except Elliott Smith. But they did a lovely job. And I appreciated how they added depth to the show by singing covers of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams and other artists who influenced Elliott Smith. PS: I had a cat named Elliott. No relation.

[@MegamanXLT]

I can understand your trepidation. I knew they wouldn't disappoint. Lucky girl! I'm jealous. Living here in G.A...I've had the privilege of seeing the Avetts on a few occasions. Hell, I even had the opportunity to see them in Cologne while living in Germany. Have yet to be blessed by JLM's presence though! She's kept my soul company many a lonely night.

[@Warrogue1]

Jessica's dog is named Elliott. I saw Jessica and Seth on that tour also, and it was mesmerizing. You could have heard a pin drop in the audience.

[@blakephillips683]

I’ve continued to listen to this song for longer than I can remember. A fond farewell to a friend couldn’t be more of a perfect intended inuendo to treat everyone equally and positively.

[@stfano32]

I saw them last weekend in San Francisco, and they did a wonderful job with Elliott Smith's music -- putting their own unique stamp on it. A beautiful, heartfelt performance with good energy in the hall. I think their album and tour is a very positive thing for Elliott Smith fans and for those who will discover Elliott's music through their efforts.

[@bacardi119]

There are no words to explain how much I enjoyed this. Not only because of the fact that they sound great together, but also the fact that Seth was the one who decided to make a tribute record to ES. If it had been some indie band, it would have been good also, but I am a huge Avett Brothers fan and an ES fan of course, Needless to say, ES is my favorite artist ever. I have been obsessed with his music ever since I found out about him back in 2007. Thank you soo much for sharing this, I really cannot thank you enough.

[@tengobotas]

I love the slight country twang they added to Fond Farewell.

[@MegamanXLT]

JLM really captured the essence of Elliot on Between the bars, really glad she led that one vocally. It required that quiet, serene darkness only she could deliver.

[@HiGlowie]

Stunned by how wonderful these covers are. Thank you for this.

[@ireneczyszczon6478]

Cheryl does such an amazing job interviewing these two, as always. Her love of music shines through her questions, and she has an amazing ability to get musicians to open up. The interviewer is never the star, but boy, I'm impressed in her case.

[@treebendsinthewind]

Spot on

[@HiGlowie]

Cheryl is always a class act. So much respect for her.

[@FleurPillager]

Love Jessica Lea Mayfield and Seth Avett.

[@MrMrsVegan]

Saw them do this in LA years ago and it haunts me still. Wish they’d tour this again

[@lucamotor4195]

amazing... I come back to this performance once a year

[@togrowagarden]

Discovered this because of The Educated Barfly and his ‘fond farewell’ cocktail. Absolutely beautiful music, I love it, it’s so poetic.

[@mmwire]

I'm just finding this and my heart feels very full

[@knuckle12356]

I had no idea this album existed. Thanks guys, you done him proud.

[@christianking1428]

Great performance and great interview. A joy to watch all the way through.

[@deadmoney5580]

Wish I could like this video 4 times, once for every song, this was awesome .

[@JOHNNYHAULAWAY]

glad i bumped into this... awesome...

[@frankwilk8660]

I know very little about Elliot Smith or his music and came to this through my familiarity with Seth Avett and his brothers musif. I have the album Seth and Jessica recorded and it quickly became one of my favorites. I hope these two collaborate more often and I’m sure Elliot would be extremely pleased with this.

[@alectitus1595]

I think they got the melodies perfect. I'm the biggest Elliott Smith fan and I don't think most people get why he was so great, I feel like they got it.

[@Romancandle5929]

I never realized how nice and unique that verse melody is over those chords in Pitseleh until I heard this version for some reason. Thanks guys

[@ukutiki]

I first heard this set when uploaded here and it continues to remain relevant in so many ways.

[@myarchive667]

Really awesome! Covers are great. But it's sad nobody covers "all cleaned out" - one of the best songs ever!

[@MrAvlandrew]

so good, what an amazing groupo!

[@fondfarewell2]

pitsileh was beautiful.

[@woah117]

This version of Fond Farewell is incredible

[@Tony-yg6bz]

I love how much of a diva Seth Avett is. In every positive sense of the word. Like, if he wasn't slashing through guitar solos, he'd be using his finger to track the notes he sings like any iconic female diva. Such a talent.

[@Luchopapa16]

This is super good. Especially when the guy does the low harmonies, John-style. 👏

[@mgs721]

Amazing

[@treebendsinthewind]

Stunning.

[@BenNJerrys2xaday]

lovely

[@elmobrother]

Kind of makes you wanna cry a bit.

[@nathanielblack7690]

this chick rocks

[@renaissancemanman]

Wow! Got super lucky with this one. Please come play in Chico CA.

[@diegodrms1]

Love it! And love Elliott!

[@paulpsycho78]

This is so much better then the album

[@mithridatesvi1920]

Amazing!

[@Matt-ik7dh]

First time I've heard of these guys, definitely have to check them out

[@jamalan7417]

People keep saying there back, I never left baby.

[@chrishuber4876]

This is awesome.

[@drackoarchy]

that guy looks a bit like dave gilmour when was young

[@Nolia23]

So good!!

[@anniewilson9186]

Being a RI native and current resident of WA I'm a bit of a guilty bystander. I've been through Aberdeen while there was overcast en route to Ocean Shores. Even stopped by Chicago Ave and E. First for good measure. I've been through Issaquah on I-90 coming home from the mountains. My eyes have seen the custom concern from both ends of PNW''s most influential humans of our generation. I get it. Chill out Cheryl, damn. But to watch Seth laugh off the "Seattle Niceness" and just slay that classic from the moment she gave them the mics, wow. Carolina's Finest, you knew that already. The boy is nice.

[@klamsauce233]

This Pitseleh version really stands out. It's much better than their album version.

[@thesheunicorn]

yes

[@JeffCarter-h9c]

It's spiritual

[@nathanbogart3191]

This is all the things.

[@cogito-zv2mb]

こんな風に、ふたたびエリオットスミスの名曲と出会えるなんて！　司会はフォークアレイのアナウンサーの人だね。

[@angelodifabio3244]

Great for my own self seeking illumination

[@JohnpenninoVO]

have to listen with eyes closed, and head phones on

[@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356]

Cool ✊

[@Luizkutianski]

elliot smith

[@faithactiongrace5614]

I don't understand this collaboration of artists. I love him. I'm learning to not say anything unless it's positive, so that's all I can say right now.

[@rafaelareco8872]

KEXP es como un paraíso mientras intento sobrevivir al Lunes.

[@DwayneWegley]

Elliot would love this

[@9slideglide]

Nice rendition of some of Elliott's fine songs. However I feel a tribute is not complete without paying homage to Elliott's brilliant work with Heatmiser. Such work is often unjustifiably overlooked.

[@DogtownPower]

Nice band, good video! KEXP, when will you upload The Dodos live, please?

[@mezasergio27]

Looks like Seth misses his hi-hat.

[@Jason-pk9wu]

Why are they wearing headphones ?

[@nedknowseverything]

So they can hear themselves. It's in place of the speaker that would face them in concert.

[@smokie_777]

great music but where are her eyebrows? lol

[@SHTMusik]

Several times I have tried and failed to get into Elliot Smith. I just cannot get interested in any of his songs. Anybody got any recommendations for interesting ES songs (no love songs please).

[@fondfarewell2]

SHT musik tommorow tommorow, some of his unreleased stuff was his best work. place pigalle, misery let me down. independence day is happy song.

[@paul_myers]

His self titled album

[@Nikolay061]

SHT musik I found his album Either Or to be a good start. I think it has the strongest balance of melody, melancholy, and poetics that is distinctive to his work. But to be honest, if you've tried before, it might not be for you.

[@maryparks4805]

Between the bars

[@alectitus1595]

Watch "lucky three" video on KZbin

[@skyebirdaerials8773]

more rock less talk....

[@YouShouldKnowDaily]

this will be my first time hearing Jessica Mayfield and im not really getting anything from her. But Seth Avett makes up for what she lacks.

[@erinlayer3048]

I agree - she's veryyyy bland.

[@jasonblack284]

100% agree

[@jimmyvermont6244]

you 3 are trite and collectively bite

[@markvandewater4228]

Anyone know what kind of guitar Seth is playing in this video? Beautiful

[@johnwatts731]

+Mark VanDeWater Jordan McConnell. I think it was custom built for Seth.

[@markvandewater4228]

John Watts Thanks for the info! Pretty awesome!

[@betosanchito]

Where did her eyebrows go?

[@iarwainthabombadil7724]

If I was ever abducted by aliens and they asked me: " Okay 👌, I understand this concept of Black Excellence you have spoken on for almost 4 Earth hours, but is there a White Excellence?" and after questions of their knowledge of Elon and Bowie and Bach and shit, I'd say, "This."

[@lptomtom]

Wow, the guy does better high harmonies than she does! He's pretty good... EDIT: with the shaved eyebrows and the wax-like skin she really freaks me out though

[@pete8634]

lptomtom no one cares

[@lptomtom]

sggirbb briggy Cared enough to comment though, didn't you?

[@pete8634]

lptomtom just thought you should know no one gives a fuck about what you think about someones look. unnecessary.

[@lotuswings]

sggirbb briggy You do. At least enough to come back a week later to comment again.

[@GreenGaslight]

lotuswings you have no idea how sad you just mad yourself sound......

[@BlamingBuddha]

Where in the hell are that girls eyebrows?

[@Warrogue1]

They are back, as you will see if you watch her recent videos. She has always experimented with her look, and I think she is always beautiful.

[@DonPendleton]

I remember reading about some of Elliott's friends remarking on how difficult it is to play his songs during one of those fundraisers after his death where there were covers. Maight have been Mary Lou Lord. I think Beck even remarked how nobody can really do his songs justice. There was some magic to Elliott's music and lyrics…something that went beyond just the lyrics and just the chords. No offense to these musicians but they simply don't do his music justice with the manufactured twang. I hope some of the money from this tour/album makes its way to Outside/In in Portland or the Free Arts for Abused Children in LA…Organizations that Elliott supported during his life and his family have supported since his death. If they want to honor Elliott, that's a great way to do it.

[@alexhoeftcovers]

Don Pendleton Hey man. This is just my opinion, but I don't think they're trying to make something greater than or equal to Elliott's music. It seems like they have as much respect for him as you do and they've chosen to play some of his songs in adoration of what he created. And it's not like they're getting rich on this. Plus, at the very least, this is going to get Jessica Lea Mayfield and Avett Brothers fans to go listen to Elliot Smith music. I never would have heard his art before (I'm a Jessica Lea Mayfield fan), but now I'm listening to his whole discography and that says something. By the way, that's really cool that he supported those organizations. Seems like he was an awesome guy.

[@GreenGaslight]

Alexander Hoeft well said. I doubt either of these are making any money out of this at all. As a JLM fan (whom I would dispute is "manufactured" in any way) I find this nice and easy to listen too. I have checked out Elliott Smith thanks to this video and like him but also found an appreciation for Seth Avett who is someone I would never have listened too. Obviously whether anyone likes these covers is up to them but I think if you watch the full video it should be apparent to everyone how much they both look up to the late Mr Smith.

[@Warrogue1]

Jessica grew up performing in her family's bluegrass band; she comes by her country twang honestly.

[@francismurray-becerra2747]

Elliott is arguably the best writer of generation x and I think everybody should learn and study his work, but neither of them are good enough guitarists to do these songs justice on record. I really appreciate Mayfields solo work and Avett has great pitch but I don't know why they had to put out an entire record/supporting tour. RIP Elliott Smith, hope Mayfield makes a new slapper soon.

[@afretfuldevil5582]

Nobody will ever be able to play an Elliott Smith song the way Elliott Smith did. I think these two knew it'd be a mistake to try and copy his guitar work and approach the songs the exact same way. I've just been listening to the album the last couple of days and one of the only times I feel a little underwhelmed is on Angeles. I think it's the slowed down tempo that kind of kills it for me. It's still beautifully done, though, and as a whole I really enjoy what they've done with his tunes.

[@howlongs2416]

This is obviously a very loving tribute, but going for that Am instead of A7 (or at the very least A major) in A Fond Farewell took pretty much all of the zing out of the song. It's one of those moments that serve to accentuate Elliott's brilliant and intrinsic understanding of melody, where that one chord breaks away from the key of G mold and instead of sounding dissonant it sounds perfect. This is just one specific example of the bigger issue at hand- the covers are kinda vanilla.

[@utkucansahin8504]

She talks like Elliott Smith xd

[@ItsMrFresh]

So erm... Who's Elliott Smith?

[@GreenGaslight]

Richard Robertson if you typed that into google instead of the comment section on KZbin you'd have a good idea by now!

[@ItsMrFresh]

I actually did, but I cba to delete the comment :P

[@ianroberts4022]

+Richard Robertson LEGEND

[@bopbopperono58]

+Richard Robertson The best songwriter of the 20th century without a shadow of a doubt, paired with Brian Wilson maybe. I am firm on this opinion. It's a crime that anyone hasn't heard of him, his talent is deserving of household-name status.

[@alectitus1595]

What?!!

[@Caligula138]

I don't get Elliot Smith

[@FluffersTheFirst]

They got the chords in the chorus of Between the Bars wrong which sucks because the chords are so nice, the ones they play here are simplistic and wrong. What a bummer.

[@stabyourblood]

Gitai Vinshtok I think they were just trying to make their own renditions. I personally didn't see any wrong chords or jumping out of the key on accident. Explain yourself.

[@stabyourblood]

Your ears are so well tuned, and your ability to explain the theory makes me envious of your knowledge. If you want my opinion, either they wanted to take an easier route by transposing it differently than Elliott did, or they are completely oblivious to the subtleties which make his music have so much depth and feeling. Have a good day.

[@ncc1701deee]

+Gitai Vinshtok I don't think you understand the dangers of making a carbon copy of a cover of someone else's song. When all chords are imitated the same as the original, I assure you, it leads to much eye-rolling. So I disagree they "got the chords wrong" as you say. They chose these chords, because the double-bass handles everything else needed in this song, and the result is a nice, fresh longful sound that still keeps in touch with the original. That is my opinion anyway.

[@FluffersTheFirst]

+Colin C. Well it's a very small detail and it doesn't really make a difference in the whole song, that being said I can't see how anyone would think it benefits the song to take out chords in favor of a more repetitive chord progression, so my logic tells me they probably just overlooked the chords I mentioned earlier. Anyways it's not a big deal haha and I don't mean to nitpick, which is exactly what I'm doing. We're all just here to enjoy Elliott's music

[@coreyjennings3229]

Seth should have done this project solo

[@RandyNewmanFan]

To really understand Elliott's music, you need to have a really messed up and sad life... I feel like these two have been fortunate enough not to reach the depths of despair that enables them to play Elliott's music with honest emotion

[@treymorris1829]

RandyNewmanFan I agree, but there is all difficulties in life & anyone can relate 2 anyone's music .. I personally think they did a great job covering Elliott!!!!! Check into Elliott's music anyway u want.but u can't get away from the truth of his misic

[@RandyNewmanFan]

I've been an Avett brothers fan since I was a kid.

[@Warrogue1]

Yeah, we know a little more about Jessica'a private life now.

[@blakeyswagswag]

she song fond farewell with absolutely no soul, the rest of the performance was good but god was that flat

[@Will-xf3qe]

elliott smith is one of my favorite artists ever. i dont usually leave negative comments but i dont like their versions at all.

[@PandasUNITE]

They aren't sad enough, I mean, good for them, but they don't bring what Smith brought.

[@alectitus1595]

Really? I think they got the melodies perfect. I'm the biggest Elliott Smith fan and I don't think most people get why he was so great, I feel like they got it.

[@brucelafone1895]

How is this girl popular?

[@danman6669]

Because she's real and not manufactured.

[@tavit8]

guitar picks for elliott smith covers? Sacrilege!

[@FluffersTheFirst]

Seth Avett is great, really not into Jessica Lea Mayfield, her shaved off eyebrows freak me out and she's just a bit emotionless, he definitely makes up for it though.

[@eleanorrigby3441]

I love Seth and The Avett Brothers SO MUCH! But... Jessica Lea Mayfield is just ugh! Mediocre talent and VERY creepy looking. Saw her in concert a long time ago and didn't like her then either.

[@noahkillough2840]

+Eleanorrigby Judging somebody by their looks, I'm sure you are a wonderful person.

[@natemekis3959]

JLM’s Oblivious is one of the greatest heavy rock songs I’ve ever heard

[@drummergirl7777]

Elliott Smith