Review: My Morning Jacket at Fox Theatre (Saturday)

Atlanta fans of My Morning Jacket got a treat, namely two nights at the Fox Theatre. And better, for those managing tickets for sell-out shows on consecutive shows, there was no overlap in the setlists. This show featured five songs from my personal favorite, Z, and four from Evil Urges. If you only attended the Saturday show, then sadly that left out any songs from It Still Moves and Circuital though they covered other songs from their first album to their last.

Highlights included Devon Gilfillian, who opened for MMJ, stepping in to add a soulful touch that completely changed the vibe to “Only Memories Remain,” one of several slower songs placed mid-set (See below for the set-list) that included “I”m Amazed” which by sing-a-long testimony was a favorite of the crowd. “Least Expected,” from their 2021 release My Morning Jacket, caught a sweet pedal steel intro from guitarist Carl Broemel followed by a keyboard solo by Bo Koster, a nice extended entry to the mid-tempo groove.

That led into “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2” which was clearly another crowd favorite. “Wasted” featured another great keyboard solo, but it also highlighted that the bass drum overwhelmed the sound to the point where Jim James’ guitar solo (and everything else) wasn’t as pronounced in the mix as it should have been. But, what a series of songs where MMJ hit jam mode. Sprawling instrumentals, sterling saxophone by Carl Broemel (again overpowered by the drums), fantastic lighting and lasers… MMJ hit their stride extending those songs until the lights hit the mirror ball and the familiar chords of “Off the Record” rang out.

Jim James is in fantastic voice, hitting the high notes and howls easily, and he also hit high notes with those near the stage, touching index fingers as he wondered back and forth across the stage. Including a five minute break between the setlist and the encore, the band played almost 2.5 hours, the crowd on their feet the entire time.

Overall a great show, far better than when I last saw them 12 years ago. And at a tip to the guy standing in front of me: When your young and attractive wife is a live wire dancing and grooving and you stand there like a stone, don’t be surprised when she dances with the guy next to her. Step it up!