My Morning Jacket, Twilight Concert Series, Salt Lake City, 2nd August 2012

My Morning Jacket on stage (courtesy MyMorningJacket.com)

The Twilight Concert Series is held every year during the summer in Pioneer Park, SLC. In years past, the series was funded solely by the city, with 2012 being the first to charge an entry fee due to the mounting costs of holding such an enormous event. I was more than willing to part with the meager $5 fee, which was more a donation than anything else and hardly seemed enough given the caliber of artists the season long event attracts each Thursday.

Thursday the 2^nd of August was no exception with Joshua James, who currently calls Utah home, gracing the stage as support to the headline act My Morning Jacket. A proud patriot, James and his band delivered a short and sweet 30 minute set, sadly only time enough for 5 songs. Although a bit pitchy in places, James’ unique vocal sound resonated well through the openness of the space with the acoustics remaining surprisingly solid – even with the gentle breeze blowing through the park. Hands down, the highlight of the set was when the a capella style strains of “Coal War” rang out. Showing no signs of the earlier pitch issues, James and the band delivered the song beautifully, bringing instant crowd engagement and reaching the masses with the obvious religious connection. A lovely surprise, Joshua James was a delight to see and listen to live. http://www.joshuajames.tv/blog/

Headliners for the night, My Morning Jacket opened their set with ‘evil urges’. From the get go, the band sound was really crisp and clear, particularly the guitar and piano with Jim James appearing on stage draped in a heavy cloak. Given the evening temperature was still hovering over the 30 degree mark, the cape was soon discarded as they moved into ‘off the record’ (which was spot on) and ‘circuital’.

Accompanied by the obligatory smoke machine and light show, I remember musing early on that the crowd were noticeably subdued. Thinking this a little strange, my olfactory system soon discovered the likely cause as the overpowering smell of dope filled the air. Now, I’ve been to countless festivals and gigs during my time, but not even Parliament Funkadelic came close to the nasal assault that the teenage crowd of Salt Lake delivered. The band must have copped it too as the irony was not lost when ‘out of my system’ started piping from the stage.

The set list for the night was an experiment in fluidity with KRCL (community radio station) giving a shout-out in the afternoon to support MMJ’s ‘spontaneous curation’ approach by asking fans to tweet with song suggestions As suggestions came in, the band appeared to pick what to play next on-the-fly. Thankfully, ‘first light’ made the list, as did ‘black metal’ (and rightfully so!) which gets the nod for the highlight of the set for being the only song the band actually appeared to enjoy playing.

To be perfectly honest, I was a little disappointed with MMJ live. While I enjoy their music and their sound on the night was nothing short of great, they appeared to be a bit disconnected from what they were playing and, in significant contrast to Joshua James, from the crowd. Perhaps, ultimately it was the set list they chose to go with, which appeared a little too safe and was performed like they were just going through the motions. With ‘I’m amazed’, ‘phone went west’ and ‘Mahgeetah’ as a seven minute filler, the set list was clearly a low key selection, perhpas giving some truth to the rumour that Salt Lake is viewed as a ‘night off’ for any touring band…

In all fairness though, the band was getting a nonchalant vibe from the crowd and I guess, responded accordingly. Unfortunately, Twilight Concert Series doesn’t typically attract crowds of true fans to see the headline act so the lackluster engagement was probably more owing to the fact the majority of the audience were only there for some freedom from their olds, not necessarily to see the band. Either way, MMJ lacked the energy and subsequent engagement I was expecting which left me a little disappointed. Despite the great sound, a little more enthusiasm on both sides would’ve lifted the performance a couple of notches. Not totally lost, I would see them play again, although at a gig of their own where the crowd interaction and connection would be likely be significantly improved. Rating? Unfortunately, MMJ didn’t do it for me this time round so I can only give them 7 dope smoking teenagers out of 10.

http://www.mymorningjacket.com/

MMJ set list:

EVIL URGES
OFF THE RECORD
CIRCUITAL
WAY HE SINGS
OUTTA MY SYSTEM
FIRST LIGHT
LAYLOW
BLACK METAL
PHONE WENT WEST
GOLDEN
EVELYN
IM AMAZED
WAR BEGUN
TOUCH ME PT.2
MAHGEETAH
RUN THRU
GIDEON
——–
VICTORY DANCE
WORDLESS
ONE BIG HOLIDAY

The Avett Brothers, Gallivan Centre, Salt Lake City, 28th June 2012

A warmer than warm evening greeted The Avett Brothers for their gig at the Gallivan Centre, SLC. A first time visit to this venue for me and Mr. T., the laid back atmosphere was a welcome relief from the frenetic pace offered of many Melbourne venues. Maybe it was just the 35 degree heat that gave the crowd a relaxed feel, regardless, the vibe was pleasant with a mixture of the old and the new coming along to enjoy the evening.

While you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get with a support band, I must say ‘City and Colour’ didn’t disappoint. A blend of southern country rock, pedal steel and soft strokes of the snare, the alias ‘City and Colour’ provides Dallas Green with a vehicle for delivering some of his exceptional solo work. With elegant keys throughout and good crowd interaction with loads of singing, Green paints a diverse and pleasing scape through song drifting seamlessly from soft ballads to upbeat motions complete with ‘train rollin’ down the tracks’ drums and elemental harmonies. Delivering a swift forty minute set, ‘City and Colour’ were a pleasure that was sadly over too soon. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for them again should they once again stray into town.

Much anticipated, The Avett Brothers opened with ‘Die Die Die’, which was welcomed by an appreciative crowd that swelled forward to greet them. Given the temperature, we opted to keep our park bench position above the grassed area, which afforded us a slightly raised view of the stage. For an open air venue the sound and acoustics were surprisingly clear from our spot which was pleasing and ensured we didn’t have to become part of the throng to enjoy the set.

As someone a bit partial to any band that includes a banjo, cello and stand up bass, this gig was highly anticipated and did not disappoint with song after song delivered beautifully. From ‘I would be sad’, to ‘Go to sleep’ (clearly a crowd favourite) through to ‘January Wedding’, which evoked a welcoming cheer from the crowd as the first few strokes rang out, each song was as distinct as it was worthy of inclusion in the set.

‘Head full of Doubt’ was as much awaited as it was perfectly played out. Another favourite, it clearly resonated with the crowd, especially the with the line ‘ and your life doesn’t change with the man who’s elected” – which ensured a massive eruption of cheering. A perfect interlude, the mid-song transition into ‘Road full of promise’ bought the cool breeze, just as if on cue.

A highlight for the evening was just how beautiful ‘I and Love and You’ sounded live. With keys and harmonies full of emotion, it bought a tear to the eye, none more so than with the final few bars which the brothers allowed the crowd to sing – and which was harmonised to perfection. A powerful and simply amazing moment I’ll remember for years to come.

Not to dwell, the Brothers then moved into ‘Kick Drum Heart’, evidence further of a well thought out set list. The change in pace lifted the crowd’s spirit yet again which enabled the move into the final song for the night in ‘Laundry Room’.

A true Avett Brothers fan, for me, this gig was a definite treat. Lasting over two hours, the boys were animated and interactive throughout, providing a musical experienced which was wonderful to be a part of. As far as gigs go, this will go down in my memory as simply ‘lovely’ – something which may sound strange to most, however to fans, I’m sure it will sound just ‘perfect’.

If you ever get the chance to see them live, I can thoroughly recommend The Avett Brothers. For fans or new comers alike, you will not be disappointed. Delivering a combination of country and alternate folk mixed up with pop melodies, The Avett Brothers sound is as unique and compellingly heart wrenching as it is refreshingly energetic. In short, these guys are simply wonderful. 8 perfected sibling harmonies out of 10.

http://www.theavettbrothers.com/us/splash