LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: My Morning Jacket in Boston, MA (10.24.23)
On an oddly warm October night in Boston, Roadrunner came alive with the ethereal sounds and captivating stage presence of My Morning Jacket. This was my third time seeing them live and the sold-out crowd that gathered was high in anticipation from the moment they stepped onto the stage. It was clear that this was going to be a night to remember.
The setlist for the evening was a sublime journey through the band’s eclectic discography, mixing fan favorites and deep cuts. The show opened with the one-two punch of “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 1” and “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2,” instantly transporting the audience to another world with their hypnotic melodies and intricate arrangements.”You Wanna Freak Out” and “Lay Low” followed, each song resonating with the audience’s soul. The band’s frontman, Jim James, showcased his remarkable vocal prowess, effortlessly shifting from haunting falsetto to powerful rock and roll wails.
As the night progressed, the crowd was treated to a soul-stirring rendition of “In Color”, which also gave the lighting a chance to shine, making for a very colorful mesmerizing rainbow-like display and adding a certain emotional depth to the song. Next up was the electrifying “Run It,” which had everyone up jamming and moving about. My Morning Jacket’s performance was a masterclass in versatility, seamlessly moving from rock to soul to folk influences.One of the standout moments of the evening was “Thank You Too!” featuring a guest appearance by Madi Diaz from the opening band. The duet between Jim James and Madi Diaz was a beautiful blend of voices and an unexpected surprise for the fans.
Easing into a groove in their set, “Regularly Scheduled Programming” and “Evelyn Is Not Real” created a sense of wonder and mystery. “Evil Urges” was a standout moment, (and definitely one of my personal favorites from their record of the same name) with Jim James’ falsetto soaring and captivating the audience. “Compound Fracture” and the ear worm, “Off the Record,”created an atmosphere in the venue that was electric. A highlight of the night was the emotional and haunting performance of “Never in the Real World,” which left many fans visibly moved. MMJ then transitioned into the anthemic “Mahgeetah”(from their first record)showcasing the band’s storytelling prowess and ability to create vivid musical landscapes, followed by the funky “The Bear,” making sure to keep the energy high.”Tropics (Erase Traces)” and “Outta My System” showcased the band’s psychedelic side, with mesmerizing visuals accompanying their music. “Circuital” brought a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of My Morning Jacket’s impressive career.
As the night drew to a close, the band returned for an encore that was nothing short of magical. “At Dawn” provided a beautiful and tranquil start to the encore, followed by “Wordless Chorus,” which had the entire crowd singing along; Such incredible harmony echoing throughout the venue on that track, and certainly a song that made me realize that this was a band that needed to be seen. The show concluded with the infectious grooves of “Dancefloors,” leaving the audience in a state of euphoria. My Morning Jacket’s performance was a testament to their extraordinary musicianship and their ability to connect with their fans on a deeply emotional level.The bands over 2-hour performance seamlessly blended rock, psychedelia, and heartfelt lyrics with their incredible stage presence, proving once again why they are one of the most revered live acts in the industry.It’s safe to say that everyone in attendance left the venue with their spirits lifted and their hearts full.
Photos – My Morning Jacket at Roadrunner in Boston, MA on October 24th:
