DC Review

[LaurieBlue]

http://www.freelancestar.com/News/FLS/2004/022004/02052004/1251175

Kentucky's My Morning Jacket pleases fans in D.C.

Hairy Kentuckians My Morning Jacket please fans in Washington

By EMILY GILMORE
Date published: 2/5/2004

THE FREE LANCE-STAR

There are two kinds of people in this world--those who like the Kentucky-based My Morning Jacket and those who don't.

The hairiest band on everyone's top-whatever-of-2003 lists has gained quite a following since the release of its third album, "It Still Moves," last year, but their Southern-rock tinged, jam-laced music doesn't really seem to appeal to those outside the inner circle of fans.

These fans were out in force last weekend during MMJ's appearance at the 9:30 Club in Washington, and they were happy as the band rocked out with most of "Moves" interspersed with songs from their first two albums.

Barefoot guitarist and vocalist Jim James' characteristically reverb-drenched voice was flawless, while accompaniment by bassist Two-Tone Tommy, drummer Patrick Hallahan, guitarist Carl Broemel and keyboardist Bo Koster made for rich and dynamic listening.

Broemel and Koster took the places of guitarist Johnny Quaid and keyboardist Danny Cash who left the band earlier this month, but their command of the material made it seem like they'd been part of MMJ from the start.

When James wasn't singing, he bounded across the stage with bushy locks whirling in all directions, which caused his hair to be draped over his face when he stepped back up to the microphone.

MMJ ended with a lengthy encore, which included two lovely songs performed by James alone with an acoustic guitar.

A tiresome, extended jam at the end of the encore would have been better placed near the beginning of the show when audience members hadn't been standing around for four hours and weren't more focused on wanting to sit down than on the music.

At times, the band seemed like it would be more at home at a rock festival in 1972, but fans who knew what to expect were pleased with the show that featured the best of what MMJ has to offer.

To reach EMILY GILMORE: 540/374-5426 egilmore@freelancestar.com

Date published: 2/5/2004