Ryman Reviews

[LaurieBlue]

http://www.nashvillescene.com/Stories/Arts/Music/The_Spin/2006/11/16/The_Spin/index.shtml

MY MORNING JACKET rolled into the Ryman Monday night dressed for the occasion. Frontman JIM JAMES was sporting a suit and tie in an act of deference toward the historic venue, and the stuffed, elbow-height brown bear the band had onstage sported quite the sharp red blazer. Openers and fellow Louisvillians WAX FANG employed a more whimsical dress code—guitarist and singer Scott Carney's angel wings and coonskin cap were yet another indicator that this band of expert musicians still refuse to take themselves too seriously. Wax Fang drummer KEVIN RATTERMAN is straight outta that hard-hitting Louisville school—which we just made up—that includes MMJ's superb PATRICK HALLAHAN and Ghostfinger/Black Diamond Heavies' VAN CAMPBELL. All three attack the kit with a ferocity and sense of melody that transcend the label rhythm section. Carney's angular, winding solos, delightfully referential and weird, filled the hall, and we offer special kudos to Ratterman and bassist JAKE HEUSTIS for their droll, coordinated cymbal-tapping routine. By the time MMJ took the stage, the place was almost full, and James and company went about impregnating the sacred space with their soaring, rootsy, head-nodding tunes. Every time we here at The Spin get the opportunity to check out this band live, we are taken aback anew by the powers of James' rangy voice. Beyond being a compelling frontman and wonderful songwriter, James is a talented singer. He hit more than one high note that gave us goosebumps and had the crowd practically grasping in disbelief. MMJ recently released a double live record and DVD, Okonokos, that does a serviceable job of capturing their magic, even transcendent, live show—but nothing beats the real thing. For more pictures from the MMJ/Wax Fang show at the Ryman, visit nashvillescene.com.

[Anu]

Sorry for double-posting, but now my piece is officially published at:

http://www.interference.com/stories/id168810.html