Hey all,
please check out the newspage for an update concerning the recent changes in My Morning Jacket's line-up.
Saw them in Knoxville last night and was shocked to see line up change. Carl Broemel is the new guitarist as I saw when I got back on line today.
carlbroemel.com - see this link.
Anyway, it's very very sad to see Johnny and Danny go. They're so much a part of the band. Very down to earth guys. It's a fucking shame.
Obviously life and the music goes on but it take a little piece out of my heart to see them go.
Hopefully the "sick of the road" reason is legit and no bullshit band politics, money, etc. is to blame.
In any case - love all you guys - new and old.
I trust Jim's judgement to pic good guys.
Good luck to all!
wow - I was shocked. Best wishes to all of the band members current and past.
Johnny and Danny - you will be missed.
Thanks to both of you for the rockin'.
hey d so how did they sound? were they on point, know the songs well, its a damn shame that johnny and danny are gone, now my memories of seeing them in philly a couple months ago are even more important to me, oh well as someone said life goes on. im just itchin to see how and if this changes the whole sound and scheme of the jacket. who knows time will tell...
As someone once said..."the show must go on...."
Yet, at the same time, it is sad to see these guys go. After seeing them for four years and 45 odd shows with Johnny Quaid on lead guitar, it will seem odd to see someone else playin' those licks. Danny added another dimension to the lineup that will also be missed-in his own way, he added a quiet mojo to an otherwise balls to the wall of sound. Both of these guys deserve our endless kudos and love and support-I'm sure a decision to leave the band was NOT an easy one to make. If you guys read this, God bless ya and maybe we'll all have a few rounds in your honor really soon. I hope for nothing but the best for you!
As for these new cats, welcome to the fold. You have some very, VERY large shoes to fill, and I don't envy the uphill struggle you may have to face. We as hardcore fans will do our very, very best to ensure that we welcome you to our community with open arms and open hearts.
"I know...It's only rock 'n roll, but I like it"
yo d.
i PROMISE you its for EXACTLY the reasons they stated. there are NO politics or shitty feelings. just life....and to quote jim, "sometimes it throws you a curve ball".
As I am sure many other local Louisvillians will agree, though I will keep an open mind, it won't be the same.
I grew to love the jacket primarily because of Mr. J Quaid, so seeing him go is quite a shot. He was always very friendly at the shows and gave me some good info via e-mail.
This is just what happens in bands though, and I don't have hard feelings against their decisions. I'll give the new guys a shot, but it won't be the same...
Pretty surprising to hear the news, but all things considered, it is quite understandable. As fans it is quite difficult to appreciate the life of a touring/recording musician. ???
All I can really say is that I have even more respect for Danny and Johnny now. Alot of other artists/musicians continue for the sake of alterior motives. Even great ones. We all know that eventually this has dire results on the musical output. Namely because said artists tend to forget about the most important thing in all of this. The Music!
Judging from the statements made by the guys, they were always in this for the love of the music. Of course we all knew that, but this is just further confirmation. How many so-called artists have the balls to make such an important decision in the face of money/success and other such distractions. Not many. I'm sure we can all site great musicians, who carry on despite themselves. Why? Danny and Johnny are the archetype of honest musicians, a very rare breed in my book, and for that as well as the shows they played in the UK last year, I am very greatful.
Welcome to the new dudes. See you in the UK in February. BTW Jim, if your reading? Make sure you teach them Strangulation so you can play it when you come over! ;)
Carl Broemel and Bo Koster you guys have just inherited very good jobs. Work as hard as you ever have in your life...and we will all grow with you. Half ass it and you'll hear it from us..not to mention get canned by the band.
All kidding aside...welcome to the website...and your greatest fans. I look forward to meeting you at venues throughout the midwest. I am a Michigan My Morning Jacket fan and I do frequent the road.
Ode to Johnny and Danny. I'm glad I was able to have met and talked you each a couple of times, more importantly the 2 evenings of MMJ music in St Andrews Hall, one of which produced lifetime memories. Also, The Metro set opening for Beth Orton (which was the first time I saw you and was subsequently blown away forever)...And our infamous trip down to Louisville to see you open for Dylan..I got to see four songs of the set and my friend scott missed it all as they turned his equipment away...Jillian's line sucked (right John C.) Gonna Miss you guys.
I wish you both the best...and since you guys are leaving on good terms..tell me there will be many special guest appearances (of which I want to know about ahead of time) over the years.
I'm shocked.
I'll just ditto everyone else's sentiments that you've got some mighty big shoes to fill.
Johnny and Danny you will be greatly missed. One of the defining images of MMJ in my mind is Johnny on the edge of the stage with his guitar raised straight to the ceiling.
I'll have a detailed report of the DC show. Still can't wait.
Tons of respect to Valur and the Sergeant... You will be greatly missed.
And a huge welcome to Carl and Bo... Rock on, boys! :)
Johnny, Danny, congratulations on making what must have been a very tough decision. I hope it is the right one for you both. I look forward to seeing you in the crowd. MMJ won't be the same, but change is natural.
I've got to say, one of my favorite MMJ moments came at the Louisville Waterfront concert when Johnny climbed the stack of amps! 8)
Carl, Bo, welcome to the fold. I look forward to hearing you guys rock out, and bring your own new sounds to the band.
hello everyone...
Just like everyone else I was a bit bummed to hear of the departures in the band but just as surprised to get an email from my friend carl telling me he was playing with mmj...so in a nutshell i want to say, having known carl since college at IU that, this is a good fit...he's an incredible musician and a good fella so hopefully if the music still sounds good the new guys will be welcomed with open arms...(seems to be happening already)....see ya...
Yesterday I couldn't write so much. I was still shook up by the news. But now my thoughts are a little bit clearer and I like to share the following with you, guys....
They are leaving on a moment where I have the feeling they were both growing as a musician. I have the feeling that Danny was still growing in his role of pianist or keyboardplayer. On it still moves his role became more prominent then on the other two albums. I found it very interesting to follow this evolution. Especially the honky tonk piano on dancefloors shows that Danny has talent. It's a pitty he's leaving and he sure will be missed. I remeber in Brussels, last year, after a lousy performance due to Jim's throatproblems, he was the only one of the band who talked after the gig in his wellknown friendly and interested way, to the die hard fans. A nice guy with his both feet on the ground. Therefore I trust in his judgement to quit the jacket and I wish him all the best in his further life.
And then we have Johnny. What a guitarplayer. He also was growing in his role. Look at such beautifull songs as golden, steam engine where he uses gently slide guitar. Something we never heard on the two other albums. As a guitarplayer myself I've analysed much of his guitarstyle and I must say so, it's rather unique. His solo's aren't that difficult to play, but they sound fantastic and they are played with a lot of feeling. And that's the most important thing I'm gonna miss with these guys gone: feeling, their own personal touch... Well, now I only can say to them, stay cool, enjoy life and I hope we meet again.
I also like to welcome the two new members, Bo and Carl, and I hope they find as much fun, feelings and energy in the jacket as Johnny and Danny. And I hope that we, fans, don't compare you to much with the latter two, so we can let you steadily grow into the jacket.
....It will be interesting to see how Carl can input his own unique style into the group. Johnny's guitar was a huge part of the sound......hopefully Carl can feel that he can step up and add riffs that are unique to himself, yet also true to the sound of the band. The riff in "Run Thru" is off the charts, that's vintage Johnny Quaid. He will be sorely missed. Good luck to Johnny and Danny.
Thanks deeply for what was.
Looking forward to what will be.
I'm kind of a 'new' MMJ fan. I just started listening to them a few months ago, but in that time, It Still Moves has rarely left my cd player, and the same with At Dawn (just got the Tennessean Fire, dig it, but it's a bit more raw then the others)..Anyways, one of the sounds that drew me to the band-outside of Jim's voice-was Johnny's guitar work. Like someone else said, his solos aren't all that intricate, but they have feeling and soul. I'll take soul over a virtouso anyday of the year, and Johnny's got that. He plays some amazing things on "It Still Moves" and helped to make that album the classic that it is. Same with Danny, I thought his keyboard touches added a lot to the sound...What's great though about music is that each musician brings his own ideas, thought, influences to the table. So these new guys will never replace Johnny or Danny. Hopefully, they can instead start a new chapter for MMJ and venture into new musical territoy.
Another thing, as a lot of you might have read in interviews, the band originated from Jim and Johnny playing together. So the whole band sound was born from Jim and Johnny, who had been playing together for their entire life (Jim and Johnny are cousins, as you all know). Now, Carl might ofcourse try to copy Johnny's playing, but I think this will eventually really change the band. So I'm very anxious to hear how the future songs and albums are gonna sound...
BTW Some of you guys seem to know Carl. Can you give us some information about the bands he used to play in and are there perhaps MP3s with him on it flying around on the internet?
There's nothing worse than reuniting with someone again that you haven't seen for a long time and they say something like, "you haven't CHANGED a bit!" I hope that never happens to me because life is progressive which, by definition, implies CHANGE.
With that, I wish Johnny and Danny the best. My appreciation for your God-given musical talents goes without saying, but upon hearing the latest news, I appreciate even more your personal integrity. You obviously know what's most important in life and aren't letting rising fame and possible fortune taint your clarity. That's not only admirable, but very needed in our world today. Thanks for the memories, now go live your life! God bless...
"Long may you run, although these changes have come. With your chrome heart shining in the sun, long may you run..."
integrity? danny is just trying to win our indie cred points challenge.
really he pretty much has it in the bag. quitting an up and coming band....oh man, thats off the scale. :P
Knock it off, Dan.
And to the rest of you, thanks for all the kind words and support. As some have said, John and I were in the band because of the music. It's our love of the music that brought us to the band just the same as Carl and Bo. I've been hearing nothing but great things about them, so it's nice to see them getting the same support that you've all been giving us for years. I'm sure they appreciate, just as John and I appreciate your support in our decision to move on. It means a lot to us.
Danny good luck to you in whatever you choose to pursue.
Could elaborate anymore on how this decision came about? Its strange to us diehard fans to see you and Johnny leaving as the band is at such a good place.
I just saw the guys in Knoxville on Sunday like the other poster. I personally was not lucky enough to get into them back in the early days, but a few weeks prior I listened to It Still Moves after reading reviews on the internet and got really into it. Personally I never visited the website beforehand or even saw the band lineup (picture) to know there was a change. All I can say is I have listened to At Dawn and The Tennessee Fire in the past couple days and they are both a great listen. Good luck to those who left in the future.
Also the show was good on Sunday, 2 hours of the best live show I have ever been apart of. Front row was a good experience. Just wanted to share how it went with the new guys.
I just saw the band last night in Chapel Hill, NC.
Must admit I was more than a little nervous about how the show would go since the "evolution".
I'm happy to report that the band performed very well. In fact, MMJ kicked like a gawdamn mule. Just like always.
Now what I wanna know is this:
Where did the band find replacement guys that look so similar to the ones that just departed?
I mean, Johnny's replacement has sandy, shoulder-length hair.
Danny's replacement has dark, short hair.
Bizarro world!
You have to take for what is it worth...if these guys were ready to move on, then it was time for them to go. There is no doubt they will be missed. But if their passion to push MMJ to bigger and better things wasn't in them any longer, than they were only going to drag the band down. I am hopeful that the two new recruits can attain the chemistry and power of the band onstage because as far as I am concrened there is no band that has had the energy and power of performing than MMJ. I am attending the DC show at the 9:30 club on the 31st and will be hoping that the news guys make it seems like nothing had changed. Perhpas wishful thinking, but with Jimmy,Tommy and Patrick hand picking these guys out I can only think that things will be still be amazing.
DLS
DLS
I'm sure that the show on 1/31 is as great as they've all been but i'm interested to see how the new guys do.
Yeah, I just wanted to report that I saw the new lineup in Charlottesville, VA two nights ago and they were, of course, unbelievable. The new guys are really really on point. Not a note dropped, to my ear anyway. And whats more, they definately looked cool and comfortable in their new spots. Mad props to the new guys.
-Jacob
Does anyone know what kind of guitar Carl has been playing at the recent shows?
Les Paul
this is not good ladies and gentelemen.
I mean coming from someone who got Gibson SG at the age of 11, and to see Johnny rock on his --- this is a devastating blow. Now here's the deal, I have 2 tickets to the show on Friday in Lancaster and it will be at least 8 hours of driving through potentially hazardous conditions. I have to tell you, this is a tough decision now.
Don't hesitate, just go. It will be great. Read the other reviews of the gigs after the niw line-up. The two new musicians seem to be great. On the other hand it is a long drive indeed, but you're going to see the jacket and they will make those eight hours dissapear in space.
Quotethis is not good ladies and gentelemen.
I mean coming from someone who got Gibson SG at the age of 11, and to see Johnny rock on his --- this is a devastating blow. Now here's the deal, I have 2 tickets to the show on Friday in Lancaster and it will be at least 8 hours of driving through potentially hazardous conditions. I have to tell you, this is a tough decision now.
Awww shucks man, just go ahead and go. Like Lfish said, you're goin' to see the Jacket!
Live and in Living Color!Surely it will be worthy of such a long drive...do it!
ok, you guys are right. it will still be worth it to leave the big city and head down to the land of the Amish for the show. As someone who dealt with (to a much lesser degree) the choice between traveling in a van for months on end and takin a more stable route in life I cant blame those guys. Being a star is not all its cracked up to be. I personally am just as happy strummin away in my apt. hallway as opposed to becoming a part of the music biz machine. ONly thing is, with the onslaught of digital music, up and coming musicians have a bit more control over their careers these days. COuldnt there have been some way to find a happy medium . . . I mean take some time off from the road and then decide?
My personal respect for Danny and Johnny rose by leaps and bounds for making such a tough call. Not that I didn't have the ocean's level of respect for them in the first place, but it takes big ol' kahunas to make a decision like they did, when they did.
As loyal fans, I think it is best that we let their decision stand without second guessing their motives, timing...it's all open for discussion, of course...but what I'm sayin' is that these dudes have true hearts and souls, and if they wanted to be free, they should be free.
As for bein' a travelling musician, man...if I had talent, I'd put myself on the road in a New York minute. But that's me... :)
While I'm glad to hear that the band is supposedly sounding good on the current tour, here are a few lingering thoughts:
1) These new guys aren't going to last. My thought is that they're strictly hired touring guns, and by the time recording for the next album starts, I doubt they'll be involved at all. Maybe, but I think we're gonna see Mr. James take over all areas like never before. Think about it: he's got a fantastic solid rhythm section, what else does he need? Plus, he can play every damn instrument in the book. I wouldn't be surprised to see a stripped down lineup in the future. I think Jim's a very smart and talented guy, and he knows how much of a blow it was to lose Johnny, and to a lesser extent Danny.
2) I agree that they should've taken more time off. If so, maybe Johnny would still be in the band. I mean touring the east coast and New England in the dead of winter? They've already got an incredible fan base; what's a few more months of downtime gonna hurt?
3) Finally, don't get me wrong: I love these guys, and I'm confident that the music will continue to be as strong as ever. But live, I'm very skeptical that it'll hold up to what it used to be. I've got a great video from their show in Chicago in early '01. I pulled it out last week out of respect, and it nearly brought a tear to my eye. That was back when Chris was on drums, but it was fucking unbelievable. Without Johnny, I doubt they can reach the same heights.
Comments...?
I think that the proof is in the puddin'. A friend of mine sent me an email yesterday (Thanks Tony!) on the show in Richmond, VA...and he swears that it is just as awesome.
Now, since I've stood next to him at countless MMJ shows in the past, I really trust his opinion and take on this. Time will tell, and I think you should decide for yourself by going to see them live with the new lineup.
Also, I don't forsee MMJ becoming the Jim James Experience or anything like that. Patrick and Tommy are permanent (as I see it) and I don't think they're going anywhere.
I hear ya. I'll have to see the new lineup for myself, and who knows how they'll sound after another six months or so. But my feeling is that Jim's the boss, and he's more likely to take more control over the sound now than to absorb and assimilate new ideas and sounds from the new guys into this massive beast that he's created over the last several years. He's a man with a vision, and I'd be surprised to see the new guys having any say at all, other than getting up there and doing basically what Johnny and Danny were doing before. It'll be interesting to see how things unfold after this solo tour coming up. And dammit, the Chicago show sold out. Any word if more tickets will be released...?
Also, any current setlists available anywhere? I read somewhere on the board that they played 'War Begun,' one of my favorites. While I'm at it, I'll say that I think 'The Tennessee Fire' is the best record. Low-fi for sure, but more consistent, more intimate and above all, it's got 'the spook' which isn't as prevalent in the newer records.
Well, from what I've gathered over the past four years and by reading pretty much anything written in English on MMJ, I'd say that Jim brings a skeleton of a song, and everyone else adds layers to it in their own ways. I'd also say that MMJ has always been a band, a collective effort, a team...you get the drift. After reading a few things on Carl's site (new guitarist), I don't think he's onboard just for filling in-he's a full fledged songwriter, so I can imagine that he's bringing a lot to the table, creative-wise.
Time will tell. From the very beginning, at a tiny theatre in Louisville, with like 30 people in the auidence (my first show), I could tell these guys were going to deliver the goods, and then some. Things have changed, to be sure-but the changes have never been out of place, and I am certain that the future is bright for a long, healthy MMJ career.
I can recall when J. Glenn left the band-right after At Dawn came out. People said the same thing-it won't be the same, it won't sound the same, etc.-and it was the same, only better, different. When Patrick came on board, everyone said the same stuff-yet look at the way it is now.
All I'm rambling about is that changes have been happening throughout the life cycle of this band, and their judgement, talent, earnestness, hard work, integrity, soul, and love have always shined through. These changes are no exception.
Again, I hear ya. Sorry to sound so negative, but I feel that Johnny in particular will be much harder to replace than the other departed members, by far. His strength and energy level were arguably greater than Jim's onstage. And I've also seen the band from the early days and read just about everything out there. As far as songwriting, true, the whole 'skeleton/body' analogy is well noted, and it'll be interesting to see how, if at all, the new guys figure into that process. But again, I could totally be surprised at the result, which wouldn't be a bad thing at all. Still, my gut tells me that we'll see Jim having a more dominant role in the music making. This is a good board with valuable comments, by the way.
QuoteThis is a good board with valuable comments, by the way.
;D
Well, hey, thanks. Have you been hooked up with the details on the FTP server? Drop me an email.
jlconaway@bluegrass.net
I'd say that CC Baxter (Riny, our beloved webmaster) is responsible for the "good" and "valuable" on this board. He's the man!
Yes he is. And yes you are John. B/t the website and the FTP server...who needs sports.
Wow...as you say Garth....perhaps a little to much of a negative attitude. I have a hard time believing that Jim brought these guys on as "hired guns". In other words, these guys can make it work for the time being but after the tour there gone....would they be that foolish to hope it works....I don't think so. That would be pretty huge risk. In terms of taking more time off and maybe Johnny would still be in the band. He was ready to go and I have to think that if he said that let's take a break or else I am out of the band....that is was disccused. He's moving in a different direction...simple as that. Don't make the assumption that the band is not going to be as good live before you have even seen them. There is no doubt it will be different but check them out first and them give an option based on that. Lastly, I agree with johnconaway that the band is team effort and I don't think that is going to change. Jim is doing his solo thing and that's fine but i think that if he thought it was impacting the band, causing tension, etc. he would give it up.
well i just downloaded some music from the CatsCradle show. And i have to say while you can hear the slight difference of the les Paul sound vs. the SG his playing seems to be spot on. I mean every nuance of Johnny's solo is present; every bend, every slide, hes got it. Time to taste some puddin' tomorrow night. 8)
Hmm... I have to say I wouldn't be all that surprised if the new members wouldn't last. At least not both. You know with Chris, he departed very soon. Patrick's a different story, 'cuz Jim and he were friends in highschool, or earlier. Anyways, we'll see, but yes indeed, Johnny will be hard to replace and the sound will change. And yes, I also think that Jim is not gonna let his plans and ideas get changed radically 'cuz there are new guys in the band. But that doesn't mean I think he's gonna be some kind of dictator. I do think however that the first new release we are going to get is gonna be another solo thing by Jim, just like Chocolate and Ice. Or maybe I just hope so, 'cuz damn, I love that album. Anyway... The only thing I can say that things are definitely going to change and that none of us, and Jim neither, I think, can say in what way. But I trust it will be good.
P.S. About the 'spooks' of The Tennessee Fire, yes, you are absolutely right. But still I think the best thing they ever released are the Split EP and It still moves... But it's a damn close call. TTF will always be very special to me.
Thanks, Mr. O. Glad to see my point was taken. A couple things to remember: on this very site, doesn't it list the new members as 'on the road' or something? Also, departed drummers Jeremy and Chris were basically asked to leave, and Johnny and Danny left on their own free will. Finally--and again, I admit I haven't seen the current lineup, but will do so willingly as soon as they come to my part of town--all the feedback I'm hearing is that the new guys are 'on point' and 'getting the nuances down exactly'...as opposed to adding something different and new. True, that could change with time, but I still think they're stand-ins for the time being. And I've heard they even LOOK like Johnny and Danny, which adds a weird element.
And I've just gotten around to giving 'Chocolate and Ice' proper attention. Not bad. Ironically, I first heard the '...3 or 4 years' segment a couple days after Johnny's departure was announced.
Have a great weekend folks. Stay warm!
A Conversation with Johnny Quaid of My Morning Jacket
[13 October 2003]
by Matt Gonzales
PopMatters Music Critic
"Tons of people have asked us, 'Are you guys leaving Louisville now that you're taking off?' In my mind, our success is even a bigger reason to stay here. We tour so much that by the time we're done, we want to go home. We've got so much more space there -- fresh air, lots of room to breathe. It feels great after being in all of these congested cities, where you feel kind of suffocated. There might be one or two of us that are interested in trying out somewhere else for a short while, just to get a new vibe; a new perspective. But Louisville is home, and our studio out in the country is our creative haven."
Whole interview:
http://www.popmatters.com/music/interviews/my-morning-jacket-031013.shtml
Man, my friend and I somehow wanted to be randomly chosen to fill Johnny and Danny's positions (I play guitar, a Gibson SG specifically, and he plays a Fender Rhodes etc... A coindcidence or some crazy cosmic fate? )! Jim, email me and we can join the band :D
Mike, did your friend and you decide that recently or where you already joking about it before they left the band? 'Cuz if it were the latter, that'd be a weird coincidence. In that case, I think you deserve to be in the band! :D