Article and Photos by: Michael W. Bright
Louisville, KY- The ornate grandeur of Louisville’s Palace theater provided the perfect backdrop for My Morning Jacket’s electrifying, sold-out performance on April 26th, the second night of an ambitious five-show residency. A palpable energy filled the historic venue, a potent blend of hometown pride and eager anticipation. They delivered an intimate yet powerful show from the moment Jim James’ soaring vocals launched into a cool rendition of “Beginning From the Ending,” a track from their recent album, Is. This homecoming was a true gift to loyal fans, with each of the five Palace shows boasting a completely unique setlist – an astounding commitment to performing over 110 songs.
Fan favorites like the anthemic “Wordless Chorus” resonated beautifully within the theater’s acoustics. Deeper cuts, such as the psychedelic swirl of “Dondante,” highlighted the band’s instrumental prowess. The rarely played “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 1” and the tender “Anytime” further showcased their dynamic range in the intimate setting.
James, a charismatic shaman of sound, effortlessly shifted between vulnerability and raw power, his voice ranging from a gentle whisper to a thunderous roar. A highlight was their soulful cover of Prince’s “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man,” a welcome surprise after nearly decade off the setlist.
The band – Patrick Hallahan on thunderous drums, Tom Blankenship’s solid bass, Bo Koster’s shimmering keyboards, and Carl Broemel’s versatile guitar and saxophone – were a well-oiled machine. Their intuitive interplay was a testament to their enduring musical bond. The driving “Knot Comes Loose” made a tour debut, injecting fresh energy, while a spontaneous crowd-led vocal during a brief brownout on “Lemme Know” became a heartwarming moment.
Unexpected covers of Bob Weir’s “One More Saturday Night” and the Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girls” during the encore added playful spontaneity. A deeply personal, unplugged performance of “Bermuda Highway” by James alone created a hush within the packed theater. Seamless transitions between “Run Thru” and its reprise underscored their improvisational brilliance.
The Louisville Palace’s majesty enhanced the performance’s warmth and connection. This wasn’t just a show; it was a deep communion between a band and their hometown, bathed in the love of devoted fans. The hopeful encore opener, “Hopefully,” resonated perfectly in the historic space. This unforgettable night was a powerful reminder of My Morning Jacket’s enduring artistry, their captivating live presence perfectly framed by the elegance of the Palace.