It’s been said that a My Morning Jacket concert has the ability to change you. That’s a bold claim. Rock you? Sure. Energize you? Most definitely. But change you? Pre Friday night, that assertion sounded to me as if it were uttered from the lips of the ultimate My Morning Jacket fanboy. Now, two days after, I have to say: I think they may have been right.
Before we get to all that though, let’s give the opener Neko Case and her band their due. Beautiful. Magestic. Heartfelt. Impeccable. Those are all words that could be used to describe Case. Possessing one of the strongest, most recognizable voices in music today, any chance you have to see her perform should be considered special.
Playing to the quarter-full pavilion (shame on you MMJ fans) as if they were playing to the sold out audience that they performed for in Charlottesville, Va. the night before, Case and her band delivered a quick set (40 minutes) that covered songs from most of her career, including a personal favorite “Knock Loud” from Canadian Amp. It was short, sweet and to the point. And for attendees who were smart enough to make it in time to catch her set, it was a remarkably intimate performance considering the size of the venue. It demonstrated that no matter where she plays, Neko Case is able to put you under her spell with grace and ease.
It should also be noted that enough praise cannot be heaped on Case’s current band, especially Kelly Hogan. Hogan’s voice, though not as recognizable, is also one of the strongest voices in music today. Case has been lucky enough to have had her by her side for pretty much her entire career.
Let’s also give Ms. Case her due for being spot-on about what was coming up . Remarking at the end of her set, “You won’t be the same afterwards,” “You’ll know what you’re supposed to do with your life.”, Case echoed the sentiment I had heard before and again, they were bold words. Only this time they came from someone who might know better than most...
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Friday, August 19, 2011 at 6:59AM by 