It’s been more than three years since Jim James last played a solo show in Nashville, then supporting his debut LP, Regions of Light and Sound of God, and despite staying incredibly active with his main gig, My Morning Jacket, as well as his increasingly active career as a producer, the eclectic and beloved rocker is finally plotting a return tonight, Nov. 23 at The Ryman Auditorium in support of his brand new sophomore release, Eternally Even. A politically charged yet hopeful release, Jim’s latest couldn’t have arrived at a better time, and his engaging, electrifying, and uplifting live show is sure to be an amazing holiday escape, as well as a positive refuge from an incredibly dark global climate. Tickets are still available here, and Louisville dream-pop trio Twin Limb will open. Read on for details!
JIM JAMES
Best known for fronting seminal psych/indie rock group My Morning Jacket, Jim James and his band started strong in the late ’90s, eventually breaking through to mainstream attention and critical acclaim by the mid ’00s, subsequently cementing their status as certifiable rockstars and major festival staples. Born and raised in Kentucky, Jim has also leant his production and songwriting talents to other artists and projects over the years, frequently collaborating with high profile acts, and, as his celebrity has risen along with MMJ’s success, has also occasionally cameoed in films and television shows. A guitar virtuoso and prolific writer, James first tried his hand at a full-length solo release with 2013 debut Regions of Light and Sound of God, a stunning LP not dissimilar to My Morning Jacket, though more personal and singular in its musical focus. In the three years since, MMJ released their seventh album, The Waterfall, and have toured and played festivals at a pretty regular clip, all while Jim has become increasingly more active as a producer, helming releases for artists like Ray LaMontagne and Jonny Fritz. Somehow, though, the beloved psych rocker still found time to craft his sophomore LP, Eternally Even. Co-produced by James and Blake Mills, the album arrived earlier this month, and tackles themes of social and political turmoil, all the while attempting to remain optimistic and hopeful, with powerful, personal, and inspirational songs. One of the greatest performers of our generation, Jim James’ live show is an unrivaled experienced, and holiday week or not, this show should absolutely be at the top of your fall priorities.
TWIN LIMB
After making a splash last year with their debut EP Anything is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense, dream-pop band Twin Limb swiftly resonated with the blogosphere and fast found an audience, which helped fuel even more buzz leading up to their newly released debut full-length, Haplo. Like James, the trio hail from Louisville, and will not only serve as his opener, but will also perform in his backing band; if that’s not a ringing endorsement of their talents, we don’t know what is.
Jim James and Twin Limb will perform tonight, Nov. 23 at The Ryman Auditorium. The show is all ages, begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), and tickets are available to purchase for $36.