My Morning Jacket – August 26th – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Photos by Tim Dwenger

There are some bands that seem to have a special connection with certain venues, and My Morning Jacket is one of them. The Kentucky quintet has been playing at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre since 2006, and each time they return, they deliver a show that is nothing short of spectacular. Their latest appearance, on a warm and clear summer night, was no exception.

As they played for well over two hours, the band delivered a diverse and dynamic setlist that spanned their entire career, from their early indie rock gems to their latest experimental tunes. They opened with the catchy and energetic “Anytime”, which set the tone for the night. The band was in top form, playing with passion and precision. Jim James’ voice soared over the majestic scenery, captivating the audience with his soulful and emotive singing. He also showcased his guitar skills, shredding and jamming with his bandmates on songs like “Evil Urges” and “War Begun”.

The show had many highlights, but some of the most memorable moments were when they brought out special guests to join them on stage. M. Ward, who opened for them, came back to lend his vocals and guitar on “At Dawn”, a beautiful and nostalgic song from their second album. Nathaniel Rateliff, a local favorite, added his raspy and powerful voice to a cover of Traffic’s “Feelin’ Alright?”, which turned into a fun and funky party anthem for the crowd. The boys also surprised us with their debut cover of Cat Stevens’ “The Wind”, a gentle and heartfelt acoustic ballad from his 1971 album Teaser and the Firecat that contrasted with the rockers that preceded it.

The encore was epic, as the band played four parts of their sprawling and psychedelic masterpiece “Cobra”, interspersed with other fan favorites like “Highly Suspicious”, “Off the Record”, and “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. 2”. The show ended with a triple dose of love, as they moved from “Holdin On to Black Metal” into “Love Love Love” to sent us off into the night with a blast of joy and gratitude. My Morning Jacket proved once again why they are one of the best live bands in the world, delivering a performance that was both intimate and grandiose, passionate and transcendent. They made us feel alive and connected, as we shared this magical experience with them and each other.