John Moreland hits a high note
The Tulsa-based songwriter wowed a sold-out crowd at Tower Theatre last weekend. Nathan Poppe has the review.
Iwatched “No Country For Old Men” on Netflix nine times this year.
Like seeing Tulsa’s John Moreland in concert, it does not get old. Repeated viewings, or listens, can reveal fresh meanings to material that’s steeped with worldweary characters and honest illustrations of a broken world. Moreland returned to Oklahoma last weekend for a pair of homecoming concerts at Cain’s Ballroom and the newly renovated Tower Theatre. Joined by a full band, Moreland filled both venues with eager listeners which is a testament not only to his (much deserved) rising profile but also to his tireless pursuit of writing and sharing plain-spoken, compassionate songs.
Oklahoma acted as a finishing line to a benchmark year filled with a new record, “Big Bad Luv,” and months of touring. Moreland played more than 100 concerts around the world in 2017. My only regret last weekend was not attending both shows because Saturday evening was such a perfect show. Why? Allow me to quote Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) from that Coen Brothers classic.
“It is not the one thing,” Bell tells another sheriff. They’re discussing the dismal tide that’s plunged the world into the toilet. Similar to some of Moreland’s heavier songs, the scene pairs the good, the bad and the ugly all into one package. I fought back tears while watching the concert from backstage. I lost that battle during “God’s Medicine.” It was one of many moments that made Moreland’s return to his adopted home state borderline triumphant. Here’s a few memories I scribbled into the Notes section of my phone during the concert.
1. In 2015, Moreland joined the California-based rock act Dawes on the road and opened for them in Oklahoma City before getting called back onstage by the headliners to sing.
Dawes wanted to play Moreland’s music. Hearing them play as Moreland’s backing band for two songs felt like a precursor to Saturday’s Tower Theatre gig. One great thing about Moreland’s songs is how they’re sturdy with just a single guitar. Hearing them fleshed out is another story. That extra electricity and musicianship breathes new life into the Okie’s songs.
A lot of people mentioned they’d never seen Moreland play standing up or with accompaniment, which means they weren’t savvy to when he performed with his Black Gold Band. Playing seated and solo for so long was smart. It made economical sense, served the songs well and hushed concertgoers. Well, now that he’s got national attention and a stellar cast of players, let’s hope a full backing band becomes the new normal again.
2. This was the first sold-out concert at Tower Theatre and the venue really shined.
Although several hundred people filled the balcony and standing-room floor, it wasn’t hard to find a view thanks to the staggered architecture. The sound was excellent, too, which always blows my mind because the Tower Theatre was originally meant for movies. It wasn’t intended to have top-notch acoustics for a concert but that’s what filled the room on Saturday. The venue and artist were a perfect fit.
3. If you’ve never heard of Aaron Lee Tasjan then you’re running low on excuses.
He set the tone for the evening with a blistering set. The Nashville-based songwriter delivered a sizzling collection of original material with a rollicking attitude. If you showed up late then you owe it to yourself to find a copy of “Silver Tears” and try harder next time.
4. Moreland was backed by John Calvin Abney (guitar/ keys), Paddy Ryan (drums) and Aaron Boehler (bass).
That’s a stacked crew of Okie players and the quartet relished the opportunity to play together. They smiled as they tore through the set. Even Normanbased songwriter Kyle Reid seemed elated to be handling guitar tech duties backstage. Their positive attitudes were contagious.
5. Tom Petty’s the soundtrack to Moreland’s life and so it was fitting for the encore to be a cover of “You Wreck Me.”
It capped off the 90-minute concert with an overwhelming energy. Hearing Petty was a stellar reward for sticking around all evening and celebrating with a community of fellow musicians, longtime fans and recent converts. Moreland’s songs have the power to break your heart and serve as reminder that it can still be a blast putting the pieces back together again.