Review: My Morning Jacket and the Levon Helm Band Ramble On in Woodstock
The Midnight Ramble featuring MMJ, October 16
With no opening band, a Midnight Ramble at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock is one of the most unique live music experiences one can get. When you add one of the best bands in rock, My Morning Jacket, and another music legend, Donald Fagen, to the bill, you’re set up for a once-in-a-lifetime performance that borders on indescribable…though I’ll give it a shot.
[Stock Photos from Levon’s Facebook Page]
Every aspect of the Ramble experience is very different from your typical concert. From the moment you enter the wooded environs of Levon’s home you pick up on a special energy that only exists at that barn. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack or appetizer to share with the rest of the 150-person crowd leaving Levon’s garage filled with all sorts of cookies, crudities and chips for everyone to enjoy. You don’t have to worry about the light from a cell phone interrupting your experience as a “no cell phone rule” is strictly enforced in the concert area. No photos are allowed and concertgoers are told to respect one another, though that wouldn’t be an issue.
My Morning Jacket came on around 8 and played to the vibe of their surroundings. There was no cape for Jim James and drummer Patrick Hallahan played Levon’s kit a bit more delicately than he would his own. Golden was the perfect opener and you could hear a pin drop as the quintet laid into the gorgeous tune. While James was more laidback than usual – there wasn’t too much room for him to run around – he clearly put his heart and soul into the delivery of each song winning over the few in the audience who weren’t familiar with MMJ.
READ ON for more on last Saturday’s Midnight Ramble…
