CHICAGO _ Protest songs come in many forms, and at Jim James' show at Chicago's Vic Theatre on Saturday, they were immersed in funky, psychedelic-tipped soul and found common ground in camaraderie. "I feel the love," James said partway through his set. "Remember this love and take it to the streets. ... Make as many friends as you can."
James is touring behind his sophomore full-length album, the politically minded "Eternally Even," which was timed to be released a few days before Election Day. The set focused on that prescient material but also showcased the My Morning Jacket frontman's multifaceted output beyond his solo work. Songs from his collaborative efforts, including The New Basement Tapes (his rousing take on Bob Dylan's previously unused lyrics for "Down on the Bottom") and the faith-questioning, falsetto "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)" with Monsters of Folk dovetailed well with the timely premise of the set, as did his thoughtful covers of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Set Free" and an emotive, a cappella cover of "Suzanne," which paid homage to the recently passed Leonard Cohen.
But it was James' hushed, rallying cry tunes that took center stage. Backed by a five-piece band that included his touring openers Twin Limb, James and company primarily served as the conductors of a contemplative vibe rather than showboating, though there were some nicely executed exceptions. James rotated between acoustic and electric guitars, with one of the latter being tethered to a stand, which he adeptly danced around throughout the show as though the instrument was his lifelong partner. Dressed in a suit and wearing sunglasses, James slowly paced the stage, connecting with audience members by touching a single finger to their outstretched hands. The dimly lit stage with its lightly pulsating lights bathed the players in subdued hues, leaving the material to resonate without distraction.
It was an effective approach. The lush, grooving "Hide in Plain Sight" was at turns brooding, yet hopeful, encapsulating the alienating current state of affairs while still maintaining that "you don't have to go this alone." "Same Old Lie" tackled societal issues such as gun violence and hate crimes, as James questioned "is there any peace to be found in a lifetime?" A seeming ode to history repeating itself, the song's dramatic outro underscored a growing desire for change. The meditation on mortality "We Ain't Getting Any Younger" Pt. 1 melded into a rousing Pt. 2 where James sang of "peace ripped into pieces."
Yet there were also themes of love injecting light into an otherwise bleak landscape. The uplifting "Here in Spirit" and the yearning, romantic "A New Life" pointed to a welcomed optimism in the face of uncertain times. While the dissent came in subtler tones, the soft-toned laments were clear and urgent.
