D.f. Warner

This night was a showcase of Jim James, whose meandering musical aesthetic is matched only by his evolving stage persona.  His head-banging, cape-wearing, throwback rock-star act has given way to a suit-and-tie soul presence augmented by sliding, shimmying, and close (sometimes physical) interaction with his audience.  His hyperactive, Flying V guitar solos on songs like “God’s Love to Deliver” were balanced by soulful, competent saxophone parts that added depth to a performance marked by the careful, intense delivery of the album’s uplifting, zen-like lyrics.