Concert Review: John Moreland (Haw River Ballroom)

John Moreland
BY MARK DOLEJS

The Haw River Ballroom welcomed John Moreland on Saturday night for the third show in his May tour, playing Asheville the night before. Ramsey Thornton graciously warmed up the crowd as the opener.

John Moreland
Moreland is a quiet man, but keeps the audience under his spell, as he engages them with his wonderful repertoire of songs. Playing songs off four of his albums, he shared many songs that that this singer-songwriter is know for.

John Moreland
He writes from the heart about his struggles with his faith and God, or maybe his lack of faith as it seems. Moreland questions his Christian upbringing in many of his songs, in songs like “God’s Medicine” and “3:59am.”

John Moreland
Backstage before the show, Moreland got a new tattoo of an eagle while several friends also got their own tattoos. He has quite the collection of tattoos on his human canvas. The top of his bald shaved head has a depiction of Jesus Christ framed by barbed wire across his forehead, while the back of his head has a sailing ship with the words “Hell bound.”

John Moreland
The night started with “The More You Say, The Less It Means,” off his 2024 release Visitor. The title track, which was played at the end of his set, reflects his constant grappling with who he is.

“Times are anything but kind
I've been dreaming like there's
Something there of meaning I could find
But lost and found, round and round I go
Doing every bit I can with what little bit I know
I am a visitor”

John Moreland
Moreland came back to play “Blue Dream Carolina,” also off Visitor, as the encore. I lost track of time while he was on stage, yet, I was left yearning for more.

Ramsey Thornton
Ramsey Thornton started off the night with a full set of unreleased songs, including “Window,” “Chase After You,” and “Backyard.” These and the other songs he sung will soon be out on a new record for this 26-year-old singer-songwriter. Even though he is just getting started, his lyrics and talent reflect a lifetime of experiences and emotions.

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MARK DOLEJS

Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

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