Jim James Announces Solo Acoustic Tour

John Davisson – Jim James
Jim James performs during Lockn’ Festival at Infinity Downs Farm in Arrington, Va., Aug. 25.

Fans of Jim James and My Morning Jacket would be fools to miss this tour. Ahead of this month’s release of his third studio studio album, the MMJ frontman has announced dates for a career-spanning solo acoustic tour. 

“I am looking forward to exploring all sorts of songs stripped down as they first occurred in their natural habitat – just voice and guitar,” James said in a statement. “Although I have played many shows by myself, this will be my first tour of this style and I am excited to see everyone out on the open road.” 

Uniform Distortion is due out June 29 via ATO. Pre-orders of the album are ongoing and include an instant download of the lead single “Just A Fool.” Deluxe bundles featuring limited edition lithographs and clear vinyl are available. The track, along with the new tune “Throwback,” can be heard on James’ official YouTube channel now. 

Following an appearance with Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, Calif., June 21 and a July 18 gig at Los Angeles’ Pico Union, James’ solo acoustic tour launches Nov. 2 at Los Angeles’ Cathedral Sanctuary. James will be accompanied by longtime touring drummer David Givan, with special guest Alynda Segarra from Hurray For The Riff Raff supporting all gigs. 

Here’s the routing:

Nov. 2 –  Los Angeles, Calif., Cathedral Sanctuary

Nov. 3 –  Oakland, Calif., Fox Theatre

Nov. 5 –  Salt Lake City, Utah, The Commonwealth Room

Nov. 6 – Denver, Colo., Paramount Theatre

Nov. 8 – Milwaukee, Wis., The Pabst Theater

Nov. 9 – Chicago, Ill., The Vic

Nov. 10 –  Cleveland, Ohio, The Agora Theatre

Nov. 13 – New York, N.Y., Town Hall

Nov. 14 – Port Chester, N.Y., Capitol Theatre

Nov. 16 – Boston, Mass., Shubert Theatre

Nov. 17 – Washington, D.C., Lincoln Theatre

Nov. 19 – Atlanta, Ga., The Tabernacle

Nov. 20 –  Nashville, Tenn., Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Nov. 21 – Louisville, Ky., The Louisville Palace

In an open letter to photographer Duane Michals requesting use of the piece “The Illuminated Man” as album art, James explained the inspiration behind the title of his new collection of tunes. 

“The name of my new record is UNIFORM DISTORTION because I feel like there is this blanket distortion on society/media and the way we gather our ‘news’ and important information…and more and more of us are feeling lost and looking for new ways out of this distortion and back to the truth…and finding hope in places like the desert where I write this email to you now…finding hope in the land and in the water and in old books offering new ideas and most importantly in each other and love.”

The single “Throwback” also examines society’s obsession with social media and our phones.  

“I wrote this song doing pretty much what you are probably doing right at this very second: scrolling thru social media.,” James wrote. “It struck me as SO wild – how, as you scroll back in time thru someone’s account you watch their face grow younger…but as you do this REAL TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!!! The clock is ticking…instead of doing good work or creating love or taking a walk in nature I am here STARING AT MY PHONE!!!!”

An artist presale starts June 19 at 10 a.m. local venue time via JimJames.shop.ticketstoday.com. The general onsale begins Friday, June 22 at 10 a.m. local venue time, with the exception of Port Chester, N.Y., and Louisville, Ky., with general onsales at 12 p.m. 

James is donating one dollar per ticket purchased to MMJ’s The Waterfall Project, benefiting United for A Fair Economy and National Bail Fund Network.