Morgan James blows the roof off OPAS crowd
Published 9:50 am Wednesday, January 25, 2023
- Morgan James
Advertised as, “Leave your leftovers behind and come hear a world-class vocalist,” turned out to be an understatement.
Morgan James came to town and blew the roof off for the mostly Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) crowd and her ardent fans that traveled from Athens, Macon and Atlanta. Backed by an incredible band, James stunned the audience with a 90-minute set filled with shadings of the blues, jazz, R&B and soul.
She began her local appearance with unique arrangements of some Holiday favorites, like “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “This Christmas” and “White Christmas.” She included a few original tunes written with her guitarist husband Doug Wamble, whose dexterity and musicality impressed without upstaging.
The crowd responded boisterously at some of her “covers,” which have made her a bonafide internet sensation. Her pitch-perfect stratospheric high notes in Mariah Carey’s Emotions was followed by an open-throated authentic rendition of the Memphis soul classic Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday. The crowd ranging from age 14 to 90 roared in approval. Her tasteful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “River” paid homage without copying the original, first heard on the classic album “Blue.”
James has a warm and witty banter that only comes with years of live performance experience. She basks in her operatic pedigree without being boastful. Her pianist and drummer “both survived Juilliard with me!”
As described by OPAS Artistic/Executive Director Doug LaBrecque, “Morgan James is a multi- talented phenomenon!”
Having the opportunity to hear an artist of this caliber was a Thanksgiving and Holiday gift brought to the community by OPAS, which is on a hot streak of presenting incredible artists in its 15th season.
OPAS next presents 2023 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist, Samara Joy, on March 31.