John Mark McMillan
John Mark McMillan (and band), based out of Charlotte, NC, recently came through Nashville, TN on their Awake In The Dream tour. This was my experience.
McMillan’s music is melancholy yet hopeful, his lyrics full of compassion and faith. I’ve been listening to him for years and had previously had the pleasure of photographing the band back in the UK in 2014. I reached out to get a press pass for his show at The Basement East where he played with support from The Gray Havens & Antoine Bradford.
I arrived early and met a guy in line who was visiting Nashville. He’d heard of the venue but didn’t know who was playing and just wanted in to see someone play in Music City. I told him it was John Mark McMillan tonight. “Who’s that?” he asked. “He’s a singer-songwriter type. Kinda folky.” I replied, “Very good. Oh and he loves Jesus.” As we entered they were checking vaccination cards and he had to run back to get his from his car. I hope he came back.
The line was small and made up of fans who’d booked the pre-show experience with McMillan which included a limited edition vinyl; a solo acoustic performance; the reading of an essay, penned especially for the tour, dealing with life, the universe, and the impossibility of existence; an open Q&A from the intimate crowd covering everything from the pandemic and faith to his favourite TV show and meeting old friends. I moved around the venue to see the angles and get a sense of the space, but after a few shots I ended up hanging at the side to just listen, taking it in, needing to not encroach too much on what seemed like a sacred moment.
Once over, the general admission crowd started to fill in, including my dear wife, Amanda, and our friend Kati. We took seats off to the side while we waited for the show to start, chatting to some fans who’d been following the tour and travelled in from out of state for it. By the time things kicked off the room seemed to be filling nicely and more filtered in throughout the support acts.
First up was Antoine Bradford, who was solo on stage but managed to fill the room and win over the crowd with his performance. Kati was so charmed that she said she wanted to volunteer at his merch table next time he comes through town. Next was The Gray Havens, normally a husband and wife duo, but wife Licia was staying home this tour so husband David was instead joined by cellist Hitoshi. They gave an engaging and beautiful performance with many of the crowd already sporting their merch.
Finally, John Mark McMillan took the stage and the energy in the room was electric. You might be forgiven for thinking that given my description earlier of him being a ‘singer-songwriter’ and ‘kinda folky’ that this would be a downbeat affair, but as my photos can attest, this is not the case. McMillan and band have the energy and demeanour of old school rock and roll and more than a little bit of punk to them. Some how this energy is not at odds with his contemplative lyrics but brings a down to earth balance to his persona. He is deep and fun at the same time which is not always easy to pull off and something that has always attracted me.
Just from looking at my photos below you can see the way he commands a room, inviting the audience to join him on a journey that is both sacred and fervent, full of moments of quiet stillness and chaotic energy. Just on the edge between losing control, and surrendering it.
It was a pleasure to share this night with him, and also to share the experience with you.
