Guestroom Records OKC - On February 7, 2020, John Moreland released his full-length album LP5 via record label, Thirty Tigers. On the same day, the Tulsa-based singer-songwriter was at a small record shop in Oklahoma City to play some tunes for his fans and sign copies of the album. Moreland was joined by his pal and sideman, John Calvin Abney, who’s beautiful guitar work can be found all over LP5. The turnout and setting for this event were nothing short of a magical experience for the fans of the man who is the king of the sad songs. 

As the crowd began to funnel into the store, a table was setup at the entrance. Those who preordered the album were able to pick up their copy and get a bracelet that guaranteed entry to the event. During this time, John Calvin Abney made his way to where the performance would take place, in a corner in the front of the store, and began setting up for the show. As the crowd continued to stream into the store, you could feel the anticipation of just how special this moment was for the fans and for John. The capacity for Guestroom Records is probably around 150-175. The store was definitely at or near full when John Moreland walked in the front door to an applause from those who came out to support him and LP5. 

The duo played a short set that consisted of the first single release from the LP5, “East October” along with “I’m Learning How to Tell Myself the Truth,” and “In Times Between.” He also played his older fan favorites, “Old Wounds” from his 2017 release Big Bad Luv, “Cherokee” from the 2015 release, High on Tulsa Heat, and “I Need You to Tell Me Who I Am” from his 2013 album, In the Throes. The atmosphere during the set is one of the components that made this event so special. Silence. Nothing but the guitars of Moreland and Abney could be heard; the lyrics of John’s songs being taken in by all in attendance made this a truly intimate and magical experience. 

Once the set ended, John Moreland and John Calvin Abney hung around to mingle with friends and fans that came out to support the album and the event. Moreland hung out near the door where a table was setup for him to sign albums and greet fans. He took the time to talk with each and every person that approached him on their way out the door. He posed for selfies, signed record covers, the records themselves, and even a guitar that one fan brought to the show. LP5 is John Moreland’s best work in a line of fantastic material. Having the opportunity to see John in this atmosphere and small room environment, made for a real special night. You can catch him back in OKC at the Tower Theatre on April 11, 2020. You can read more about LP5 here: theoklahomareviews.com/home/2020/2/3/john-moreland-lp5

John Moreland:

johnmoreland.net