John Mayer makes a triumphant return to Boston, gracing the TD Garden stage for the second time this year with his mesmerizing “John Mayer Solo” show. Building on the enchantment of his earlier performance in March, he invites the gifted singer and composer JP Saxe to open the night with his soulful R&B-influenced pop tunes, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
JP Saxe confidently steps onto the stage in casual jeans and a T-shirt, his fingers skillfully gliding across the lively piano keys. He treats the audience to a setlist filled with hits like “A Little Bit Yours” and “I Don’t Miss You,” infusing each song with a charming playfulness. With a grin, he shares a personal story, mentioning that he was once rejected by Berklee music school. Tonight, he seizes the opportunity to showcase his musical prowess triumphantly. Wrapping up his performance with the emotionally powerful “If The World was Ending,” co-written with the talented Julia Michaels, JP Saxe leaves the audience on their feet.
John Mayer joins the stage, clad in comfortable sweatpants, he takes his place on the right side of the stage with his guitar, creating an intimate atmosphere that envelops the venue. The show commences with the evocative strains of “Heartbreak Warfare,” followed by the soulful embrace of “Love on the Weekend,” and a captivating cover of Beyoncé’s “XO.”
Spontaneity weaves its magic into John Mayer’s setlist, offering a fresh departure from his previous New York City performance. At a pivotal moment, he requests the venue lights to be turned on, illuminating an array of signs. Amid the choices, he singles out a sign offering three intriguing song options. Initially, he embraces the second choice, unveiling the heartfelt “War of My Life.” After a brief contemplation, he playfully switches to the first option, revealing the “Something Like Olivia.” With his acoustic guitar in hand, he serenades the audience with this special fan request.
The audience harmoniously joined their voices with the singer through the whole night, creating a mesmerizing chorus that resonated through the venue. During the performance of “Changing,” the fans added a touch of magic by illuminating the night with their phone lights, forging an unforgettable moment. John Mayer, sitting at the grand piano, delivered a soul-stirring rendition of this song. Additionally, he graced the piano with his talent once more, offering a rendition of “You’re Going to Live Forever in Me.”
In a heartwarming moment of appreciation, he openly expresses gratitude for spotting second-generation fans in the audience – a powerful testament to the enduring influence and timeless allure of his music.
During a captivating interlude in the show, he unveils a remarkable double-neck acoustic guitar, treating the fans to a trio of mesmerizing songs. This special setlist encompasses the soulful tunes of “A Face to Call Home,” the reflective melody of “If I Ever Get Around to Living,” and the impassioned “Edge of Desire,” each strummed to perfection on this unique instrument.
As the evening draws to a close, he turns to the aspiring musicians among the crowd, imparting a heartfelt message of encouragement. With sincerity in his voice, he imparts the wisdom that “Discouragement is Poison,” urging them to persist in their musical journeys. He leaves them with a resounding belief, assuring them that he’s certain to witness a few of them gracing the very same stage in the future.
He wraps up his performance with “Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967” and takes a bow, prompting cheer from the crowd. Responding to the enthusiastic audience, the singer returns to the stage for an encore, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” to bring the show to a memorable close.
John Mayer’s illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the music world, continuing to pave the way for aspiring musicians. His performance serves as a compelling testament to the profound joy that music brings, while his unwavering passion shines brilliantly through every note and lyric, captivating the audience with his boundless dedication to his craft.
