In “Sob Rock” start at United Center, a smooth John Mayer jams his way around the guitar

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Singer/songwriter John Mayer keeps navigating changing tides more than 20 years into a stratospheric career, constantly reinventing himself in pop, blues, folk and now “Sob Rock,” to cite the name of his newest album.

He’s also earned just much respect in jam band circles, selling out stadiums as front man for Dead & Company, where he’s easily the baby of the bunch alongside several surviving original members of The Grateful Dead.

In his first of two solo United Center shows, Mayer brought both that seasoned experience and a sense of youthful enthusiasm as he took an unpredictable turn through an increasingly sizeable songbook that managed to pack at least a little something for everyone.

It all began with “Last Train Home,” an easygoing guitar glide in the style of Eric Clapton circa the 1980s, that showcased an all-star band of exceptional players, who’ve played with the likes of “Slowhand” and practically every other one of Mayer’s classic muses.

Those masterful musicians kept on accompanying the buttery-voiced and lyrically thought-provoking headliner for the likes of “Belief,” “Shot In The Dark” and “Helpless,” always stretching out with special grooves and flavors beyond the standard arrangements, with additional atmosphere provided by a giant video wall surrounded by a prism of lights.

Mayer unplugged all by himself for a mid-point set, bookended by Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and his own “Shouldn’t Matter But It Does,” demonstrating not only equally superb acoustic skills as the electric moments, but the rare ability to make an arena feel intimate.

The backers came back for another lengthy segment of crowd pleasers and covers, including an expanded “Your Body Is A Wonderland” and the jazzy “Gravity,” easily the most universally familiar in an evening forgoing “Waiting For The World To Change,” “Say,” “Daughters” and other radio delights.

Yet given the fact that no two John Mayer shows are ever the same and he frequently swaps out several surprises, it’s more than worth another visit to the United Center on Friday, April 29, or for those looking for a similar spirit in the psychedelic lane, he’ll also be back with Dead & Company at Wrigley Field on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 to continue the long, strange and spectacular trip it’s always been.

Click here for more photos of John Mayer at the United Center.

For additional information on John Mayer, visit JohnMayer.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include John Mayer (Apr. 29); Lil Durk (May 2); Justin Bieber (May 9-10); Chris Tomlin & United (Jun. 16); Stray Kids (Jul. 1); Spring Awakening (Jul. 8-10); Rage Against The Machine (Jul. 11-12); Roger Waters (Jul. 26); Windy City Smokeout (Aug. 4-7); Swedish House Mafia (Aug. 13); Duran Duran (Aug. 20); Roxy Music (Sept. 19); The Killers (Sept. 21); Iron Maiden (Oct. 5); The Who (Oct. 12) and Lizzo (Oct. 16). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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In “Sob Rock” start at United Center, a smooth John Mayer jams his way around the guitar

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