Mason Jennings is EASILY the most underrated songwriter in the last decade. It may be easy to understand why so many people have passed him over. Early on, he was adopted by the same community of bros and neo-hippies that define the base of the Jack Johnsons, the Dave Matthews, and the OG Bonnaroos—but that is, quite frankly, not an excuse. He weaves seamlessly between frank personal exposes and social commentary; add to that a preternaturally clever wit that shows itself in a subtle dry delivery. Not to mention the frailty and compassion innate in his most disarming stories. In a world filled with soft serve replicas of Bob Dylan, Mason Jennings has more than earned his place in our hearts right alongside the likes of Elliot Smith, Mark Kozelek, Nick Drake, and, dare I say it, Dylan himself.
His latest album (one of 2011′s best), Minnesota, is one of his more introspective releases, and, shaking things up a bit in his oeuvre, is largely piano driven folk. Several of these beautiful songs were among his set list (see below) on Sunday evening. He has quite the unassuming onstage presence which includes smoothly feeding off the crowd, making the set list off the cuff. MasonJennings is also a dynamic singer with pitch perfect vocals and timing. Seeing him in a intimate room like Jacksonville’s Jack Rabbits was a special—and unexpected treat. Check out Minnesota and look for him in the coming months as he hits the road again, full band in tow.
Mason Jennings 1/29/12 at Jack Rabit’s
Setlist:
Jackson Square
Be Here Now
Which Way Your Heart Will Go
Living in the Moment
Nothing
Dakota
Bitter Heart *p
Raindrops on the Kitchen Floor *p
Your New Man
Simple Life
Bullet
Fighter Girl
Clutch *p
Sorry Signs on Cash Machines *p
Butterfly
Lemon Grove Avenue
Dr King
Stars Shine Quietly
Darkness Between the Fireflies
Crown
Encore
Ulysses
California
Keepin’ it Real
*piano
