Mason Jennings is exactly like you would expect an old-school folk artist to be: soft-spoken and focused on the music. The difference is, he is only 28.
His latest album, , is just like the man. On the surface it seems simple, with the absence of sales-boosting art on the cover and its live recording style. But in reality, the album is a multifaceted experience of good old folk music about a range of human experiences.
is stripped down, free of sales gimmicks and full of genuine songs. The Dylan-esque quality in both recording and song style gives the album an authentic, honest feel. Jennings' stick-in-your-head melodies are refreshing for their cheerfulness and upbeat feel, and he deftly handles the darker side of human emotions with sensitivity and expressiveness.
\Keepin' It Real"" is a happy love song that borders on cheesy, but Jennings pulls it off within the style of folk music. It's the kind of song that just makes you want to smile, with lyrics like ""There ain't no rust on the happiness bus.""
""The Ballad of Paul and Sheila"" lies on the other end of the Jennings spectrum as a quiet eulogy to Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone and his wife, Sheila, who were killed in a plane crash in October 2002. The music is an austere complement to heartfelt lyrics promising remembrance of Sen. Wellstone's values.
For a young man who grew up in Pittsburgh and Minneapolis, Jennings unexpectedly sings with the depth of a seasoned folk star who has lived through political turmoil and extensive drug use. It is obvious he has been heavily influenced by such artists as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. He skillfully uses their styles to create a solid, real album.
Jennings started out as a drummer at age 12 and has since moved on to play bass, piano and electric guitar.
""I feel that every instrument I play helps me to see the songs from a different perspective,"" he said.
A lot of ground is covered on his fourth album, and, overall, Jennings is very satisfied with the results.
""I tried really hard to get it to be cohesive,"" he said. ""I tried to have it be accurate to where I am in my life right now.""
The effort shows, as is ultimately good because of its laid-back style and easy transitions from song to song. For Jennings, writing these songs is all about getting out and having different experiences.
""I think it's just living. I try to get out there and, you know, meet a lot of people. I get a lot of stories,"" he said. These stories help Jennings create no-frills, listener-friendly music.
The live sound of Jennings' album will be featured in Madison as he kicks off a five-week tour at Club Majestic on Valentine's Day. He has played in Madison several times before, but makes an effort to keep every show new and different from the last one. Saturday's concert will focus mainly on his new album, along with some songs that have not been released. Jennings also promised plenty of love songs.
""I can't pick a favorite,"" he said about his love songs. ""They're like my kids, you know?\
