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 Evocative - and very personal. Jun 27, 2009
In semi-dark with other things on my mind, Mason Jennings floated into my perception for the first time. It was just a song on a radio, in the background, the voice unfamiliar, the music unremarkable - until the ending lines in the first stanza; "you can burn my body black, just don't make me go back to Jackson Square."
You see, I'm originally from New Orleans and Jackson Square is a touchstone for me; a renowned monument and shrine to artists of every stripe, both local and from afar. The song continued, commanding my attention to the next stanza, where the beginning verse really cinched it, "I met you on Decatur Street with your little bare feet and your violin," and, just like Jennings, I jumped right in.
Immediately I was caught up in the image of joy, of celebration and camaraderie between soul mates, then dismayed to follow the gradual, alarmingly troubled images in the melody painted by Jennings as the relationship with his Jackson Square sprite began to disintegrate. Ultimately, the mortal link between lovers is broken in a stunningly tragic event, portrayed in the profound mix of poetry and honesty of Mason Jennings.
The radio station I was tuned to did not identify either the song or the artist but, thanks to the miracle of internet searching, I was instantly directed to the music of Mason Jennings by merely entering "music burn black Jackson Square." Since I am still in discovery mode, I cannot speak for Jennings' other productions, but the album, Boneclouds, is a work of art from start to finish. For those of you considering the purchase of this album, try going to a website "radio station," such as "last.fm," where you can hear complete songs first, and DO look up lyrics at the same time. It will help you appreciate the poetry of this artist all the more.
Background singing and instruments are perfectly balanced to vocals. I especially like the drums which often have a precise and original sound, just as, say... Fleetwood Mac... but different.
Much of Jennings' vocal style reminds me of Bob Dylan - but different. Maybe it could be called "modern folk," I don't know, but his imagery is more ethereal than that of Dylan. At any rate, I feel like I've found a treasure and I predict a bright musical future for this very creative and sensitive musician. And, ladies, he's also good looking... A quick YouTube search will produce a number of video performances, so you can judge for yourselves. :-)
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Amazing music Feb 17, 2009
As a relative newcomer to Mason's music, I'll admit to becoming a fan by way of the Ghost Town movie, every song he writes has a purpose. Much has been made about the crisp production quality of Boneclouds, thanks to Modest Mouse front man Issac Brock's recording studio, but the result is sweeter and purer than anything else heard in years. The lyrics are incredible. The music is beautiful. Fans of contemplative folk rock music will enthusiastically listen to the tracks with a pleased heart and soul. This is feel good music with a sensitive touch. Highly Recommended 100%!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Mason Is The Man! Dec 30, 2008
I'm truly glad that Mason isn't very well known, for that way I can enjoy him all to myself. Well, actually I like to throw him on for friends and then act like a pretentious snob when they ask, "Who is this?!" Another remarkable album from a criminally underrated musician.
Soooo glad I bought this cd Mar 29, 2008
This is my first Mason Jennings cd, I love it, it is original, beautifly arranged, it flows like honey, and makes you feel good, buy it, love it, and tell yer friends about it.
Peace,
Jesse in Vermont
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Sonic Jewels Feb 10, 2007
Mason Jennings' "Century Spring" was an impressive recording. "Boneclouds" is a good set. Jennings' voice is thin, which probably precludes his doing a set of cover tunes. But given his vocal idiosyncrasies, the material on this set rises above the usual. On "Some Say I'm Not" Jennings talk sings overlaid with a funky percussion and cymbals in an unusual but excellent track, "I've been to Egypt, I've been to Rome, I was a young man when I left my home, Looking for something I couldn't find, Now I'm back where I started, it was here all the time." His wife Amy joins him with subtle background vocals on "Moon Sailing on the Water." "Which Way Your Heart Will Go" is an acoustic love song that is gentle with Mason's fragile vocals, "Where would I be right now if all my dreams had come true? Deep down I know somehow I'd have never seen your face; this world would be a different place." "Be Here Now" that opens the CD has a melody that labors gently with Jennings' sincere vocals making an emotional connection, "All the doubts that linger, just set them free & let good things happen, let the future come into each moment like a rising sun." "Gentlest Hammer" is also a distinctive track with David King's original percussion. "Boneclouds," recorded in Minnesota, is a good set offers some sonic jewels. Enjoy!
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