Mason Jennings from the album Real Heart

Mason Jennings from the album Real Heart

Mason Jennings (from the album Real Heart on Loosegroove Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
It’s rather remarkable that after a career that’s spawned fifteen albums over twenty-five years that Mason Jennings hasn’t achieved household name status beyond his home environs of Minneapolis. Of course, it’s hard to predict who will catch on in the fickle world of the music biz. So too, the fact that Mason Jennings tends to write songs of a more subtle, Folkie nature doesn’t exactly find him making the kind of noise needed to light up the charts these days. Still, it’s a shame that the subtlety and finesse Jennings employs so consistently hasn’t made more of an impression. As his new album, Real Heart proves so decidedly, his songs are consistently expressive and engaging, and quite lovely as well.
a are simply passive. Rather, they offer opportunity to delve deeply into softer sentiments, if the audience is willing to simply lean in and listen. 

Those looking for ready comparisons might consider this a sound slightly similar in style to Dave Matthews or Jack Johnson, although Jennings tends to make a sound that’s inmate that boasts more of a folkish noir, one less contingent on the sort of populist appeal that drives Matthews and Johnson. That’s not to say he lacks spirit or substance. The teeming “Second Life”, a surprisingly upbeat sing-along “How Many Days”, and the guardedly optimistic “On the Brink”, clearly suggest otherwise.  Likewise, a song like the blithely delivered “I Feel Love” might have felt at home on one of Paul McCartney’s first solo outings.

Granted, Real Heart may not be the thing that propels Jennings up the charts or brings him the attention he so decidedly deserves. Yet, those that are discerning will find much to appreciate, and, in turn, reason to start spreading the word. After all, the title is telling and the sentiments imbued within are deeply affecting. One might even go so far as to say that when it comes to conveying feelings and fluidity, it doesn’t get much better than this. (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Mason Jennings from AMAZON
 
For more information and purchase options, please visit Mason Jennings website