University Chronicle

Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Intermission

Media Credit: Anya Vaverko A guitar, piano and harmonica were combined with Mason Jennings' smooth vocals to create his nearly sold-out performance at the Paramount Theatre.

Media Credit: Anya Vaverko Mason Jennings performed at the Paramount Theatre Saturday.

After last year's sold-out performance at the Paramount Theatre, Mason Jennings returned for another appearance Saturday evening.

The singer songwriter displayed his talent by playing the guitar, piano and harmonica.

Jennings landed himself a place at the Paramount and began the show with lyrics like, "This is a bullet from a gun called what the f--k."

The result was a vibrant energy and a well delivered elicit show.

Jennings, a Minnesota folk guitarist, was born in Honolulu, but traveled the continental United States at an early age and arrived in Minneapolis, where he got his start.

Now 30, Jennings still resides in Minneapolis with his family and continues to play at many venues around the area.

Although the majority of the songs he sang at the Paramount were from previous albums, he also played some new songs which will be on his upcoming album.

Jennings typically plays only songs he writes, but he diligently threw in the song, "Out on the Weekend," by Neil Young.

However, with his own distinct vocals, it was hard to recognize the song as a cover.

Watching in awe, some of the audience stood to dance, others sang along in their seats and some sat quietly drinking glasses of beer, transformed by the music.

Denny Wurm said the performance was pretty chill and relaxing overall.

When asked about the Paramount as a venue, Hannah Birkeland said she liked how personal it is but also just how there was a good crowd. Birkeland said there was a good vibe.

The Paramount had very little seating available after the show started.

Jennings songs typically represent the struggles he encountered throughout life. He tends to grasp religion and does not hesitate to integrate it into his music.

His music depicts his strengths and struggles, allowing the audience to really feel the connection and understand that others, including Jennings, experience challenges, too.

One of his songs in his latest album, "Bone Clouds," relates back to when Jennings' child nearly died after birth.

Many songs talk about his love and loss, and some talk about his journeys to California. The song "Ballad of Paul and Sheila" tells the story of Senator Paul Wellstone and his sudden plane crash resulting in death.

With strong vocals, Jennings' love of life is obvious when listening to his music.

When polled, many audience members acknowledged there were just too many songs to pick favorites. However, one of the best, written years ago, called "Butterfly," seemed to be a crowd pleaser.

Overall, Jennings' music put the audience in an exhilarating trance. With his sleek acoustics and an encore performance, Jennings delivered his talent and unique vocals to a packed performance.

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