Your average music fan might not realize it, but there is much more to Jason Mraz - the new "it" guitarist-singer-songwriter-every-girl-wants-him rising pop star - than his hit single, "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)." We may have all heard his trademark number a few too many times by now, but as many young music listeners around North America are quickly discovering, Mraz isn't just a manufactured pretty face. With his beautifully flawless voice, true talent for songwriting, and an astounding stage presence, Mraz has become a deserving musician who thoroughly respects his art.
Having been a devoted Jason fan since my junior year in high school (I'm a sophomore now) and having already passed up the chance to see him in concert a year ago, I jumped at the opportunity to finally see Jason Mraz in person when I found out that he was going to be rocking the Roxy on Sept. 3.
I raced downtown after a day of classes to meet my friends, most of whom had been waiting in line since two o' clock that afternoon. Even five hours before the show was supposed to start, the queue stretched halfway down the block and was filled with excited fans, many wearing trucker hats. Two hours later, the doors finally opened; everyone raced in to stake out their spots around the stage.
Almost three hours passed before Jason hit the stage. One might think that performing would have become a little monotonous after touring the continent for over a year, but the band conveyed the exact opposite message to the audience. The show's opening was solid and powerful, and it was obvious from the crowd's reaction that they could feel the anticipation.
The six-piece band played an amazing set, which included songs both on and off Mraz's debut album, Waiting For My Rocket To Come. In fact, as the lucky audience soon learned, many of Mraz's best songs are not even included on his CD. The performance included a fair collection of his less-publicized pieces, like "Unfold," "Halfway Home," "So Unusual," and an acoustic version of "Did I Fool Ya?," along with a series of Mraz's better-known hits off his CD: "You & I Both," "No Stopping Us," and, of course, "The Remedy." Memorable numbers include a show-stopping rendition of "Common Pleasure;" the compelling "Tonight, Not Again;" a cover of the Kermit-the-Frog hit, "Rainbow Connection," complete with a whistling interlude by bongo-player-extraordinaire Toca Rivera; and "Sleep All Day," presented with a disco spin.
Mraz and the band were very warm to the audience, and even invited a couple members up on stage to play the always interesting "Say Anything" game, which is basically just another opportunity to steal some rhymes from the M-I-C. The performance was honest, humble and raw from start to finish, and more than deserved the audience's enthusiastic praise and applause; Mraz and his band left us wanting more.
And more we shall get.
Countless fan are discovering Jason Mraz' talent across the nation and around the world (he is currently touring the UK and Japan). There is no doubt that he has strong staying power and a potentially large fan base. His tour dates are racking up -- he already has two concerts planned in the greater Boston area this October. If given the opportunity to see him perform, I urge you not to pass it up.
Check out Ticket Master for info about upcoming concerts, and visit his official fan site at www.jasonmraz.com. Also check out live performance videos at www.unclecrispy.com
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