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John Aizlewood's rating
Jason Mraz is musical butterfly
By
John Aizlewood
6 Apr 2009
Like Natasha Kaplinsky, Jacqui Smith and Everton, Jason Mraz has risen without trace. Last night was the second of two Hammersmith Apollo sell-outs, although his third and most recent album, the unashamedly Jack Johnson-esque We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things barely scraped the Top 10.
The barefoot, 31-year-old Virginian’s fanatical audience of chin-stroking teenagers knew every word to every song, be it the meandering Mr Byrite Jamiroquai of No Stopping Us or the impossibly sunny Lucky. And, although it was occasionally unashamedly pop, for the most part Mraz’s songs require patience to reveal their charms and sitting in as a neutral was akin to attending the wedding of someone you’ve never met.
Something of a musical butterfly, he flitted between amiable reggae-lite (Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds was tagged onto I’m Yours and the crowd sung that too) and grandstanding George Michael-ish ballads such as Love For A Child.
But what linked the obsessive base-covering was how adroitly Mraz buttressed the everyday insecurities of his young fans, hence the roof-raising cheer accorded to Song For A Friend’s “learn to love yourself” line. It’s hardly the most emotionally sophisticated of manifestos, but his simple message of self-empowerment triumphing over emotional angst worked wonderfully well.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (2)
I went to see Jason Mraz and I am 57! It was a very entertaining show and well supported. I was sitting next to families with children and Grannies so how you can say its just for teenagers - well I thought my eyesight was getting bad! I have his CD and enjoy listening, also I thought the supporting acts were excellent, Two Spot Gobi in particular.
- Mil Brighton, Brighton UK, 13/04/2009 15:44
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I went to see Jason Mraz perform at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo last saturday and after reading this review I disagree with your opinion totally. Firstly you mention that majority of people attending the concert where teenagers, but the majority of people where I was situated where between the ages of 20-30. Also you've rated the concert 3 stars out of 5, but have said that the crowd reaction to Jason Mraz was terrific "fanatical audience", therefore shouldn't you judge the performance on the crowds reaction and not your own? To finish, in my opinion and any other long time fan of Jason Mraz will agree with me that he and Jack Johnson have completely different performing and creating styles.
- Huw Meredith, Cardiff, 07/04/2009 21:37
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