“I don’t write any lyrics down,” says Matt Jennings, explaining that when it comes to song craft for him it’s all about the music. For his latest full-length release Todavia, the Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist and brother to alt-country/folk hero Mason Jennings composed five of the album’s tracks between 2000 and 2001 upon returning from what proved to be a powerful muse—Mexico. “When I got back from studying abroad I started writing songs in Spanish and liked the way it sounded. I could get more romantic sentiment out of the songs without being cheesy.”
Even non-Spanish speakers will register the universal language of love. On songs like “Dame Tus Besos,” Jennings says more than words ever could with his flamenco guitar, swiftly plucking lush chords to relay varying degrees of playful flirtation and burning seduction. Still, Todavia is not all Don Juan by candlelight. Jennings weaves throughout the album a casual, humorous tone reminiscent of a more lucid Jimmy Buffett. His folksy delivery adds a colloquial appeal to songs that fall somewhere between acoustic campfire rock and classic world music with elements of jazz rounding out Jennings’ unflappable cool.
Much of what Jennings does comes across as effortless. It took him just two days to record Todavia with producer/engineer Chad Weiss, accomplishing in 48 hours what other bands spend weeks to finesse. “I played all of the instruments,” he says. “In the studio, I just slammed it out—drums, then bass, then guitar and vocals, just laid on top of each other.”
Jennings took the resulting tracks on the road, resuming a tour schedule that over the past three years has sent him to such venues as Hotel Café (Los Angeles), Belly Up (San Diego) and The Living Room (NYC) where he played to a growing national fan base. In April 2008, he shared stages with Australia’s The Beautiful Girls, appearing everywhere from Denver and Utah to Toronto and Austin. Seeing the country in tried-and-true DIY fashion gave him the chance to meet and play with different bands, plus a few other added benefits. “Touring has been great for improving my musicianship,” he says. Experiencing so many places in such a short period of time one has to wonder—where will Jennings look next for inspiration?
- Jamie Gadette, Salt Lake City Weekly
Quotes:
"The defining element in Jennings's music is his intricate songwriting. His melodies are constructed with a seemingly innate knack for structure and phrasing, and his songs are easily recognized after their first rotation." Andrea Myers, City Pages, August 6, 2008
"On the guitar, he’s a wizard, going from Latin-style acoustic riffs, to classically-inspired Spanish flamenco guitar runs." Shaking Like a Mountain, Spring 2008
"Jack Johnson is the obvious comparison, but Jennings adds occasional flamenco flavor and Spanish lyrics on tracks like Todavia." Carole Giambalvo, St. Petersburg Times, May 2, 2008
"His guitar skills are flawless. There's a distict world music feel, inspired by his international travels. The gypsy rhythms and folksy vibe lend to hip-shaking, head-bobbing beats."
Megan Wiley, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Dec. 2005
"Toca la guitarra con influencias de guitarra española, y su manera de cantar se parece algo a algunos cantantes reggae, así que se nota que tiene influencias de muchas partes. Si te gusta Jack Johnson, o Ben Harper, creo que te va a gustar Matt Jennings." Joe McGaha, IndyRock
Contact: mattjenningsmusic@gmail.com
Matt and Mason Jennings at First Ave 12/27/08 - The Bike Song:
corzéame The songs of this quartet are a torrent of emotions and rates/rhythms powerful. Not hesitating to take refuge in strange and harmonious sounds which plunge the listener in a completely atmospheric universe. Influenced by groups like Pink Floy, Radiohead, Archive, MUSE, led Zeppelin…, it is on scene that the group reveals all its creativity and its alchemy; between slow pieces and others faster they make us share an Ambient Rock'n'roll as of more shivering. Without speaking about the song leader pure and unforeseeable.
How's it going Matt? Any SF shows lined up yet?????? Just got back from CR and worked my first day back at sea yesterday. Had to rescue 2 guys off a sunken sailboat @ 10 at night in 45 mph winds and 15 ft seas. Yee freekin ha. It feels good to save people though... All the best, Liam
Hey Matt, what's up brother? Just had a listen to some of the newer songs on your profile..I dig. I especially like Bad Dream. I just posted the first song from my new album. Drop by when you have a chance.
Hola Matt, Que dice guey? Todavia aqui en Costa Rica. Tienes que visitar la casa algun dia hermano. Yo tenia almuerzo con Joiquin Phoenix y Casey Afflek dos dias atras. Loca verdad..... L
I think you'd have fun if you came out to cy's in chaska, mn some sunday evening! i don't live there anymore but it's turned into something rather cool..
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