Mason Jennings attracted the first large crowd Elemental Experience had seen all day. As he set up, I could hear everything from whispers to shouts proclaiming his arrival was near and a good spot in the audience must be staked out.

Wow, I thought to myself – this guy must be awesome.

By mid-first song my anticipation had been confirmed, and I realized he truly was a special talent. His soft, accented vocals, his acoustic guitar, his harmonica, and socially conscious lyrics all blended nicely to create a comforting singer/songwriter vibe.

But by the third song, I realized his special talent did not come from the soul, by from mimicry; he was not artistic but impressionistic; and instead of inspiration, Jennings chose to use imitation – and I became quite confused.

Was I watching a Bob Dylan cover? Was this a joke? And why is the crowd practically swooning over his every strum?

Jennings sounds identical to Dylan in every sense. The crude accent of Dylan that sounds more like “sing-talk” was almost wholly left in tact by Jennings, except for a slight sweeter intone and better harmonies. The straight leg jeans, fitted jacket, the unassuming appearance and emotionless performance, along with the rhyme-less lyrics and abstract message bored me. Dylan was great at what he did, not only because his message powerful and his style spoke to a folksy America – but because he was the first of his kind. Jennings, on the other hand, sounds good, but is like your sister’s hand-me-downs –lackluster and unexciting.

But none-the-less, the crowd loved, loved, loved this guy. Screaming his name and singing along to every song, these people must have gone to the festival just to see him.

So what was I missing? Every song was the same as the last, and towards the end, waiting in line for the porta-potty looked more attractive then he did.

But I stayed. I listened. I tried. And all with no avail. The last song, with its broken strums, heart-wrenching melodies, and dismal undertone, sounded identical to the first, and while Jennings may know how to play, sing, and write, he isn’t really marketable to a wide audience, or at least the part that includes me.

 After the show, he came out to the audience, who clamored to him, and signed autographs, took pictures and answered some questions for the camera – which was all very nice of him, but I’m not sure how or why it was available to him.

For those folks that could listen to Dylan anytime of the day, all day, every day, try a Jennings CD. For folks who appreciate originality and want to let bygones be bygones – don’t waste your money.


Photo Credit: www.karhton.com