SUMMER MAY BE GONE BUT MRAZ BRINGS THE SUNSHINE OUT ANYWAY

Jason Mraz: Sunshine Song
From Beautiful Mess: Live On Earth (Atlantic, 2009)

I've had the pleasure to see Mr. A to the Z in concert three times over the last 6 years. One time was perhaps the worst concert I've ever attended, not so much because he wasn't capable of entertaining but more so because of the material of his mostly forgettable sophomore album that he was supporting. Fortunately, his most recent release “Beautiful Mess” passes over that material and focuses mostly on his latest studio album, “We Sing We Dance We Steal Things.”

Of course “I'm Yours,” which recently set a record for the longest run on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in history, makes its way onto the set. Longtime collaborator Toca Rivera gets the crowd revved up with a small scat before Mraz comes in crooning with his underappreciated vocal performance. He then extends the jam out past radio-length standards with a tongue roll before some ad libs and thanking the Chicago crowd.

It's a set of mostly non-singles, outside of “I'm Yours” and “Lucky,” which Colbie Caillat duets on, and his remix version of “The Remedy.” The latter features a Jamaican riddim backing with a horn section that really shines not only this song but throughout. It's a sound that fits him well, in part because of the Caribbean flavor he brings to many of his songs in live form.

The party continues with his cover of Lionel Richie's “All Night Long.” The musical performance outshines his vocal performance with its spot-on version of a street fiesta. It's still a respectable cover, but a bit more vocal grit would have put the song over the top. The aforementioned horns bring the house down with an outstanding showcase, but it's the understated percussion section that drive this one home.

“Sunshine Song,” a previously unreleased song, sounds like a lost John Denver song content-wise and has a touching tenderness in tone. As he sings about “getting high on heavenly breezes,” it's a bittersweet sermon on life for a half-glass empty person who meets his half-glass full mate and a bit of optimism ends the song as the rain clouds are driven away.

“Beautiful Mess” is the best of his live releases so far. It comes with an accompanying DVD, which I haven't yet gotten a chance to see, but the energy and care for his craft are evident even through the speakers. With Christmas just around the corner, it's a great addition to add to your own wish list or to give as a Secret Santa gift.