The last time I saw Mason Jennings he was with his band and pulled out a surprising, but fantastic cover of Neutral Milk Hotel’s “King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. 1.” Last night, playing solo at the High Noon Saloon, he treated the nearly sold-out crowd to a mixture of past and present, highlighted by a brief and seemingly unnoticed cover of Neil Young’s “Out On A Weekend.”

It’s been six years since I first saw Mason holding down his weekly residency at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis. Initially, I was a reluctant listener, then casual fan, now I see him every time he comes to Madison. The reason is simple, he’s a great songwriter. For further proof of that, look no further than the upcoming Bob Dylan retrospective film, “I’m Not There”, where Mason covers (Christian Bale’s singing parts) “Times They Are a-Changin’” and “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” in the movie.

For an hour and a half and including two encores, Mason treated fans to “Nothing,” “Butterfly,” “Big Sur,” and “Darkness Between the Fireflies” from his eponymous debut album, which continue to be fan favorites today. Of course he played a few selections from his most recent album Boneclouds, most notable “Be Here Now.” Another highlight of the night were selections chosen from the self-released Simple Life like the oft-requested, but rarely obliged, version of “Hospitals & Jails.”

Throughout the evening it amazed me how so many of his songs brought about memories of the past six years of my life. Certain songs reminded me of certain road trips or parties where people would put on his records, then a hidden treasure, known only to us Midwesterners, but universally welcomed and sought out by newcomers. Given the chance to see him solo or with a backing band I would choose seeing him solo every time. There is something about the spontaneity of it, allowing the set lists to be broader and more inclusive of sometimes passed over material. It’s a simpler setting and easier to just relax and enjoy a good night of songs you’ve come to know pretty well.

Myspace: Mason Jennings
MP3: Mason Jennings – “Hospitals & Jails”