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Jason Mraz
LIVE AT THE EAGLES BALLROOM
(Elektra)
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Perhaps Jason Mraz got off on the wrong foot with "The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)," a song that swept through radio with its rapid-fire verse, Southern wit, and relentlessly optimistic refrain "I won’t worry my life away." That late 2003 single from Waiting for My Rocket To Come (Elektra) is a fair prelude to the polished sound he gets with his backing band here. In this two-disc CD/DVD package, Mraz emends his anti–John Mayer image, showing a talent for raw sonics with the help of a tight backing band and for visuals with director Nigel Dick. The Ohio Players’ horn section adds credibility blasting through "Common Pleasure;" ditto John Popper with his blues harmonica on the rootsy "Curbside Prophet." Popper’s Bobby McFerrin–esque scats at the opening of "1000 Things" and bassist Ian Sheridan’s extended solo in "Unfold" are likewise unexpected moments from an artist who at first glance seemed as deep as his side-cocked trucker cap. If you’re still incredulous, check out the DVD extras for Mraz’s solo, pitch-perfect cover of Elton John’s "Rocket Man."
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