6-28-2015

At first glance, Mason Jennings may not look like the kind of guy capable of delivering such amazing vocals. Looks can be deceiving though, because he really has an amazing voice that delivers on the cliché of soothing the soul.
For his 10th studio album, the Minnesota-based musician called on producer Bo Ramsey (Greg Brown, The Pines, Iris DeMent), as well as a wish-list-plucked lineup of guest musicians that includes DeMent and Neil Young drummer Chad Cromwell. The result of those “dream collaborations” and his own hard-won inspiration is the latest album "Always Been," Mason’s most radiant and refined effort of his career. Jennings says his main ambition is for the album to uplift its listeners. “Music’s always been very transformative for me. I remember hearing “I Want to Hold Your Hand” as a kid and having it hit me in a really deep way,” he says. Noting that the medicinal quality of DeMent’s albums was a major influence on the mood of Always Been, Jennings adds that he ultimately aims to create music with its own healing effect. “I started making music because music saved my life when I was little - it was something I could go to and always have a feeling of connection, even when times were hard,” he says. “Above all else, I want to make sure I always remember that trying to give other people that sort of feeling is the major purpose behind what I’m doing.”
“Love is the most important thing to me, my relationship with my wife and kids,” Mason says, adding “And music has always been as important as breathing to me. I have come to realize that to have it all, I have to take the long view when it comes to integrating all these parts of my life.”