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| Jason Mraz, in the hit song "The Remedy" sings in a semi-acoustic hip-hop croon, "I won't worry my life away." Yesterday, New Englanders showed the world during the worst power outage in history that we are no mere chicken littles sitting in the back seat either. Can't get into the hotel? Okay, we'll sleep on the sidewalk! So, the subway isn't running? Fine! We will walk home!
In a world still recovering from the ugliness of September 11, we're grateful when Jason Mraz says in his video documentary, "Let's make some pretty Making the best of what you are given is a skill that some of us know instinctually, some of us learn it on the Eastern Shore. Jason Mraz, originally from Virginia, seems to be one of those people, singing life at the top of his lungs and from bottom of his heart during every waking moment, and even in his sleep. Jason Mraz writes often in his online web journal about his active dream life. New York sidewalk sleepers take note! A somewhat regretful college drop out, Jason Mraz made his way to California around 2001 to get more serious about his music. In California, at Java Joe's, with percussionist Toca Rivera, he proved that microphone or no microphone, he will keep on singing out loud. Come what may. Eastern Shore, Western Shore. On tour. At the Comfort Inn. What Jason Mraz is doing is anything but comfortable. He tells us with honest bewilderment that he needs to "Febreze the hell" out of his suitcase. Jason Mraz says he is trying to make a life, not a living. There is a startling openness about Jason Mraz. He wants to connect us to his experience through his journal entries and digital camcorder. In his web journal, his fans (who he prefers to call his friends) get a chance to participate vicariously as his big chance carries him along on a roller coaster ride given a big push by Dave Matthews who first asked to play an impromptu set on their rickety stage at The Gorge in 2002 and later asked Jason and his band to open for his show. The evolution from pickup truck to van to purple tour bus is sweetly documented in downloadable video segments for friends of Jason to share the mind boggling journey that has him wondering if he might have ADD or if he is just forgetful as his schedule of cities and interviews becomes increasing complex. The liner notes remind us to think of Jason as "...an example that ANYTHING is possible. That is with a little love, a little laughter, a little sweat, and a cast of thousands behind you." When you listen to the songs on "Waiting for my Rocket to Come" remember that dreams are important. Anything IS possible. And when the lights are out, and the chips are down, you can accept the inconvenience with a positive attitude and a spirit of adventure. From a part of New England that still has power and can post to the internet, we are very happy to "Shine that light on all of our friends..." who are making the best of it this week. Thank you, Jason Mraz, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Ottowa and all you "curbside prophets" in New York for providing such a clear demonstration that we don't have to "spend the rest of our nights" afraid of the dark. |
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songs" and then out pours "You and I both."
