Matt Jennings puts a whole new spin on musical globalization. Singing in both Spanish and English on his sophomore CD "Todavia", Jennings proves that musical hooks not only cross borders, but make those borders seem like they never really existed at all. Mixing flamenco guitar stylings and propulsive global rhythms with jazz-like vocal phrasing, a catchy new sound is created that brings distant corners of the globe together with the enthusiasm of an irrepressible long distance love affair.
In support of "Todavia" and his first CD "Two Become One", Jennings has spent the last 3 years performing to a growing national fan-base in venues such as Hotel Cafe (LA), Belly Up (San Diego), First Avenue (Minneapolis), The Living Room (NYC), Maxwell's (Hoboken), Bluebird Theater (Denver), El Mocambo (Toronto), and Stubbs BBQ (Austin), sharing the stage with acts such as The Beautiful Girls, Smog, Bob Mould, Forro in the Dark, The Wood Brothers, Joshua James, and his brother Mason Jennings.
Quotes:
"The defining element in Jennings's music is his intricate songwriting. His melodies are constructed with a seemingly innate knack for structure and phrasing, and his songs are easily recognized after their first rotation."
Andrea Myers, City Pages, August 6, 2008
"On the guitar, he’s a wizard, going from Latin-style acoustic riffs, to classically-inspired Spanish flamenco guitar runs."
Shaking Like a Mountain, Spring 2008
"Jack Johnson is the obvious comparison, but Jennings adds occasional flamenco flavor and Spanish lyrics on tracks like Todavia."
Carole Giambalvo, St. Petersburg Times, May 2, 2008
"Stripped-down acoustics and straightforward melodies delivered with bilingual passion. Spanish guitar adds a saucy edge to his humorous, Jimmy Buffet narratives and Jack Johnson campfire appeal."
Jamie Gadette, Salt Lake City Weekly, 10/11/2007
"His guitar skills are flawless. There's a distict world music feel, inspired by his international travels. The gypsy rhythms and folksy vibe lend to hip-shaking, head-bobbing beats."
Megan Wiley, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Dec. 2005
"Toca la guitarra con influencias de guitarra española, y su manera de cantar se parece algo a algunos cantantes reggae, asà que se nota que tiene influencias de muchas partes. Si te gusta Jack Johnson, o Ben Harper, creo que te va a gustar Matt Jennings."
Joe McGaha, IndyRock
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Matt and Mason Jennings at First Ave 12/27/08 - The Bike Song:
Matt Jennings - The Tortoise and The Hare:
Matt Jennings - Todavia:
