Matt Jennings puts a whole new spin on musical globalization. Singing in both Spanish and English on his new self-released 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 promotion of his first CD "Two Become One" Jennings has spent the last 2 years performing to a growing national fan-base in venues such as Hotel Cafe and Genghis Cohen (LA), Belly Up (San Diego), First Avenue (Minneapolis), Schubas (Chicago), The Living Room (NYC), Maxwell's (Hoboken), The Surf Lodge (Montauk), and Velour (Provo), sharing the stage with acts such as Forro in the Dark, Smog, Bob Mould, Lucy Wainwright III, The Flops, The Wood Brothers, Joshua James, and his brother Mason Jennings.
In April, he was on a nationwide tour in promotion of his new CD "Todavia" with Australia's The Beautiful Girls. They played venues such as Sullivan Hall (NYC), El Mocambo (Toronto), Bluebird Theater (Denver), Doug Fir (Portland), Malibu Inn (Malibu), and Stubbs BBQ (Austin).
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, así 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
For hi-res press photo please contact: mattjenningsmusic@gmail.com
Matt and Mason Jennings at First Ave 12/27/08 - The Bike Song:
Matt Jennings at First Ave - Simplemente En Fuego:
if you're in los angeles tomorrow night (wednesday) i will be playing at the standard hotel downtown around 10- and i would love to see you there! (info is on my space)
I'm no longer at Dada, I hang out there occasionally. Amanda set off for NYC today, actually. She'll be doing some A&R stuff up there I do believe. You should hit her up if your in that area. Feel free to give me a call sometime!
MATT! I'm SO sorry I didn't get to see you and yours ... it was a total whirlwind of no sleep and too many Summits (among other things). What a GORGEOUS weekend ... made me want to move back - again. We'll see you somewhere - SOON! (and I may be back again in a couple weeks to protest the RNC!) XO!
"The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then." -- Thomas Jefferson Wishing you a happy Independence Day Matt. Heres to the spirit of freedom. Liam
