Jason Mraz • Show review:
Spreckels Theater - Downtown San Diego
February 1st 2003

By Victoria Joven, SDAM Staff Writer
©Copyright 2024 SDAM.com/Victoria Joven

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By SDAM.com Staff Writer Kathleen Hentz

If you were lucky enough to catch one of Jason's lives shows at the old Java Joe's in OB, consider yourself blessed for those were good times! Ah, memories. Anyway, February could not come soon enough for me because Jason Mraz was finally returning to good ol' San Diego. My roommate and I had been anticipating this sold out show since his last appearance at the Epicenter in Mira Mesa a few months ago. If you've been to at least one Mraz show, you would understand the agony behind waiting.

The show was held at Spreckels Theater downtown. The place was packed with 1500 fans, old and new. A definite transformation from the smaller, more intimate days at Joe's. The crowd was definitely anxious to hear Mraz's "new" sound. When I say new, I am referring to the full band that is now accompanying Mraz on his tour. The addition of keys and a full set of drums enhanced the already established trio: Mraz on guitar, Toca Rivera on djembe and Ian Sheridan on the upright bass.

"Tonight, Not Again" opened the show. It was obvious that like me, the audience could hardly contain themselves from first drop of a beat. If you weren't grooving to the music, maybe it's time to check in with the doctor. Once Mraz graced the stage, the energy in the room was overwhelming, probably from the hundreds of fans screaming. The audience has obviously been waiting for this sweet return. The rest of the night was filled old favorites like 1000 things, Better, Unfold, Curbside Prophet, 0% Interest, a cover of Future Boy and newer songs such as The Remedy and I'll do Anything with Bob Marley's "One Love" tagged at the end.

The rest of the band did an awesome job to contribute to the unique sound of Mraz. A lot of people were anxious to hear the full band as most of us have only experienced the acoustic sound that has been Mraz for the past couple of years. As I mentioned earlier, Scott Seiver on drums and Micah on keys and guitar are a great addition. Toca as usual rocked on djembe as well as provided beautiful harmonies to Jason's melodies. Ian Sheridan, whom we've only seen on the upright bass, rocked the electric bass that night to enhance the sound.

This night was also made extra special as Jason's very first music video for The Remedy was being filmed. I couldn't think of a better location for this video. After all, the only possible way to truly capture the energy in Mraz's live shows is by filming those who have seen him from day one and this can only be done in San Diego. Jason has always been great at getting his fans involved in his journey as a musician so the filming of the video was definitely a treat.

I have to mention that Jason and the rest of the crew were battling with being sick due to their demanding schedule. However, they displayed true musicianship by putting together Jason's best show yet without a doubt. Jason Mraz's ability to captivate an audience along with his unique vocals and beautiful melodies is unparalleled.

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