I'm slow on this bandwagon, I know it. I mean, I had a minor crush on Jason Mraz aka Mr. A to the Z when he first burst onto the music scene with "The Remedy," but then again, who didn't? Then there was the follow up single "You and I" which didn't resonate as much, but still managed to make it on to Roger (my iPod).

His second album, "Mr. A to the Z" went somewhat unnoticed, though I did (masochistically) cling to a track called "Plane," which recounted the story of a boy who was content with dying should his plane crash as he got to spend 24 hrs with the love of his life. (Seriously, I dig depressing sh*t).

So, about 2 weeks ago my boss lady, Kendra , hooked me up with a pair of tickets to check out Jason Mraz at Radio City Music Hall. Now, at first I simply accepted these tickets on behalf of my good friend Mike who is totally obsessed with Mraz. At the bar pre-gaming, Mike and others (aka Rodeo and Coma) rambled on about how I was going to fall head over heels with Jason after seeing him live. I rolled my eyes a bunch and brushed of their claims, but here I am blabbering on.

Jason was ridiculous. He was charming, witty, funny, didn't overthink his show and by no means took himself too seriously. At the same time, he is a pretty damn good musician - effortlessly hitting high notes (at times too high for a man) on key, while strumming his guitar, leading his band AND managing to dance on beat. This is a lot for a white man to handle at one time. Obviously, his hits were the crowd pleasers, but what impressed me was when he brought on a choir to join him in what I like to call gospel hour, which included an astounding rendition of "O, Happy Day." For his encore he included his current hit "I'm Yours," but also opted to keep the crowd dancing with "Build Me Up Buttercup."

Jason's advice to the audience was not to let your mind prevent you from having fun. He encouraged dancing, singing, and of course taking pictures/video of the show. I mean, not ground-breaking stuff, but it was refreshing to see an artist on stage who knows his craft, but also actively engages the audience and invites them to participate.

In short - I'm now a believer in Mr. Jason Mraz. Are you? On the fence? Then check out "If It Kills Me," one of my favorite tracks from him. Downside to his concert? The fairly young girls who dance like whores to music not meant for grinding.

"I'm Yours" - performed on Ellen:


"Build Me Up Buttercup"


"If It Kills Me" (fast forward to 1:26 mark)