The Washington Post
Performing Arts

John Jennings

Singer-songwriter and guitarist John Jennings, best known for his work with Mary Chapin Carpenter, spent Sunday night moonlighting at the Birchmere, performing songs primarily drawn from his recent solo album, "I Belong to You."

Backed by his colleagues in Carpenter's band, Jennings set the evening's casual tone with a lighthearted blues shuffle before unveiling several new ballads that illustrated his considerable talent and range as a songwriter. While most of them were inspired by relationships, both the lasting and fading kind, some possessed a sardonic edge that recalled Warren Zevon's work while others were tender and reflective. The best of them not only explored matters of the heart without resorting to pop cliches, they often expressed the kind of deep and conflicting emotions that are never easily resolved. Whether working with his band mates or performing a solo acoustic set, Jennings never failed to underscore his lyrics with attractive melodies, and he often punctuated them with fluid guitar solos and catchy riffs that mirrored his tasteful contributions to Carpenter's sound.

The concert also provided Jennings with an opportunity to play in an informal setting with pianist Jon Carroll, bassist J.T. Brown and drummer Robbie Magruder. The band responded with a colorful mix of atmospheric arrangements, Chuck Berry-inflected romps, jazzy vignettes and slippery funk.

--Mike Joyce