I ran into Mason Jennings at one of the Bright Eyes shows at First Avenue in April, and he told me he was sticking close to home for much of the spring. He could've meant that in regards to the subject matter on his new album: The disc is titled "Minnesota" and will arrive Sept. 13 on his own Stats & Brackets label via Thirty Tigers, the distribution/management company also behind Trampled by Turtles' latest album and many other great rootsy indie acts. Jennings produced the album himself at his own studio.

Today's announcement of the album said, " 'Minnesota' is an album inspired by 'home,' and the transition into adulthood. ... Much of the foundation of 'Minnesota' has to do with the shift from being a touring musician to becoming a husband, a father of two, and maintaining a life in music while always knowing what is most important." Minnesota is where Jennings launched his career and met his wife, after being born in Hawaii and raised in Pittsburgh. Song titles include "Bitter Heart," "No Relief," Raindrops on..." and "Well of Love." Looking forward to hearing it.