By Chris Riemenschneider • chrisr@startribune.com
Backstage at Carnegie Hall in 2011, Mason Jennings was busy kicking himself over his performance in an all-star Neil Young tribute when he met the punk legend whose inspiration played heavily into his new album.
"This woman who worked there tugged my arm and said, 'Excuse me, Patti Smith is asking for you,' " the Minneapolis singer/songwriter recalled.
The iconic songstress/poet/artist wanted to say how much she enjoyed the version of Young's "Red Sun" that Jennings himself quibbled over. They got to talking "about writing and music in general," Jennings remembered. "She took me out of my head space and immediately made me feel better. It was a good reminder of the power of a few kind words."
There are kind words and good-natured vibes all over Jennings' latest album, "Always Been," which hits stores Tuesday. Produced by Iowa music vet Bo Ramsey, the record boasts one song about Smith and her kindred spirit ("Patti and Robert") and more about Jennings' pursuit of creative freedom and familial love.
Jennings, 38, sat for an interview on Halloween day before heading out trick-or-treating with his two sons. "We've got a hamster and a robber this year," he beamed. He will be home in Minneapolis through Monday for an in-store acoustic set at the Electric Fetus, and then he hits the road before returning for shows Dec. 6 and 7 at First Avenue.
For "Always Been," his 10th album in a 15-year career, Jennings recruited a long-admired acquaintance to produce: Bo Ramsey, the guitarist and studio wiz behind most of Greg Brown's albums as well as records by Pieta Brown (Greg's daughter and Bo's wife) and the Pines (with Bo's sons Alex and Benson).
Jennings toured in 2011 with the Pines, three of whom perform on "Always Been," as do Pieta Brown and Iris DeMent (Greg's wife) as guest singers. Other players include Nashville drummer Chad Cromwell, who has played with Neil Young and Mark Knopfler, and stalwart local bassist Gordon Johnson.