Dubai: Night three of four on the main stage at the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival and it was obvious Jason Mraz was the one people were most interested in.
The only ‘new boy' on the headline list - Jools Holland, James Blunt and James Morrison all having performed at the Dubai event in previous years - Mraz was supported by Scottish singer Sandi Thom and band Spyro Gyra.
Thom kicked things off and wowed the crowds with something other than her song about a flower-wearing punk rocker by performing an impressive version of House of the Rising Sun. Next up was Spryo Gyra who have proved a huge hit in years past and didn't disappoint once again. Great music, clever improv and even a few tricks from a balancing drummer gave the set plenty of flavour and warmed the crowd perfectly for Mr Mraz to make his grand entrance.
From here on in there isn't much to report to be honest. A very down-to-earth guy who sings well, plays well did all his favourites and few more and gave the people what they came for.
And while it may not have been the most up-lifting or energetic show, I'm glad. Mraz was himself and that was apparent with every note he sang. It was genuine. Believable. Real.
The show opened with It's Not Hard for Me To Love You with a distinct lack of Toca Rivera who was supposed to be accompanying Mraz. Instead a chick he referred to only as "Mona" did a fab job in his place.
Butterfly Song, Remedy and of course I'm Yours all made the song list and in between Mraz did a good job of promoting his new album, Love is a 4 Letter Word, which is out in a few weeks.
One thing which did ruin a great night at a great new venue - which was out of Mraz's hands - not a taxi in sight at the end of the night. Sigh.
