Howard Jennings

Howard Jennings returned to Clarkson with his usual energy and charisma. Former and returning students remember Jennings from Up North and the Howard Jennings Group. Jennings graduated in spring of 2007 and has since become an SAP consultant for IBM. Students, old and new, however, excitedly welcomed the old campus celebrity back onto the familiar stage.

Howard arrived with many new songs in his arsenal. He is known for writing songs about a wide variety of subjects. Many of the songs relate to real life situations. One song in particular, 'Terrified' deals with terrorism and the power of love. He began the show with a rousing rendition of 'Big Wheel.' Jennings played a mixture of old and new songs, including the crowd favorite 'Appreciate.' He even played a cover of Johnny Cash's hit, 'Folsom Prison Blues.'

Howard formed a strong connection with the audience. Several students danced in front of the stage. Some even made their way onto the stage to reminisce about Howard's time as a student. Jennings began telling stories at one point. Several members of his family attended the show, including his great-uncle. Johnny Cash performed a show in Potsdam many years ago, according to Howard. Howard's uncle received a call much later that night, requesting he provide bail for Johnny. Mr. Cash had apparently ended his trip with a brief stint in Potsdam's jail. Unfortunately, Howard's uncle had already turned in for the night and declined the offer. The story elicited many cheers and laughs from the audience, including Howard's uncle.

Howard also advertised his new album, Appreciate, during the show. He created his first record in Nashville, seven weeks ago. 'Appreciate,' the title track, was one of Howard's first hit songs. The new album is a blend of old and new tracks. He treated the students to several of his newer songs throughout the night.

The concert's true success came from Howard's "experimentation" with many of the songs. Some the songs flowed seamlessly from Howard's own works into various popular songs, including Pearl Jam's 'Black' and Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall Part 2.' Many students requested songs from Howard's repertoire. Howard tried to meet all requests. Jennings ended the show by inviting everyone downtown for an after-party. The audience was roaring and everyone left feeling satisfied.
- Clarkson Integrator

"This guitarist can capture your heart, and your ear. From Plainview NY, Howard provided an extremely appropriate and heartwarming performance for opening for Vertical Horizon. With his first song, Heart’s P.O.V., I immediately connected with the lyrics, as they were about a long distance relationship. Followed by a series of upbeat, uplifting, catchy, and almost hypnotic mix of guitar and vocals, he can’t help but make you want more. After his set, we were able to catch him, speak with him, and express our disgust about how he isn’t signed yet. He has an LP out, but it doesn’t at all encompass his improved and upbeat persona on stage. Look for him on iTunes (and on late shows, talk shows, on the radio [but not over played], performing in your town, and anywhere online). This music world needs more Howard Jennings.

GRADE: A- , only minus because he isn’t signed yet."
- Sidus Eris