Friday night, January 29, 2010 was the third official show for the Wood Stove House Concert series. Held at the home of Lancaster singer/songwriter Jason Mundok and his wife Susanne, this series brings performers into an intimate setting and allows up-close interaction between the performers and the audience.

 Opening the proceedings was a strong set from the evening’s host, Jason Mundok. After welcoming the sold-out house (38 people!), he proceeded to deliver a set that, in addition to warming up the crowd for the headline act, demonstrated why he is such a highly regarded local performer. Beginning with “What We Need” off his most recent CD, Orders Up, Mundok made the most of his time, playing 11-songs that had the audience (alternately) rocking in their seats, laughing and listening intently. In addition to his original songs, he included two songs from Loudon Wainwright III’s latest, High, Wide and Handsome. Performing alone (with just guitar and his own harmonica accompaniment) for most of the set, he was joined by Jeff Sims of Living Fables on harmonica for the last three numbers, before concluding with a rollicking new song, “Good Coffee Blues.”

 Following a brief intermission, Mundok came back to introduce the evenings headliner, Jason Wilber. Known primarily as a sideman to such artists as John Prine, Iris DeMent, Todd Snider and others, Wilber is also an accomplished singer/songwriter in his own right.

 Taking the stage, Jason proceeded to charm the audience with his laid-back spirit, his exceptional guitar work, his humorous between song patter and, primarily, his evocative songwriting. His 14-song set was generously sprinkled with songs from his excellent new release, Lazy Afternoon, and rounded out by songs from the rest of his eight releases. Talking about his attraction for impressionist art, I couldn’t help but notice that his lyrics exhibited the same qualities that make the best impressionism attractive to so many. Though it seemed as though he was moving from songwriting strength to strength during his time on stage, the high points for me (if I had to choose) were “In Her Veins” (a song for his wife), the humorous “Quakertown Optimist Club,” the unreleased “Ghost Light,” the story of a underappreciated performer seen in a pub “Watching Picasso,” and his closing number, the story of love in a carnival side show, “The Ballad of Amazing Grace and Sideshow Dan.”

 Although minimal sound reinforcement was provided the sound carried well in the room and there was no difficulty in hearing either the vocals or instruments of either of the evening’s musical performers.

 In addition to the excellent music, the overall atmosphere added to the enjoyment of the concert for everyone, it seemed. The entire evening almost seemed like relaxed neighborhood get together, even for those (like myself) who had never attended one of the Mundok’s house shows before. If you are able to get a ticket to any of the remaining three shows scheduled for 2010, an enchanting and entertaining time is assured.
Woodstove Concert Series