Mraz Gets Personal On CD, Tour

It's been one of those years for singer/songwriter Jason Mraz.

The acoustic-pop crooner, known for hit singles "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" and "I'm Yours," released his latest album, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things," in May and has been on the road since February. He released a book of photography, "A Thousand Things," in October. He voted early in the presidential election by absentee ballot from his tour bus and made it home to Richmond, Va., for Thanksgiving dinner and to perform two shows.

"My book is probably the most refreshing thing I've done. I went through boxes and boxes of Polaroids from over the years and picked out my favorites," Mraz said during a phone interview from his tour stop in Virginia. "They're just moments that I stumble upon when I am walking on the street from India to Ohio."

Despite a hectic schedule, Mraz found himself and a new sound while globetrotting. "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things," is his first release in three years and was produced by Martin Terefe who has also worked with KT Tunstall, Ron Sexsmith and James Morrison. The album is personal, he said.

"When I first got started in music I kept getting shot down and it really hurt for a while. I got lost in music," he said. "On this album more than others, I really just went to my soul and said what's up. I allowed myself to just be me, and I owe that to my travels."

Mraz was so inspired by the road, he asks concert-goers to submit photos that reflect their communities. The photos are displayed during his shows, including Thursday's performance in Clearwater. Full details and instructions are available online (www.jasonmraz.com/detailsinthephoto).

"I've discovered that people want to find comfort in their lives," he said. "Send in things that you love about your community and we'll use that in the show."

Jason Mraz; 7 p.m. Thursday; $35 and $42; Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater; (727) 791-7400