Jann Arden

Rockin with Jann Arden, at last. 6 09 2014 Jann clearly is no pretentious diva or sex god. The opening lit logo image of her “shape” was testament to her style: She is “large” and proud! Her worst nightmare being if her skirt would fall down on stage, but as she quipped, she has hips and that probably only happens with skinny girls! Her years of touring experience shone through. She was at ease with the crowd – connecting, joking and sharing her fears, dreams and wishes. She perhaps wants to be a sexy rock chick: her leather boots and faux-leather jacket paid testament to that but her self-deprecating humour “I have sweat rolling down my butt” was shared to confirm she was like one of us, “hot and human!”.
And human she is with a few wobbly notes for the first song but thereafter she was rockin, rolling and cruising with her dyed blond hair and amazing support band. Sadly I made no notes and can’t recall the names of the band other than they hailed from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary as well as USA. I’ll research and update later…
She kicked off with some of her older tracks (and my favourites Time for Mercy, Will You Remember Me, Good Mother and Unloved) but was careful to weave in her newer material from her latest CD Everything Almost. This latest collaboration with Grammy Award winning producer Bob Rock is considered to be amongst Jann’s finest work – progressive, yet retaining the magic that is distinctly Jann. Her support band were really ace, tight and professional. Special mention should be made of her keyboard/violin player.
Within the show she helped cheer up one lady who was celebrating her 60th birthday, who had thought she was coming to see Ann Murray, by singing “Songbird”. Whilst sang in a tongue in cheek manner, it was an audience pleaser! Jann also sang another strong cover favourite by Carly Simon “You’re so Vain”. She speculated Carly was singing about Woody Allan to the amusement of the crowd.
Full of surprises Jann let her band entertain the crowd and gave the spot light to her violin player to give her a perhaps much needed break during the mamouth 2.5 hour show. She popped up in the audience, sitting and singing in the only spare seat in the house. Whilst exchanging banter with the audience she realised her adult theme conversation might be offensive to the one and only child in the room. She invited the little girl in the front row to receive a 20 dollar bill to go and buy a “pot or pan” to cover up her discussion about marijuana (pot). Later the same lucky girl received two more 20 dollar bills to cover up her embarrassment and serve as an apology for discussing her death obsessed behaviour in her early 20’s.
Ahead of an emotional performance of her famous hit “Insensitive” the crowd where privy to her fun recount of being interviewed by a Mississippi Radio DJ who had called the song Insatiable! Some sassy attendee stole her dramatic pause during her performance of that same song by singing IN (to complete the word insensitive) but Jann took it in her strike and acknowledged the cheeky person before completing the song.
The crowd’s receptiveness and warmth was well rewarded with a 25 minute encore AFTER the two hour show.

To wrap up I can’t put it better than Nac Southam Hall “ Whether she is captivating audiences with her heartfelt music, entertaining them with her quick wit or sharing her written word in a boldly honest voice – Jann Arden is a Canadian original – a brilliant multi-dimensional talent.”
If you have the chance, do try and get tickets to see Jann during this tour – highly recommended. If you can’t that do the next best thing, buy her music, you will not be disappointed.
See Jann’s Performance from a few years ago – still wearing those same leather boots! Sandra S c ARTHUR,

It was nice to see Jann again. She was funny. She sang the familiar and the unfamiliar songs. She was given a bouquet of flowers and acted like she won the Miss Canada pageant. She was very appreciative. Jann was secure in herself . She let one of musicians perform a jazz solo and she received a standing ovation . Even though Jann was upstaged for the moment , she wanted to give the spotlight to someone else.
I was a bit surprised that Jann was not as polished on stage as she should be. She had to tune her guitar not once but twice. I have been to many concerts and this never happens. She joked she does not have an entourage to do sound checks. (Yes but I paid over 70$ a ticket to see you. I made the sacrifices the see you so can you not make the sacrifice to give your best?) Also she had a wardrobe malfunction so someone gave her a binder clip. Maybe do the Stevie Nicks thing and have scarves hanging from the mike? I am not sure about her relationship reveal. She said after 10 years , she broke off the relationship. It takes 2 to tango and the boyfriend was not present to offer his version of events
I remember her giving a Canada concert at the Old Port . She had a blonde drummer playing on African drums That was her best Montreal performance and it was not because it was free show

What should I say about Jann Arden? I recently saw Jann Arden at Centre in the Square, Kitchener. Her voice is brilliant, strong and wonderful. We went through a roller coaster of emotions with Jann through her song, stories and her wicked sense of humour. Who needs therapy! Treat yourself to a Jann Arden concert! Buy her inspirational book about her-ongoing journey of with her Mom who is battling Alzheimer’s, my Mum had it too and it is heartbreaking but Jann sheds light on the situation. Buy her newest CD it is the best one so far in my opinion, These are the days, and listen to her words, her empathy, her emoting and sensibility. I love Jann Arden!!

Jann Arden's concert in Halifax, Nova Scotia was absolutely AMAZING! First of all, everyone knows what an stellar song writer and singer she is! She sang a lot of her older tunes which was a hit with everyone in attendance but also sang some new songs and did some covers. Her band was also extremely talented and she wasn't afraid to give them the time to show it. It was truly awesome. She also is one of the funnest artist I think I have ever seen. My side actually hurt, after the show, because of how much I laughed. This is my second time seeing her in concert and she didn't fail to impress! I plan on going to see her every chance I get!

We keep coming back again for more because Jann Arden is not only an incredibly talented singer/songwriter with songs that have lasted decades in our playlist, but she is down to earth, endearing and a hilarious stand up comedian. Charming as ever and so generous, Jann agreed to let me pop the question to my love on stage at her October 4th concert in St. Catharines. She loves her fans and we couldn't ask for more. Someone needs to write a musical with all Jann songs - she is Canadian music royalty!

Experienced some mind ultraing drugs.. which I must say has been enlightening...loI was told Jann Arden was playing in Milton - But for the life of me can't find tickets. Only my gfs wanted to go before but now the boys want to come. So please does anyone know if Jann is coming to Hamilton, Burlington, Milton. Cheers she's the bomb. she's so real and man everyone can relate because everyone has shit and to put yourself out there and own is brave. Shoot out to Jann..

My girlfriends and I throughly enjoyed Jann's concert. We wish we could see her perform next month and every month from now on. She is a great artist and the orchestra was amazing. The voice of the lady who is in her band gave me goosebumps. We left the theatre happy and very satisfied.

It was my third time attending a Jann Arden concert and she honestly keeps getting better and better! The balance between humour and all out passion and emotion that comes out through her singing is second to none. A very soul fulfilling experience. Loved every minute of it.

The concert was awesome and love her humor and spirit. Was disappointed the venue stopped the concert due to suspected rain storm and it never rained. I would have given us a bottle of wine as the even was expensive. Dinner was great too. Tx

Jann Arden is an amazing person and performer. Her voice was impeccable. Brought back memories of when Insensitive and Could I Be Your Girl was first released. I would see her again live any chance I get.