In our recent interview with Jann Arden she spoke a lot about change - change in management, change in band, change in herself. This change was evident from last night's An Intimate Evening With Jann Arden at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. As the lights dimmed Arden appeared on stage with just her guitar singing the title track from her album Free.

Partway through the song the curtains opened to reveal her band and an impressive light screen. While her previous tours have been stripped down, this show’s additions enhanced the evening without taking the focus off Jann and her music.

It must have been incredibly difficult for Arden to pick songs for the set. Over the course of two hours and fifteen minutes fans heard hits like Insensitive, I Would Die For You and Could I Be Your Girl, along with songs from her current album. She threw in some rarities as well, including a dedication to her tour manager Chris who requested she play Leave Me Now off of Happy.

Arden's trademark humour was on display as well. She opened the floor to questions and was immediately bombarded with "Where's Russell" (Broom her former lead guitarist and co-producer.) "Russell is doing great and his kids are growing up, I can't afford him." When one person asked the odd question "When is your break?" she replied "Why do you need a drink or something? I can hold things for a minute. When is your next medication?"

She even poked fun at Herald writer Heath McCoy, who has at times been critical of her music. She quickly turned the audience back to laughter by saying "I am kidding. We are friends now. We've been necking."

Entertaining also was her introduction of her band through childhood photos, and then showing photos from her own family. Having heard about them for years it was great to see them, even if some of the photos were less than flattering. Her self-deprecation was in full effect with photos of her "Flock of Seagulls" haircut and perm. A photo with Joe Clark got one of the loudest laughs. "This was a guy I dated. Small penis, bad kisser."

The band itself was phenomenal. Some familiar faces returned, including drummer Lyle Molzan, keyboardist Darcy Phillips and guitarist Graham Powell. The addition of Maury Lafoy on bass, long time Bryan Adams guitarist Keith Scott on lead guitar and the incredible Allison Cornell on an assortment of instruments including violins, added a new richness and depth to Arden's live music. Keith often danced around on stage in the same manner he would if he was cranking out Summer of 69 instead of Wishing That. Cornell's strings really enhance Arden's music and their voices mix together beautifully.

All too soon, the familiar introduction to Good Mother, the traditional set ender began. After a deserved standing ovation she returned and spoke about songs that get into your psyche even though you don't want them to, such as Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart which Arden made the audience sing "Turn Around" as she growled through the song. A rousing rendition of To Sir With Love and a beautiful finale of All The Days wrapped up the evening.

There was nothing wrong with the "old" Jann Arden but this new show, increased production, and new band really has made the Jann Arden concert experience even more exceptional. Sure there will always be songs that are missed - Arden's music speaks to people in so many ways, and she can’t play everyone’s favourites. But her ability to pack concert halls says it all.

Jann Arden plays the Jack Singer again tonight (November 24th), and has shows in Edmonton November 25th & 26th.

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Set List

1. Free
2. Looking For it
3. Could I Be Your Girl
4. The Devil Won
5. Sleepless
6. At Seventeen
7. Insensitive
8. I Would Die For You
9. Leave Me Now
10. Yeah You
11. Wishing That
12. A Million Miles Away
13. Everybody's Broken
14. Higher (Sly & The Family Stone Cover) (Band Solo)
15. Unloved
16. Band Introduction/Photo Montage
17. Daughter Down
18. Good Mother

Encore
19. Into The Fire (Allison Cornell solo, Jann Paints)
20. Total Eclipse Of The Heart (Bonnie Tyler Cover)
21. To Sir With Love
22. All The Days