Customer Reviews

Live With Vancouver Symphony

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is, strangely, Jann Arden's most thrilling album, strange because it is so divorced from what she has done otherwise in her remarkable body of work. To thunderous accompaniments which surge and ebb like a sonic ocean, she magnificently samples her large repertoire mesmerizingly. Then, between songs, she offers a bawdy, naughty series of stories and comments which prove Canadians are not as reserved, proper and controlled as reputation might have, judging by the hysterical laughter from the audience (and orchestra). A mystical, magical singer and songwriter, Arden lays claim to true greatness here. Don't miss it!

I love this CD. I've never been to one of Jann's concerts, so this gives a good idea of what they're like. The songs sound fantastic with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and her stories that she tells before some of the songs are so funny. I also love the interaction with the players in the symphony. I do wish the sound when she's speaking was at the same volume as the sound when she's singing, but I've noticed that on many live albums so I wasn't surprised that I had to turn up the volume during the speaking segments.
Overall, a lot of fun.

If you like Jann Arden, you'll also like Dar Williams.

I saw this concert in Windsor, Ontario, and Jann had the same sound problems with the opening song that night, as she does on this live recording from Vancouver. The mix is way off in spots, and the vocals are all but lost just pass the three minute mark. Why this wasn't corrected in post-production is even more troublesome. Jann is much better than this recording, and buyers deserve better quality for the hefty $[money] pricetag. Fortunately things get much better quickly, and the rest of the release is very good. Great entertainment for fans and newcomers.

I just received my copy of "Jann Arden Live" and have to say that it is excellent. Her music is matched by her wit and great stories. The only thing better than having this CD would be to have the good fortune to see it live.

Jann Fanns will enjoy. First timers to Jann will enjoy as well. I highly recommend this CD.

Can't think of another Canadian(besides Joni Mitchell & Neil Young)with as much talent as this excellent singer/songwriter/
comedian. Blessed with such a strong voice that bends with her
moody songs and soars and bleeds, no small feat. Jann Arden
songs have been in and out of my cd players for years, she rarely ever dissapoints, and on this live outing she is spectacular in the way she mixes the laughs through some very
funny strange tales and the way she connects with the crowds
and then the delivery of these classy songs. Jann really needs
to work her magic here in the states, its not surprising to
me she had been working for years with some of those folks
that made Bonnie Raitts recordings so special all during the
90's(Ed Cherney). Sure Jann Arden works that melancholy side
but I really don't know of any performer that is so gifted at
doing it this way, she writes such beautiful, sad songs about
life and relationships but she can rock when she wants, and talk and tell some really funny stories. Shes doing a better
job of mixing her styles on the lastest(2005) release, I look
forward to seeing her live one day.
This is a fine collection, don't miss it.

I had the fortune of catching Jann Arden live in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta earlier this year. She puts on an excellent show, that you cannot miss. This is the result of her latest tour, a limited edition live album. She is backed by the Vancouver Symphony, a nice addition to her set list, brings the song to a totally different level live. Seeing her live is amazing, she is captivating, her music is brought to a whole new level, her personality really shines through. She takes the time to talk to the audience and share her humorous and personal stories about the songs and experience. While there is only 11 tracks here, and it barely scrapes her catalog of songs, the songs found here are powerful and highlights of her concert. "Good Mother" is absolutely stunning live, as is "The Sound Of". She manages to pick and choose here from a few hits and some album tracks, a nice mix. Other highlights include "Could I Be Your Girl", "Waiting In Canada", "Never Mind" and "Saved", but you can't go wrong with this CD. [...]and there is also a bonus track here "Make It On Christmas Day". Overall this is a must for Jann Fanns, pick it up before it goes out of print!

Would get 5 stars for the songs which are spectacular but the between song banter is brutal, childish and just awful -- your worst nightmare at amatuer night at open mike night at the comedy theater -- terrible and totally ruins the CD!!

Jann Arden is a fabulous singer and songwriter. There's no doubt about that. This is not a usual live CD that you will hear from Jann. With the rich orchestration backing her up from top to bottom, it's like listening to Pavarotti and Friends live album. The digital mastering of the CD is just remarkably crisp and punchy. I don't have to rate each track in the CD as they are all great. It's worth adding to your collection of CD's if you are one.

This was my first cd I purchased by Jann Arden; have since listened to some others of hers. Her humor throughout the performance was wonderful. Her songs accompanied by the Vancouever Symphony Orchestra was stellar. Would highly recommend this cd to any fan of Jann Arden.