“I don’t remember the place and time, but I think I remember your eyes...,” Jann Klose’s lyrics from Beautiful Dream, arguably one of the best songs on his latest CD Reverie, beautifully showcases the singer songwriter’s talent, and captivates the listener, bringing them into Klose’s world.
The Johannesburg, South Africa and Hamburg, Germany native, who now resides in New York City, opened at the Skokie Theater, just outside of Chicago, for Anne Harris, another beautiful singer/songwriter. The two artists were supportive and respectful of the others’ talent and they treated the audience to a musical collaboration, accompanying one another during the others’ sets, and it is safe to say that the two storytellers were meant to meet perform together.
Klose’s soulful and distinctive voice captivatingly holds you throughout the entire performance, each song segueing seamlessly into the next. His poignant and smart songwriting radiates with warmth and worldliness. From Watching You Go, a song written for Klose’s grandfather who helped raise the musician, to All These Rivers about journeying and self discovery are simply brilliant works. Sadly, Klose’s performance at the Skokie Theater was hindered by bad technical feedback on the bass, the lack of a full band, and was at times bordering on indulgence, straining to perform when his storytelling and natural talent would have sufficed. Yet when listening to Reverie the artist is completely redeemed. This is an artist that is difficult to find in this day and age. His music is smart, relatable, and radiates with the passion of a true artist.
Klose ended his set with The Beginning, a charming segue into the beautiful Anne Harris and her band. Anne Harris, the Chicago-based vocalist and songwriter brings an enchanting and sweet demeanor to her folk-pop music. Leading the vocals and playing the fiddle, Harris captivates the audience with her charming, and often very funny, disposition. She invites the audience in with such beautiful songs as Leaves Turnin’ and Love is the Light. Like Klose, Harris has a worldly air to her songwriting, poetically telling stories of love, loss, and life.
Both artists are stars to watch, and should they blow into the Windy City again, hopefully performing together, that is one show you will want to experience.
