Chris Janson is a name most people probably aren't familiar with. Like many artists that come through the Bing Lounge, Janson is an up and coming singer/songwriter, trying to make it big. His time in the Bing Lounge was the evening of December 11, 2012.
It was easy to tell from the moment Janson took the stage that he's the real deal. He does things the only way he knows how, his way; he doesn't try to be who he's not, and he's not apologetic for who he is. It was refreshing to hear someone admit that, and be proud of it.
Janson's enthusiasm for what he does is contagious as well. You couldn't help but tap your toes and dance in your seat to each song he performed. In fact, the ONLY *slight* drawback to Chris Janson's performance that evening was that it was impossible to get a photo of him while he sang. The man is in constant motion during every song. Not that this is a bad thing, it's very cool, unless you're trying to get a photo of course. For this post I settled on using photos of when Janson was talking with the audience; less blurry that way. It's a fair compromise, considering how entertaining Janson was.
As with most country acts in the Bing Lounge, Phil and Lyssa Davidson, of Davidson Specialty Printing, made t-shirts for a few lucky audience members, that said, "I Met Chris Janson..."; as well as a shirt for Janson himself that said, "I M Chris Janson..." Janson thought the shirts were so cool, that he put his on right then and there.
Up to this point I've told a lot about Chris Janson, without actually telling of his performance that evening. Let's just say, once you've seen Janson perform, you won't soon forget him. He's definitely not one of the "cookie cutter" singers that seem to pop up everywhere. Janson has a unique voice and style that sets him apart from others, yet suits his personality perfectly.
At the same time, he can remind one of other country artists that have come before him. For instance, Janson started off his set with his soon to be released single, "Better I Don't". The song had a lot of the same key elements of Blake Shelton's "The More I Drink", but rowdier; and still different enough to not be a direct copy.
At other times during the set, Janson also reminded many in the audience of Hank Williams Jr. Again though, while there was a similarity, Janson's showmanship proved he's his own person. He can borrow bits and pieces of the best of other artists, take them and make them into something new and all his own.
As a songwriter, Janson co-wrote Tim McGraw's "Truck Yeah". He ended his set with his version of the song, as well as incorporating songs by other artists, like Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks. If anyone disbelieves that old school country and new country can't blend together in perfect harmony, take a good, long listen to Chris Janson; this is one redneck country boy who proves by example, it can be done!
Here's hoping Janson gets that big break and show the world what he's capable of.
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