Music City Music by Dugger: Chris Janson @ 12th & Porter 8-7-09

The first time I saw Chris Janson was @ Tootsies back in about 2005. He wasn't even 21 yet & he was performing on the main stage @ the most well known honky tonk on Broadway. His version of White Lightning w/ his harmonica playin' won me & my friend over right then & there.

Ever since then, I have seen him many times in town & also saw him open for Shooter Jennings in Birmingham & Chattanooga. Chris used to play @ 3rd & Lindsley monthly & these were some of my favorite shows of his. He still does play monthly @ Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant in Leiper's Fork, which I believe is the area he lives. I have heard that the Puckett's shows are acoustic & he may have people join him onstage to swap some songs, but I have yet to make it to a show of his there. His concerts are some of the most entertaining that I have ever witnessed. I believe Chris has the stage presence & talent to eventually make it big...& I'm not sure why he hasn't yet.

This time @ 12th & Porter was the first time I had seen Chris in a while. He has been touring w/ The Davisson Brothers Band in the West Virginia area alot this year. It seemed to me that he did more slower songs @ this show, whereas he used to play more rockin' ones. I don't remember hearing "Freak", which is one of my favorites of his harder edge tunes...& believe me it has plenty edge.

I enjoyed most all of the new songs I heard, however I missed not hearing the old ones that I expected to be jammin' to...."Shoot Off The Locks" & "Tight Jeans". In addition, I do believe I missed out on his usual 15-minute plus harmonica solo & "follow my lead" w/ his guitar player this time around. Chris, if you happen to read this.....bring 'em all back buddy!

As usual, I look forward to the next time he is playing in town & I am definitely going to make it out to a Puckett's show in Leiper's Fork. Go here to get a taste & check his tour dates: