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It is quite possible the last time I saw two sisters on stage, it might have been Ann and Nancy Wilson, back in the day. Today, it was a smaller show than that one was, but no less fun. Anna Johnson and her sister Julia along with Adam Skatula were playing the River Bend Vineyard wine tasting event at the Foreign 5 this Valentine's Day.
When I walked in the door to Lucy's Deli, and made my way to where the singers were, I found it was standing room only. Every table was filled. I could quickly see why. The singer/songwriter, Anna Johnson is a very good performer. She has a very clear, articulated singing voice. She plays guitar with a few simple strumming patterns, but her timing is quite good and so her music is really polished. She also has a wonderful aire of confidence at the microphone.
 Anna stated her musical influence was effected by the 1950's singer, Rosemary Clooney. I don't know. I didn't hear it. To me, Anna's music seems reminiscent of early Sarah McLaughlin. It is a light folk style. Most of the show was her original works. Originals that all spoke of sadness, a fact she repeatedly apologized for on this bright sunny Valentine's Day.
Also very talented was Anna's sister Julia. Both on violin and backing vocals. Julia is a senior this year at Chippewa Falls Highschool. Myself, being a music fan, and knowing nothing about this girl's actual plans, I for my own selfish reasons, hope she follows in her sister's footsteps. With her youth came a healthy dose of shyness. Such a shame. She is a good deal more talented than she thinks she is. Several times for brief moments, really just seconds, Julia forgot about all of us sitting out in the audience and really sang. It was a pleasure. If anything her voice has even more depth and timbre to it than her older sister. I would love to hear the two of them in a more relaxed environment where they might be inclined to show-off a bit more.
The old joke says, "Hey, I hear you are in a band, do you make any money at it?" and the answer is "No, I don't play any covers" It is tough for a singer songwriter to make it. As beautiful as their songs might be, the audience wants to hear some songs they recognize. And, at this, Anna had a couple of covers. Being just as guilty as the next guy on this topic, one song I particularly enjoyed. I can't quite place the title, but I connect it in my mind to a romantic comedy movie with Hugh Grant. One of the two covers, (and maybe the only two covers) I recognized, it was a musical high point.
A second high point was a new song Anna had just written. I think the title might have been Dreaming of Her. Anna introduced it as being a new song that she needed practice with. It sounded great to me. And, finally, the song Fall of Man which is also on Anna's CD was very enjoyable.
I guess if I have a complaint at all, it would have to do with the over enthusiastic drumming of Adam Skatula. At times, it was a bit too much, over-powering the singers. But, in fairness, it could be a matter of acoustics. The Foreign 5 is no sound stage. It was very difficult to hear Anna as she talked about her songs. The room was sucking up the vocals. And, it is very hard for a performer to tell how it sounds to the audience.
All in all, I enjoyed the show. The performance was solid. I feel like the sister's sang and played very beautifully. However, they didn't stretch themselves. If it fell short of great, it was because there was no point at which they even made their performance look difficult. I'm not looking for false theatrics, but both of these girls are so talented, I really wish they would have thrown just a little more of that talent into the show. Taken a bit more of a risk. I feel like they would have been successful at it, and I would have walked away saying "Wow".
Anna Johnson will be performing next in this area at The Living Room Coffee Shop in Eau Claire on March 21st. Their performance is worth the drive, I know I plan to be there!
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