The Ledge - Jana Anderson "One Way Road"

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'Never Say Never,' but singer's days as a backup are mostly over

Derek Sullivan, [email protected] | Posted: Friday, March 28, 2014 2:07 pm

Jana Anderson has slowed down, but that doesn't mean she isn't extremely busy.

During her years sharing the stage as a backup singer with Fleetwood Mac, Don Henley and Jewel, Anderson, a Minneapolis native, also fronted several bands — some years, as many as seven different groups.

These days, Anderson concentrates on her country career. She and her five-man band will play a free show on April 4 at the Wicked Moose Bar and Grill.

For seven years, Anderson was a backup singer for Fleetwood Mac and appeared on the group's live DVD and CD, "Live in Boston," and on Stevie Nicks' 2009 "Soundstage" DVD. The same year that Nicks' live DVD came out, Anderson's solo country album, "Never Say Never," was also released.

"I have been able to sing background for the legends, not just one-hit-wonders or acts that could pay me well," Anderson said. "It's exciting being a background singer, but there is nothing like being the lead singer and going out and singing your own songs and being your own person.

"I just love singing, so whoever will have me, I'm there," she said. "I feel more comfortable on stage than anywhere, whether it's backup or lead."

The Rochester show, at 9 p.m., will feature a set list including songs by Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson and Sugarland, as well as Anderson's own.

Anderson said she recorded "Never Say Never" during her emotional divorce. While she normally writes her own music, songs like "One Way Road." Unraveling" and "Memory of Your Kiss," all written by others, connected with her.

"I'm smart enough as a singer to know that its OK to record songs that may hurt while I'm recording them, because I knew I was going through a lot of emotional pain," she said. "It ended up being the most honest CD of my life because I'm living what I'm singing."

Anderson describes her music as modern country or a fusion of rock and country. She shares the stage with two guitar players, who add punch to live shows.

In addition, she tours with musicians who play drums, fiddle and bass guitar. While she tours throughout the Upper Midwest, Anderson continues to work on her next album. She said she just finished "a batch of new music" while working with songwriters from Minnesota and California, and hopes to have new music out soon.

With her attention focused on her solo career, Anderson said she would turn down any backup vocals jobs for major arena acts. She said may play a show here or there as background singer, but she is focused on her country band, especially with some major fairs and country music festivals appearances scheduled for later this year.

"I have to push through my solo thing because it's going pretty well," she said. "It's fun and I'm happy doing it. It's the time for me. It just feels right."
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If you go
What: Jana Anderson
When: 9 p.m. April 4
Where: Wicked Moose Bar & Grill, 1201 Eastgate Drive S.E., Rochester
Tickets: No cover. Doors open 8 p.m.