Arden Mixes Humor With Serious Songs

Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden has been touring in support of her album “Living Under June” for the last year and a half, and on Wednesday at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre it was clear that the time spent with that material has paid off. She’s got a hit single, “Insensitive,” and a powerful ability to connect with her audience. Headlining a triple bill of A&M; artists, Arden explored the finer points of romance--guilt, depression, obsession and, of course, insensitivity--with a set of smooth, richly nuanced pop songs.

Performed by a strong, versatile band, Arden’s music was slightly rougher-edged than on record but remained polished and radio-friendly. Her songs of dysfunctional love are straightforward and serious--nearly somber--in tone. But between songs, Arden revealed a talent that doesn’t show up on her records: She’s very funny. She offered Pat Benatar sendups, a hilarious take on mother-daughter feminine hygiene chats, and, after a powerful performance of her love-gone-bad hit (which was written by Anne Loree), announced that the follow-up would be titled “You Bastard.”

In the middle slot, singer-songwriter Billy Mann chunked out some steady grooves on his acoustic guitar and sang songs that attempted to blend pop and soul in the manner of Stevie Wonder. Unfortunately, he over-sang every one of his tunes in the manner of a “Star Search” finalist. His overwrought version of “Tracks of My Tears” was particularly off the mark. Opener Patty Griffin’s less showy approach was much more appealing. She strummed simple, tuneful guitar figures, and her languorous, country-tinged vocals perfectly suited her affecting songs of heartache and hard-lived lives.

* Jann Arden, Billy Mann and Patty Griffin appear tonight at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 8 p.m. $25. (714) 496-8927.