Kata Rokkar » SHOW REVIEW / PHOTOS: Debbie Neigher at Cafe Du Nord (Record Release Show)

On a cool night on July 26th at Cafe Du Nord, our favorite Bay Area solo-pianist songstress, Debbie Neigher provided an intimate record release show for friends and fans.

While her jazzy pop melodies can be labelled as radio-accessible, her relationship-oriented lyrics can be unexpectedly salty (“What Say You Now” and “Daytime” are honest and disarmingly vulnerable). Even calming songs of lost friendship like “Wishbone” received a quiet and respectful response from the attentive audience, allowing Debbie to express herself freely without distraction. Debbie is not above specializing in accessible pop epics though, the kind of songs that fit perfectly over the end credits of a great Hollywood tearjerker. But what separates her from the bubbly piano-singer-songwriter types is her dedication to that true jazz spirit and blueness. Her stage presence is charming and her structured melodies translate live like an experienced road warrior. You can hardly believe she’s just getting started.

Joining her were members of the Phantom Kicks (her other band) as well as producer of Debbie’s album and all around awesome guy, Mr. John Vanderslice performed an impromptu set in the middle of the floor with Debbie doing backup vocals. Hearing “White Dove” like that was quite magical.

Debbie played her entire album in track order without much effort and to a room of smiles, including her own. We’re happy for her and hope to be seeing her in larger venues very soon.

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Debbie Neigher – My My My from Debbie Neigher (2011)

Bonus! This coming Wednesday we will be hosting a special Snob Theater at Sacramento’s Luna’s Cafe at 8PM with comedians Chris Thayer, Keith Lowell Jensen, Melanie O’Brien, and Cameron Vannini. See you there SacTown!