Last Thursday night, I made a point to go to Marié Digby’s show at Brick & Mortar Music Hall. I’ve been a huge fan of Marié’s work since her cover of Umbrella brought her to public attention. I actually stumbled upon it accidentally when I was trying to find the Mandy Moore cover of Umbrella, and I just fell in love with Marié’s take on it. So I was incredibly excited to see she was coming to San Francisco, since she doesn’t tour up this way that much.

She had two opening acts that night, Kate Lamont and Peter Chung, and it would be my first time hearing them perform.

 

The venue itself, Brick & Mortar, was a cool spot. Very spacious floor area, nice functional bar, but a severe lack of seating. Some around the edges and distant from the stage, but I suppose that’s the point. Though my back was sore, I can’t complain about being forced about being up front too much.

Kate Lamont was the first opening act. She had a very well practiced “easy listening” voice, but I wish that her arrangements had been a bit more dynamic, as each song seemed to simply be more of a casual stroll down a sidewalk rather than a journey. Clearly a talented singer, but I was left wanting more.

Peter Chung was the second act, and he did quite well with the crowd.

Memorable moments were his addressing allegations that he sounded a lot like John Mayer, which he protested by covering a John Mayer song to prove he did not sound “just like John Mayer,” and then later serenading an embarrassed audience member on stage.

Peter, I’ve been listening to your albums on Spotify, and while you definitely don’t sound like John Mayer always…. in some songs you sound a lot like him, particularly in the refrain in Back and most of Counting Down the Days. Yeah that’s right Peter, I’m calling you out!

After Peter had warmed things up nicely, everyone was in high gear to see Marié. People were cheering her coming on stage to set up her gear.

I wish I could say I had the memory that recalled the entire set, but I was so wrapped up in enjoying the show, so I’ll just list the few that I remember:

• My Great Mistake
• Stupid For You
• Kings and Queens
• Spell
• Breathing Underwater
• And of course she was cajoled against nearly against her will to play that cover that made it all happen, Umbrella

I really like this picture. Caught in the moment, a lyric on her lips, and elegant in her black dress.

She liked to gesture a lot. Sometimes with a cup in her hands.

But really, what it comes down to is the music, and she delivered, and I’ve always felt that Marié is at her best, simply accompanied by a guitar or piano.

I’ll just share a few more pictures without commentary before some final thoughts at the end.

 

 

 

 

The night ended with a large crowd of Marié’s adoring public waiting their turn to chat with her, including yours truly. She’s even more sweet, charming, and lovely in person than she is on her already personable YouTube videos. You should check them out if you haven’t yet experienced her music, and hopefully it’s for you, as it is for me.

I’m so glad I was able to make it out the show, and I hope she finds herself in San Francisco again soon.