Amber Rubarth played at Cafe Du Nord on Monday, March 8th. She played there last year also, rolling into town with a couple of other songwriters who were apparently camping their way through the country. This time Amber came alone, and there was no camping involved. Instead she rode a Greyhound bus up from LA. If that isn't dedication, I don't know what is.
Amber headlined this show, and played a thoroughly satisfying set. There were some noticeable differences from the last time she was in town. For one thing, she was playing only an electric guitar. Whether it was the guitar or just the mix in the club, her guitar work was definitely muted in comparison with her vocals. The effect made her vocals more pronounced, which is not entirely a bad thing. She also seemed to play with a faster tempo than at previous shows. This was most noticeable on the second song of her set, where she played quickly through a song that she normally draws out for drama. Perhaps it was because she was so excited to play live. In some songs she was actually visibly antsy, as if bursting with enthusiasm while working her way through a song.
Ms. Rubarth also played a bunch of new material from her most recent album, Good Mystery. She seems to have a very forward-looking mentality, as she almost overlooked her signature song, You Will Love This Song. She did play it after an audience member request though. Amber clearly seems to enjoy the act of collaboration, as she always makes a point of including and even bowing out to other musicians. That was true at Cafe Du Nord, as she invited a gentleman to accompany her on stand-up bass, and even play a couple of songs by himself during her set.
This show is part of a little mini tour leading up to SXSW, where she will be playing a couple of showcases, and a lot of day parties. Ms. Rubarth will showcase on her own, and also as part of the duo, Paper Raincoats. After SXSW, she will be hooking back up with Jim Bianco, who was at the Cafe Du Nord show, for a tour in Japan.
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