Singer-songwriter Erin Durant plays in P.G. on Sept. 2.

A singer/songwriter/pianist is coming to Pop & Hiss in Pacific Grove to play an intimate concert on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

“Intimate” is the word that comes to mind when one tries to define the sound and the vibe of Erin Durant’s music. “Delicate,” “feminine,” “subtle” would be other good describing words. Durant is one of those etheric female singers who is not afraid to be vulnerable—both in the use of her high-pitched, vibrato-filled voice and the lyrics she writes—about love, nature, everyday and not-so-everyday impressions. Tori Amos at her mildest could be a good comparison, but some critics compared Durant to Joni Mitchell.

Durant plays piano and keyboard to accompany her vocals, even if she started adding more instruments—bass, drums—on her latest album, Firetrail, released in May.

Based in Topanga Canyon, Durant is a creature of New Orleans and the New Orleans magic is present in her lyrics and compositions. She started as a country singer, but then became obsessed with old folk and found her space somewhere in between folk, Americana and country. Bob Dylan is an important influencer. Her sound is soothing, dreamy and romantic, her lyrics original and fresh.

In my personal favorite of hers, “Rising Sun” from the album Islands, she sings:

“There is a house in New Orleans

A California bungalow that I've never seen

It's painted green, sits on Moss Street

And takes me someplace that I've never been” 

Well, there is a Moss Street in Pacific Grove, and Durant and her gentle craft are perfect for a late summer Tuesday night in a small, coastal California town. Check out some of her music videos here. 

Erin Durant. 7pm (doors); 8pm show Tuesday, Sept. 2. Pop & Hiss, 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. $24. tinyurl.com/yy66cmp3.