Brandi Shearer, whose "Close to Dark" is the first contempo release from indie retail powerhouse Amoeba Records label, preceded Regan, and her brief set showcased her impressively bluesy voice and songwriting.

There's more than a touch of Janis Joplin heft in the ballad, "You're Mine," but it's leavened by a sly humor: "You're a liar, you're a cheat," she moans, "but you're mine." Backed by an ace band, including guitarist Willie Aron, Shearer's set had a comfortable lived-in feeling, while Shearer always seemed ready to cut loose and start smashing the furniture.