Steve and Kristi Nebel have been weaving their musical magic into the fabric of the singer-songwriter scene since 1978. With every strum of the guitar and heartfelt lyric, they paint vivid stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Their timeless sound, enriched by decades of experience, invites listeners on a journey through love, loss, and the beauty of life. In a world that constantly changes, their music remains a constant source of inspiration and connection.
Steve’s song lyrics weave in and out of nature themes, many of which are informed by his lifelong passion for the Pacific Northwest, and colored with the characters from four generations of Washingtonians in his family.
Vignettes – The new CD from Steve and Kristi Nebel – 2025
Steve and Kristi Nebel have been plying the waters of the indie/folk world of live music and recordings since their first recording project in 1980. “Vignettes” is the Nebels 12th album since 1982. They were proud participants in the cassette culture of the 1970s and 1980s when they were chosen for inclusion in a few compilation projects. They’ve made 9 tours of UK folk clubs and played some notable festivals in the UK including Fylde Folk Festival (2005 & 2011). For the week ending July 26th 2025 “Vignettes” was #2 on the US National Roots Music Contemporary Folk top 50, and #1 on the Washington state Contemporary Folk top 50 chart. Three songs from “Vignettes” were in the top 10 Contemporary Folk songs chart, 4. “The Walk”, 5. “The Baker”, and 6. “Smoke Eater”.
“Vignettes” is the Nebels first CD since 1980 that has been produced by an outside producer, Chad Watson of Phoenix, Arizona. The Nebels discovered him through Folk Alliance International Conferences, where they heard raves about him from other accomplished artists.
To begin the project Watson invited the Nebels down to Los Angeles to record drum tracks at Woodcliff Studios, owned and operated by Frank Rosato. It was a great session with “team Chad”: drummer Lynn Coulter (of the Rita Coolidge Band), Frank, and Chad. Watson has long been a well-respected studio bass player, so Kristi had no hesitations to pass over some tracks for him to perform on. His studio credits can be seen on recordings with Delaney Bramlett, David Arkenstone, and Janis Ian. The Nebels came home and sent tracks off to John Thomas (a member of the Bruce Hornsby band since 1993). JT added piano and B3 organ tracks. Steve collaborated with Janeen Rae Hiller, an old friend of Chad’s who added a little musical saw into the project. “Yesterday’s Poem”, a late addition to the project, came at Kristi’s request. In this regard, Steve apparently channeled a family farmer, a fit profile of Kristi’s family.
“The Fisherman Hardly Ever Sleeps” had been produced shortly after they returned from touring Alaska in 1986, for their first CD, “Taking Off”. Steve always felt the song deserved a better treatment so the Nebels gave it another whirl.
“Blood in the Streets of Ketchikan” was discovered by Steve on a tape of song “roughs” that he was transferring to computer. He had totally forgotten about the song, which was written when they had a gig at the Pioneer Bar in Ketchikan, Alaska. The Nebels thought it deserved to be heard.
In summary, recording this project was a work of love from all involved. Everyone was so positive, and our “cheerleader” Chad kept the engines burning until we had safely landed the ship.
Quotes from Chad Watson about Vignettes:
“Congrats on your stunning CD! I’m mighty proud to be on board! If there’s any justice, you’ll have plenty airplay & satisfied fans! I’ve enjoyed hearing this great collection on my long drives. I love playing it in my car, buddy. The album is truly stunning…soulful storytelling at its finest.”
And from fans :“You have the ability to reach the deep, deep pain in me and give it voice. You also have the ability to reach my deepest hopes (which makes me cry just as much). I don’t think it’s all the lyrics or music though — there’s something in each of you that has the ability to connect beyond the words and music. You are a gift…that I am so grateful to receive.” Linda Frank
“You represented your country’s best ideals and aspirations with your ‘Big Floppy Hat’ song, which we sang with gusto. When we think of your country now, we don’t think about the right wing extremists, who came to us after the horrendous attack on your country, and wanted to ‘nuke’ somebody. Instead, we think of you and your peace work, and wish you all blessings for the future” – Dave & Christine Minikin, Bridge Folk Club, Newcastle, UK
“I sing some of Steve’s songs in part to heal myself from what-ever has been eating at me at the time. In addition to the joys some of these songs give me, they have been, on our long journey together, indispensable to the navigation of my soul through life’s twists and turns.” – Kristi
“Thank you, Kristi, for your voice, and your love that has come so far with me.” – Steve
Contact Kristi Nebel at LL: (253)573-1504/Cell: (253)579-8267, or via email: kristi.steve.nebel@gmail.com. You can write to them at: P.O. Box 5764, Tacoma, WA 98415-0764. Sign up for our email list below.
Views: 57979