DIXON DELIGHTS

As a producer (for R.E.M., the Smithereens) and as a songwriter (mostly for Marti Jones), Don Dixon has introduced top caliber rock and penned pop tunes with memorable choruses and often catchier bridges. And as a singer, it turned out in his solo debut Friday at McCabe’s, Dixon is as bodacious in front of the spotlights as he is behind the scenes.

Though he said this was his first attempt at a solo acoustic performance, any botched guitar chords were more than made up for with passion. He’s got soulful grit and the ability to carry a tune. Like McCabe’s perennial fave John Hiatt, Dixon can also sing the blues and ache wistfully (“Renaissance Eyes”) or ache hilariously (the insect-sized hit “Praying Mantis”). Hooks, humor, heat, heart . . . home run.