KATHLEEN EDWARDS
With three albums of sturdy roots-rock crossed with hardscrabble country under her belt, Canadian songwriter Kathleen Edwards felt it was time to shake things up. Joining forces, both personally and professionally, with Bon Iver’s producer Justin Vernon, she’s broken out of the traditional Americana mold while still retaining the grit and compassion of earlier efforts. Edward’s dusty, spiky vocals have drawn comparisons to Lucinda Williams, but with songs about draft dodgers, abducted women and downtrodden housewives, Edwards’ songs have always borne a bit more gravitas than her contemporaries. With her latest LP, Voyageur, Edwards has ditched rollicking guitars for velvety production and slow burning instrumental interludes. Though her lyrics have become more personal, they’ve lost some of the heart-breaking bite of her previous thumbnail sketches of hard-luck characters. Still, this is not a case of a country girl gone all artsy-fartsy. While retaining her high, lonesome cred, Edwards embraces an exuberant, slightly queasy celebration of change and risk. With Jim Bryson, Gord Tough and Mandolin Orange. $22.50-$27.50. Oct. 28, 7 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.