October 14-20, 2004

musicpicks

Sam Phillips

Rock/pop

Since her divorce from producer T-Bone Burnett, Sam Phillips has been inclined to go it alone. But musically, at least, it seems like she's ready to start dating again. If A Boot and a Shoe (Nonesuch) doesn't have the analog gloss of the Burnett-produced Martinis & Bikinis, there's a poignancy to the way Phillips' battered acoustic guitar rubs against the occasionally lush backdrop (especially when said backdrop is provided by her ex-husband). On A Boot's plaintive "If I Could Write," Phillips sounds ambivalent about accepting helping hands. "When I go this time, don't think I'm coming back," as strings first surround and abandon her, leaving a single guitar chord to expire unaccompanied. She'll be joined by The Section Quartet for her WCL show, but don't be surprised if she asks them to give her some space.

Mon., Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m., $20, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400.

—Sam Adams

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