Beth Orton and Sam Amidon

Icy voiced, chills-inducing British folk balladeer Beth Orton hasn’t changed her stripes much in spite of the drastic personal changes during a six-year hiatus (she had two children, changed record labels and reportedly dealt with writer’s block). Her first album since 2006, “Sugaring Season,” just dropped Tuesday with lightly elegant production from Tucker Maritine (Decemberists, Laura Viers) and all the heart-gushing poetic flavor of Orton’s best work. She’s touring with husband Sam Amidon as her opening act. The Varsity will be reconfigured with seats for this one, like a real theater. Chris Riemenschneider