Tift Merritt

Over five albums, North Carolina native Tift Merritt has proven to be a superior songwriter, an effective vocalist and an Americana artist to be reckoned with. Dubbed by critics as the Emmylou Harris of her generation, Merritt, 37, goes the spare and understated route on this fall’s “Traveling Alone,” a quietly compelling collection infused with poetry, emotion and sweet instrumental seasoning courtesy of ex-Minneapolis pedal steel guitarist Eric Heywood and guitarist Marc Ribot. Underrated Twin Cities singer-songwriter Ben Weaver opens. Jon Bream