Aisha Golliher

MELISSA CARPER
FRIDAY 11/18. White Water Tavern. 9 p.m. $12-$15. 

 When you put out a record that’s as front-to-back stellar as Melissa Carper’s 2021 “Daddy’s Country Gold,” you’re going to garner some comparisons to the greats: Jimmie Rodgers, Hank, Dolly, Roger Miller. And in Carper’s case, the praise isn’t hyperbole. “Makin Memories” and “I’m Musing You” feel classic right outta the gate, like they’ve been around for a lifetime, and it seems an embarrassment of riches that she’s gonna gift us with a whole ’nother album this month, with many of the same musicians who lent magic to “Daddy’s Country Gold” in the credits: Chris Scruggs, Dennis Crouch, Sierra Ferrell, Matty Meyer, Billy Contreras. Add to that Carper’s clever work as one-quarter of Sad Daddy and her dreamy duos with girlfriend and bandmate Rebecca Patek in Buffalo Gals, and we are counting the minutes ’til the forthcoming full-length “Ramblin’ Soul” offers up an Odetta cover and a charming stay-at-home tune titled “Boxers on Backwards.” If the future of country is queer, can we go ahead and crown Carper monarch already?

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