BONNIE MONTGOMERY
FRIDAY 11/17-SATURDAY 11/18. White Water Tavern. 8:30 p.m. $15.
If “Modern-Day Cowgirl’s Dream,” the jaunty country tribute to spontaneous encounters from White County native Bonnie Montgomery, was designed to hook new fans, then “River,” her Carole King-esque piano ballad, is what will keep them loyal. Epic and empowering, the chorus is bolstered by a tight, warbling choir and a captivating string part that carries the melody once the vocals fade. “River, shining in the sun like a diamond / Running through my veins like lightning, big river,” Montgomery sings, extracting strength and wisdom from the steady flow of fresh water. Both songs are singles from her new album, also titled “River,” which came out on Friday, Nov. 3, via Gar Hole Records.
To celebrate, Montgomery is doing back-to-back album release shows at the White Water Tavern, where two of the best and most unique vocalists in Arkansas folk — Jude Brothers and Arkansas Times Editorial Director Stephanie Smittle — will be singing backup. Get tickets here.