Jason Boesel at Mercy Lounge

Jason Boesel understands the nuances that help pop-rock take on an artful slant. He’s spent several years as the drummer for Rilo Kiley, as well as band members’ Jenny Lewis’ and Blake Sennett’s side projects, and for Bright Eyes and various other Conor Oberst recordings. Boesel steps out front for his first solo album, Hustler’s Son, and it’s an entertainingly confident country-rock effort. Never opting for tongue-in-cheek irony, Boesel creates a breezy album that focuses on his lyrics and voice — perhaps the last thing you’d expect from an indie-rock sideman. The playing has a jaunty looseness, but with plenty of clever touches and a nicely concise swing. Boesel opens for Corey Chisel in a bill focused on roots-flavored singer-songwriters.

Sat., Feb. 27, 9 p.m., 2010