What’s most notable about Nashville pop singer and songwriter Mercy Bell’s new self-titled album is that it is, above all, a pop record. Bell, who moved to town in 2012 and has recently garnered good reviews for the excellent Mercy Bell, evokes country, soul and ’60s pop throughout the album. But it’s no Americana move, because the album is too complex and skewed to be alt-anything. Its brilliant string arrangements support songs that make their leisurely — but never indolent — way from start to finish. The post-British Invasion track “Bent” may be the most arresting music Bell has recorded to date, but her “Black Dress” is a bravura example of formal daring — all five minutes of it. Monday’s show at City Winery will benefit anti-poverty nonprofit Oxfam, and joining Bell will be Nashville singer-songwriter Dawn Landes, who recorded her 2018 full-length Meet Me at the River with late country-folk-pop producer Fred Foster. Rounding out the bill is Nashville singer and songwriter Matt Lovell, who says he plans to release his debut full-length next year. 7 p.m. at City Winery, 609 Lafayette St. EDD HURT
Oxfam Benefit Feat. Mercy Bell, Dawn Landes & Matt Lovell
