With his ninth studio album, “Gathering,” Josh Ritter keeps the torch for Americana music burning bright. Working again with the Royal City Band — along with a guest spot from Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir — the singer-songwriter’s latest balances folk and country influences with hints of gospel, while Ritter explores his place in the world.

“I began with an exciting sense of dissatisfaction, and what emerged, as I began to find my voice, was a record full of storms,” he says. “I still can’t tell what era these stories are from. They feel part roustabout, part psalm to me.”

Latest entertainment videos

Now Playing:
  • Now Playing
    Alec Baldwin Defends Woody Allen as Actors Back Away From Filmmaker EWTime
  • How to Always Be Prepared for Unexpected Guests RSimpleTime
  • Kanye and Kim Kardashian West Welcome a Daughter RSimpleTime
  • Pregnant Kylie Jenner Caught One Of Her Employees Trying To Photograph Her In The Privacy Of Her Own Home And More News MarieClaire
  • This Guy Has His Priorities Right When It Comes to Watching Footie Storyful
  • Ann Curry Breaks Her Silence Since Leaving ‘Today': “It Hurt Like Hell." EWTime
  • Lucasfilm Releases Plot Synopsis for 'Solo A Star Wars Story' EWTime
  • MacLachlan praises 'incredible' Oprah AP
  • Aardman-obsessed Redmayne's 'unbelievable' 'Early Man' role AP
  • State of our nation a common topic at Austin MLK celebration Fox7

Ritter performs his latest material at the Fillmore in San Francisco on Friday, Jan. 19, and Saturday, Jan. 20.

— Aidin Vaziri

Josh Ritter: 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 19-20. $35. The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., S.F. www.livenation.com