GB Leighton
If you only know Twin Cities bar vet Brian Leighton from his well-worn band's countless, covers-filled workingman sets, you should rethink him with his new album, "2nd Chance." As the title suggests, new songs such as the BoDeans-harmonious opener "She's Gone" and the rowdy, Springsteen-rising "Feel Like I'm Leaving" riff on personal struggles with divorce, alcoholism and cancer but come off swinging. The record was produced by Tina & the B-Sides guitarist Patrik Tanner, now also a member of Leighton's band. Ali Gray opens the release party. (7:30 p.m. Fri., Hook & Ladder Theatre, 3010 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls., $12-$15, thehookmpls.com.)
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
Ryan Bingham
The Oscar- and Grammy-winning songwriter behind some of those great tunes in the Jeff Bridges movie "Crazy Heart," this Americana ace rocks out on his sixth studio album, "American Love Song." Coproduced by Texas guitar slinger and Bob Dylan sideman Charlie Sexton, it's filled with rollicking, rambunctious barroom fare as well as political commentary (the gospelly "Got Damn Blues"), lonely blues ("Beautiful and Kind") and even a little romance (the seductive "Lover Girl"). The songs celebrate good times and bad — and a noteworthy triumph for Bingham. (8 p.m. Sat., Fine Line, sold out)
JON BREAM
