Luka Bloom

Luka Bloom is a guy who considers himself "a performing artist who records, not a studio artist who tours to support the record." The attitude explains the spare production on past albums, often mimicking his live show.

But if you’ve heard the frankly lush production of the juicy, 44-year-old Irish heartthrob’s soon-to-be-released Salty Heaven (Shanachie), you may wonder if he’s going to beef up his live show as well.

"You’re talking to the band," Bloom says on the phone, laughing, promising that he will not attempt to recreate the studio sound on the road. Bloom had jumped at the chance to work with Rod Argent and Peter Van Hooke, figuring it was time to learn the arts ’n’ crafts of the studio. So while the sound of Salty Heaven is different, Bloom’s attitude remains the same. He doesn’t mind challenging the middle-of-the-road folks’ preconceived notions, hoping to inspire thought and growth. "The Shape of Love to Come" boldly challenges us to look to Ireland’s St. Bridget for confirmation that religion can occur outside a stone-and-stained-glass church setting. On "Forgiveness" he sets the scene of the Famine, challenging his countrymen to both forgive and remember. Don’t lose track of history, he counsels, but do forgive and invest hostile energy in your own projects.

Though his magnetic charm has won him a devoted following in America, he was glad, recently, to discover that the appeal goes beyond looks. A Chicago gig earlier this year, ending a five-year absence from the states, drew 50 people from an informal chat list alone. "They actually have lives!" he jokes again. "I was kind of disappointed to learn that they had more to think about than speculating what color of underpants I’m wearing today!"

—Mary Armstrong

Luka Bloom, Mon., Sept. 13, 8:30 p.m., Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.