Laurie Sargent, ‘Little Dipper and the Shooting Star’

Longtime Boston scene stalwart Laurie Sargent resurfaces after a long hiatus with a diverse, deeply satisfying solo disc. Sargent has recruited an array of Boston’s best musicians, including Stu Kimball and Billy Conway, for an involving set driven by Sargent’s ever impressive vocal prowess. While the singer doesn’t have the power of her Face to Face days, she’s a better vocalist now imbuing her finely honed lyrics with bruised wisdom. The title track evokes mid-period Tom Waits with its complex musical dynamic and dark sensibility (“a heart once broken is never truly free”). “Rise and Shine,” and a swinging “Bridge of Sighs” feature stellar violin work from Ian Kennedy. The disc’s second half elevates it to another level with inspired playing from the ensemble, especially guitarist David Champagne and Jim Fitting on harmonica. The last recording made at Cambridge’s Hi-N-Dry studios appropriately honors its legacy. (Out Tuesday)

ESSENTIAL “Maids at the Mountain View”

Laurie Sargent plays The Arts at the Armory in Somerville on Dec. 6.