The Whigs’ Parker Gispert’s solo debut brings him to the Bartlett

As lead singer of the Whigs, Parker Gispert’s voice has been a part of the rock music world since the band formed in 2002 and released its band’s debut album, “Give ‘Em All a Big Fat Lip.”

But Whigs fans haven’t heard Gispert quite like they do on his debut solo album “Sunlight Tonight.”

And Gispert wanted it that way.

“A lot of guys from rock bands that go solo, they just hire another bassist and drummer and go make another album,” he said in a press bio. “I didn’t want to go that route.”

On “Sunlight Tonight,” the Whigs’ garage-rock sound is replaced by acoustic guitar and minimal accompaniment. Because he no longer had to project over a band, Gispert also used the album as an opportunity to explore more of his vocal range.

Rather than form a backing band to take on tour with him in support of “Sunlight Tonight,” including a Friday show at the Bartlett, Gispert has decided to go it alone.

According to Gispert, performing these songs as he wrote them has led to an even stronger connection with audiences.

“I feel really comfortable up there by myself, and in some respects I’m able to connect with the crowd in a way that I never was able to do with a band,” he said.