Singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith [ tickets ] will perform with a variety of orchestras and jazz bands over the next few months as she backs her recent torch-song collection, "Ruby's Torch."

The Texas singer will kick off her tour with a Jan. 28 appearance in Boulder, CO, in a performance set to be broadcast on National Public Radio's "E-Town" program. Griffith will appear with her regular backing band, The Blue Moon Orchestra, for several dates in February (including a four-night engagement in Ft. Worth, TX, beginning Feb. 8, where the shows will be augmented by the Ft. Worth Symphony.)

After Griffith returns to the US following a brief tour of the UK (her full overseas itinerary can be found at her official website,) she'll play a number of cabaret-style shows, utilizing a smaller band with string and horn sections.

"Ruby's Torch," released last November, is the Griffith's first foray into the world of torch singing. She covers the work of various crooners on the disc, including songs originally penned by Tom Waits and Jimmy Webb.

"Many of these songs, particularly the Tom Waits tunes, have such deep personal resonance for me," Griffith said in a press release. "Recording them was a very emotional experience, and I hope to share that richness of feeling with the people who come to experience the music live. Each show promises to be as intimate as the music."