Photograph: Tony Marsh

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill; Wed 18

There’s a four-letter word that explains why Fish isn’t more widely known as one of the world’s most absorbing, flamboyant musical poets—and that word is prog. Born Derek W. Dick, the 50-year-old Scottish singer-songwriter made his mark as the hulking, face-painted frontman of Marillion, the strongest act in England’s early-’80s neoprog movement. Initially inspired by early Genesis and Van der Graaf Generator, Marillion had a monster hit with the simple, poignant ballad “Kayleigh” from 1985’s Misplaced Childhood, but otherwise rarely escaped the pull of prog’s fanboy singularity.

After Marillion’s Clutching at Straws, a stunning 1987 disc dealing with fame and its costs (primarily alcoholism), Fish departed for a solo career. Through a string of generally solid discs, the singer settled into a cult status not unlike that of one of his heroes: Van der Graaf vocalist Peter Hammill (who plays the Cutting Room Tue 17; see listings). But the recently released 13th Star, Fish’s ninth studio album (or 13th, counting his Marillion discs), demands a fresh appraisal.

Partly inspired by the abrupt termination of impending nuptials in 2006, 13th Star charts a journey of personal growth and the possibly quixotic quest for love. Fish’s lyrical observations have rarely felt more sharply delineated or deeply personal. And in his first writing collaboration with longtime bassist Steve Vantsis, the singer has found a partner who does justice to his ornate prosody. The disc, combined with solid Internet buzz following recent shows, augurs well for Fish’s first local date since 2000.