Jim Lauderdale

It must be nice to be able to walk into a recording studio and do whatever the hell you want. Nashville based singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale has somehow managed to have total creative freedom over his music without being a nationally recognized superstar. Some of his songs are very well known, but typically they are covered by big names. Lauderdale has the unique legacy of signing to virtually every major label in the industry at one time or another, but it is through the indies that he has really found his niche.

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These dual releases on Yep Roc Records find Lauderdale covering old territory, but he does it so well that the redundancy is negligent. While the obviously titled Bluegrass is a throwback to his roots and recent work with Dr. Ralph Stanley (and seemingly where his heart lies), Lauderdale proves on the witty collection of classic twang tunes entitled Super Country Hits Vol. One that he has mastered the art of the "country song." One brings a tear to your eye; the next one has you two-stepping across the floor. 4 stars (for both albums)