One of the most iconic and consistent voices in Americana, Jim Lauderdale, has journeyed through bluegrass, roots music and pure country across 37 albums now. Lauderdale's collaboration with producer Jay Weaver continues on this album, ‘My Favorite Place,' released under Lauderdale’s Skycrunch label. Lauderdale penned eight of the eleven tracks solo, with the remaining co-written alongside various collaborators. Each track features a unique set of musicians, making this a truly comprehensive project.
Jim Lauderdale's latest album, ‘My Favorite Place,' marks a return to his classic country roots, featuring the core members of the Game Changers. Following last year's bluegrass record, ‘The Long And Lonesome Letting Go' with The Po' Rambling Boys, Lauderdale recorded this new project at Nashville’s renowned Blackbird Studios with Jeremy Cottrell, co-producing alongside Jay Weaver.
The album is a masterful blend of classic country elements, weaving together rich storytelling and superb musicianship. The album opens with the title track, setting a George Jones-style tone with Tommy Detamore’s pedal steel and Tim Crouch’s fiddle taking center stage. Tracks like ‘Mrs. Green' evoke the nostalgic sound of the 60s, while ‘You’ll Be Gone By Then' showcases Lauderdale's plaintive vocals framed by twangy guitar and pedal steel.
The album transitions smoothly from the swing of ‘Sweethearts Remember' to the country soul of ‘Baby Steps,' through to the classic country vibes of ‘I’m A Lucky Loser.' Closing with the intimate ‘What’s Important After All,' the album cements itself as a quintessential Jim Lauderdale record, filled with well-crafted songs and impressive performances.
Check it out for yourself right here.
