Jim Lauderdale preview

Jim Lauderdale
Dominican University, River Forest
Friday, April 18, 2008

Backed by an all-star roster of musicians dubbed “The Dream Players,” Nashville singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale hits a home-run on his latest release of original material, Honey Songs (Yep Roc).

Fans of Vince Gill and the Dixie Chicks should be familiar with Lauderdale’s songwriting chops, but to truly appreciate his talent, one must explore the caverns of his back catalog. And Honey Songs serves as a great starting point.

“Honeysuckle Honeypie” chugs along like a distant cousin to Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally,” while “Stingray” could gain entry into the set list of the Country Bear Jamboree musical attraction at Walt Disney World with its jug-band flavor.

Legendary sidemen like steel guitarist Al Perkins and longtime Elvis gunslinger James Burton lend their extraordinary talents to the 10-track affair, but the women steal the show. The album’s closer, “I’m Almost Back,” pairs Lauderdale with the quintessential duet partner, Emmylou Harris, for an achingly nostalgic waltz. Patty Loveless joins him on the intervention-ready “Hittin’ It Hard” and Kelly Hogan, Regina, and Alfreda McCrary infuse “Those Kind Of Things Don’t Happen Every Day” with a dose of Southern whimsy.

Honey Songs makes up the second installment of Lauderdale’s anticipated year-long album trilogy. Just as The Empire Strikes Back remains the best-loved film in George Lucas’ Star Wars saga, Honey Songs is poised to hold the same spot in the hearts of fans.

— Janine Schaults

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly