Jim Lauderdale

"I want country to keep on keeping on. I want people to hear the greats. Every art form will change and develop but I don't want us to forget Johnny Cash and Waylon and Ernest Tubb and George and Lefty Frizzell and Ralph and Flatt and Scruggs and Bill Monroe. They are the masters and they blazed the trail." - Jim Lauderdale

Track Lists

 The Hummingbirds

• Midnight Will Become Day

• There and Back Again

• I'm Happiest When I'm Moving

• It's A Trap

• Eternal

• Morning

• Hummingbird

• Let's Not Say It's Over

• I Know Better Now

• It's Worth Looking Up

• Jacob's Ladder

• Rollin' The Dice

• New Cascade

Lost in the Lonesome Pines

• Deep Well of Sadness

• The Apples Are Just Turning Ripe

• Lost in the Lonesome Pines

• Zaccheus

• Quit That

• I Think Somebody Better Come Back Home

• Redbird

• Forever Ain't No Trouble Now

• She Would Not Tell Her More

• I Should Have Listened To Good Advice

• Oh Soul!

• She's Looking At Me

• Boat of Love

• Listen to the Shepherd

Visit Jim's Official Website

One of the most versatile artists in country music today, it seems there's nothing Jim Lauderdale can't do. He is duly noted as one of the most successful and prolific songwriter's to come out of Nashville in the past few years. Jim's track record of writing hit songs is well proven, having penned such modern classics as 'King of Broken Hearts' (George Strait) and "You Don't Seem To Miss Me' (Patty Loveless and George Jones.)

The North Carolina native's been a busy man since signing with Dualtone early last year. The release of his 2001 hardcore country album, 'Other Sessions,' garnered it's rightful share of rave reviews. Later in the year he found himself testing new waters. It's not everyone that has the panache to even attempt to emulate the legendary George Jones -- but Jim Lauderdale did, in a critically noted run in the musical stage production of 'Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story.'

On May 7th, Jim follows up last year's successes with not one, but two, superb efforts -- each distinctly country and uniquely 'Lauderdale,' yet inexplicably, almost mystically, 'connected.'

'The Hummingbirds' was actually ready to go prior to the release of 'Other Sessions.' While the latter's traditional country merits are it's in it's solid hardcore content, 'The Hummingbirds' is in its acoustic simplicity.

'The Hummingbirds' showcases Jim's range of eclectic influences and capabilities. While he covers familiar country territory with moving, melodic ballads (I Know Better Now) and roots-rock edged honky tonk (Jacob's Ladder, Rollin' The Dice), he also explores new territory with the western swing of 'It's A Trap' and the 'old timey' feel of 'New Cascade.' 

Jim is joined on the project by a few familiar names in a variety of roles. Emmylou Harris and Julie Miller lend their voices for background vocals on 'Midnight Will Become Day.' while musical accompaniments are supplied by the talents of Sam Bush (mandolin), Stuart Duncan (fiddle) and Tony Rice (guitar). 

Highlights of the acoustically diverse project include the title track. The Hummingbirds is a melodious delight. Backed with a driving beat, the musical images take flight accompanied with a series of twists and turns delivered at the hand of a fiddle, electric guitar and mandolin.

Following up the 1999 Grammy nominated collaboration of 'I Feel Like Singing Today,' Jim once again teams up with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys for some soul stirring bluegrass harmonies and toe tappin' pickin'.

Despite the fact all but one were written by Jim, the album has a vintage resonance, with melodies and harmonies that echo the ancient sounds of  the hills of Kentucky.

Jim is clearly in his element on this album, and he's also undoubtedly making music with someone he admires and respects. Recording the album at Maggard Sound Studio in the Clinch Mountains - to be able "to soak up Ralph's environment," the end result is a laid back, traditionally authentic collaboration that cuts no corners.

Ever on the look out for new songwriting partners,  Jim teamed up with Nashville songwriter Shawn Camp for Forever Ain't No Trouble Now and Redbird.

It was Jim's intent to highlight Ralph's vocals in the fun, tongue in cheek 'She' Looking At Me' which Jim wrote specifically for the two of them to perform live.

Ralph's recaptures the spine-tingling acapella of 'O Death', his voice commanding spellbinding reverence on Jim's solo composition of 'Listen to the Shepherd.'

For those who are enjoying the latest revival of traditional bluegrass and real country music, Jim's new albums are must haves. Pushing the boundaries of his creativeness, country music's Renaissance man proves roots are planted more firmly than ever.

Laurie Joulie Take Country Back May 2002