It has been a double dose of transatlantic involvement for
Jim Lauderdale lately. Not only did he play a major part in the success of the
recent touring Sessions show which thrilled concert hall fans the length of the
country, but a new album appears with a major imprint this side of the pond.
LONDON SOUTHERN gives a big clue in the title of how this album came to life.
Apart from recording it in the capital, a lifelong ambition of Jim, he hooked
up with members of Nick Lowe’s team to produce a high calibre record streaked
with a thick vein of substantive quality.
For many years Jim Lauderdale has been the crossover king of
American music, albeit constantly switching between bluegrass, classic and
contemporary country as well as pioneering Americana as a haven for homeless
roots music. True to his eclectic nature, LONDON SOUTHERN rolls out as a
mixture of sounds and even in the first three tracks we meander through the
misty waters of classic country, lounge jazz blues and a soulful tinge. Maybe
the album does steer down a middle line but it’s done in such as sophisticated
way that it will warrant periodic plays and has potential to evolve into a slow
burning standard.
Two elements that contrast this release from THIS CHANGES
EVERYTHING which appeared last year are this one has twelve new tracks split
evenly between solo and co-write status, also its release on Proper Records
will enable wider availability in the UK. A cacophony of studio sounds gives
this record a hot coal appeal with plenty of horns, strings, piano and organ
joining the ubiquitous guitar.
An excellent track ideal for radio play opens the record
with ‘Sweet Time’ being the standard
bearer for classic country among the dozen. Elsewhere ‘We’ve Only Got So Much Time Here’ and ‘You Came To Get Me’ raise the soul stakes, while ‘I Love You More’ sees Jim in tear
jerker mode. Rock ‘n’ roll gets a look in when the needle reaches ‘No Right Way To Be Wrong’ and ‘If I Can’t Resist’ is a pure smooth
operator. A band of assumed considerable standing underpins the record creating
an overall sound that invites you to sit back, relax and chill out to fine
selection of songs.
Possibly the missing elements to Jim’s involvement with the
UK at the moment are the headline dates which would considerably build on the
four or five songs he got to share in the Transatlantic Sessions shows.
Showcasing LONDON SOUTHERN would best be served with some assembly of players
which may be the stumbling block to arranging a tour, or at least a couple of
high profile dates. However the alternative is to embrace the cheerful sounds on
the various available formats that mark this new album as one to add to your
valuable collection.
www.jimlauderdale.com
