Jim Lauderdale | My Favorite Place Review

By Tom Faddis

Jim Lauderdale has released his 37th album, My Favorite Place. With over four decades of actively writing and recording music, Lauderdale has honed his brand of country music, drawing influences from his Carolina upbringing, Appalachian bluegrass, the folk and Grateful Dead catalog of the ’60s and beyond, and the twanging honky-tonk of Nashville. The second you hear it, you know it’s Jim.

A two-time Grammy-winning Americana icon, Lauderdale has built a career defined by creative integrity and prolificacy. He boasts 35 albums that traverse the vast landscape of American roots styles. His latest release, My Favorite Place, continues this legacy, showcasing his ability to craft memorable melodies and poignant lyrics.

My Favorite Place is produced by Jay Weaver and Jim Lauderdale and was recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios. The album features Lauderdale’s touring band, The Game Changers—Craig Smith (Guitar), Frank Rische (Guitar), Jay Weaver (Bass), Dave Racine (Drums), and the extraordinary Lillie Mae Rische (Vocals)—along with some of Music City’s finest musicians. Each track on the album is a testament to Lauderdale’s mastery of Americana, offering listeners a blend of tradition and innovation that will resonate with fans, old and new.

The album opens with the title track, “My Favorite Place,” a catchy country shuffle underscored by a solid fiddle melody. Lauderdale’s vocal delivery is quintessentially country, with inflections, glissando, and vibrato that anchor the song’s structure. This track sets the scene for much of the rest of the record, evoking a George Jones-style sound with Tommy Detamore’s pedal steel and Tim Crouch’s fiddle taking prominence.

“Mrs. Green,” co-written with Bob Minner, follows with a mid-tempo, finger-picked acoustic guitar and pedal steel arrangement. The song’s nostalgic and forbidden romance storyline is brought to life by Lauderdale’s emotive singing as he encourages a woman at the end of another relationship to see her worth. Lauderdale’s lyrical evolution in this track, from “Don’t be afraid to see the truth about the woman that you are” to “Remember I’m here waiting and wanting all the woman that you are,” captures the yearning and love of the suitor.

The album’s third track, “The Lightning Tree,” showcases elements of Americana, adding a new texture and feel to the album’s flow. Lauderdale’s storytelling is engaging, pulling the listener into a world where the feel shifts to a bluegrass rhythm midway through, perfectly matching the energy and storyline. The male-female vocal harmonies in this section enhance the narrative.

“You’ll Be Gone By Then” is a beautiful American shuffle ballad with emotional lyrics and outstanding instrumental performances. Lauderdale’s plaintive vocal is framed by Craig Smith’s twangy guitar and Steve Hinson’s pedal steel, creating a poignant atmosphere.

“Sweethearts Remember” opens with a fun piano intro that transitions into a fast swing country beat. The song features excellent instrumental melodies, particularly from the guitar, and the vocal harmonies are outstanding. The guitar solo, reminiscent of gypsy jazz, showcases the band’s versatility and skill.

“Don’t You Treat ‘Em That Way” is a lively American dance number with beautiful pedal steel playing and Lauderdale’s crafty songwriting. “Baby Steps,” a six-eight shuffle, brings traditional country and Americana to the forefront, with Lauderdale’s vocal skills shining in this slow, moody tempo.

Tracks like “I’m a Lucky Loser,” “We Ought to Celebrate,” and “You’ve Got a Shine” maintain the album’s momentum with classic country and Americana vibes. “I’m a Lucky Loser” features a longer list of musicians and sibling harmony from Lillie Mae and Frank Rische, adding depth to the track. “We Ought to Celebrate” is a twangy rocker with a bouncy bass line from Jay Weaver, while “You’ve Got a Shine” steps up the rocking energy with funky piano from Micah Hulscher and twin guitar leads from Smith and Chris Scruggs.

The album concludes with “What’s Important After All,” a cowboy campfire song that brings the record to an intimate close. Lauderdale’s ability to blend traditional and contemporary elements makes My Favorite Place a quintessential Jim Lauderdale record. With well-written songs and impressive performances, this album is poised to become a staple in his live repertoire and a testament to his enduring artistry.

My Favorite Place is a quintessential Jim Lauderdale record, showcasing his ability to effortlessly blend traditional and contemporary elements. With well-crafted songs and stellar performances, this album is a testament to Lauderdale’s enduring artistry and his ability to create music that feels both timeless and fresh. As Lauderdale continues to add to his extensive catalog, My Favorite Place stands out as a notable highlight, capturing the essence of Americana and the spirit of Nashville.