Gig Alert: Jim Lauderdale at AllGood Cafe

The last time alt-country godfather Jim Lauderdale was in town, he came as part of Elvis Costello's touring band. Tonight's appearance at AllGood Cafe will be quite a bit more intimate.Getting a chance to hear Lauderdale up close and personal should make for a special evening, as his Americana credentials...

By Darryl Smyers

November 12, 2009

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The last time alt-country godfather Jim Lauderdale was in town, he came as part of Elvis Costello's touring band. Tonight's appearance at AllGood Cafe will be quite a bit more intimate.

Getting a chance to hear Lauderdale up close and personal should make for a special evening, as his Americana credentials are legendary: Beginning as a backing vocalist for Dwight Yoakum and Carlene Carter, Lauderdale went on to write hits for George Strait, the Dixie Chicks and Patty Loveless. As if that wasn't enough, Lauderdale's own albums have been critically acclaimed since the early '90s. His most recent effort, 2008's The Bluegrass Diaries, won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album. But his best record may well be 2003's Headed for the Hills.

In any case, Lauderdale's a true old-school country singer, mixing the grit of Johnny Cash with the croon of George Jones. And his songwriting chops are simply unparalleled in contemporary country music.

He's that good, folks. And, as such, tonight's show is a great chance to catch a legend.

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