Jim Lauderdale must be doing something right because he keeps doing it. He has recently released two albums, Country Super Hits Volume 2 and The Birds Know with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, which maintain his phenomenal release rate. Both albums don’t show any slip in quality control, and together they represent both sides of Jim Lauderdale, songwriter. Country Super Hits Volume 2 follows Volume 1 after twenty years and contains country songs in the classic mould, while The Birds Know is his second album with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, one of the new leading traditional bluegrass bands who have a modern edge. As if this wasn’t enough, he is currently touring the US with his great band, the Game Changers, and will be supporting Emmylou Harris on her upcoming goodbye tour of Europe in May in a solo capacity. Americana UK’s Martin Johnson caught up with Jim over Zoom to discuss his new albums and to try to understand what drives him to keep releasing albums. The current total stands at thirty-nine, and as you will hear from Jim’s own mouth, he has no plans to slow down any time soon. He also explains that while he has had a successful career as a songwriter, his original career plan was to make it as a bluegrass artist. He shares his admiration for Emmylou Harris and his pride at his upcoming show with her at London’s Albert Hall. Finally, there is good news for music fans who still like to consume their music through physical media, because Jim confirms that both of his new albums will be released on vinyl and CD in the near future, as well as currently being available for streaming and download.
