Physical Release Date: November 3, 2023, Sky Crunch Records.
Streaming Release Date: September 15, 2023, Sky Crunch Records.
Whether as co-writer, bandleader, master of ceremonies or musical ambassador for musical styles or states, Jim Lauderdale has been one of Americana music’s all-time great collaborators. And his new album with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, “The Long and Lonesome Letting Go,” stands as one of the best collaborative works in his 36-album discography.
Lauderdale co-wrote all 12 songs on the album, half of them with Po’ Ramblin’ Boys guitarist Josh Rinkel, and they’re all classic old-school bluegrass with excellent ensemble arrangements. Lauderdale and Rinkel worked on their co-writes in a number of sessions, starting with “I’m Only So Good” – which concludes, “at being good.” Like most Lauderdale co-writes, it grew organically out of a conversation.
Other co-writers include 10-time IBMA Award winner Becky Buller, North Carolina old soul Joe Newberry, well-traveled producer/songwriter Jimmy Ritchey, and rising young guns Logan Ledger and Alex Leach. Also of note is the song that kicks off the album, the title track, co-written with Bob Minner – and featuring Lauderdale trading verses with Bluegrass Hall of Famer Del McCoury. It’s the first time they’ve ever recorded together.
“I felt like that song ought to kick off the record, and somebody in Po’ Ramblin’ Boys said, ‘You know, Del would sound great on this,’” Lauderdale says. “Of course! So we reached out and luckily he was available. It didn’t feel right to just have him on the chorus, so he and I switch off a few lines in the verses. I’d never gotten to record with Del before, so that was a real treat.”
