The Bluegrass Diaries (Yep Roc, 2007)

For some two decades, Jim Lauderdale has been among the most bankable writers in Nashville and not just with the mainstream country crowd. His Grammy-winning 2002 collaboration with Ralph Stanley highlighted his credentials as a bluegrass artist as well, and he follows that up here with this collection of 11 songs, all written or co-written by Lauderdale (with the likes of Melba Montgomery, J. D. Souther and Paul Craft) and impeccably produced by Randy Kohrs. A native of the Carolinas, Lauderdale again proves that he's no poseur' he knows 'grass inside and out and has the voice to prove it.

Backed by a sterling cast, it's hard to pick favorites, but the choices here are the breezy "Chances," the fast-paced (and instrumentally hot) "Ain't No Way To Run" and two achingly lonesome songs, "Can We Find Forgiveness" and "It's Such A Long Journey Home," both featuring the striking pairing of Lauderdale with the even harder-edged Dave Evans. Powerful stuff.

The first of a trilogy to be released in the next few months (to be followed by collaborations with guitar god James Burton and ex-Grateful Dead-head Robert Hunter) showing off his versatility, this should satisfy even the most diehard bluegrass purists.