The Hummingbirds
As engaging as some of Jim Lauderdale's recent genre exercises have been,The Hummingbirdsfinds his creativity flying free and unfettered. The result is his freshest-sounding collection since 1994'sPretty Close to the Truth. No other country release is likely to name check bothDante's Inferno("Eternal") and Salvador Dali ("Rollin' the Dice"), evoke the metaphysical yearnings of "I'm Happiest When I'm Moving" and the bluegrass-tinged "New Cascade," or find primarily acoustic arrangements sparking such dynamically electric interplay. Vocal support fromEmmylou HarrisandJulie Millerhighlights the album-opening "Midnight Will Become Day," Bekka Bramlett's harmony adds a soulful dimension to "Jacob's Ladder" (one of two Lauderdale collaborations with longtimeGrateful Deadlyricist Robert Hunter), and guest musicians including mandolinistSam Bush, guitaristTony Rice, and fiddlersStuart DuncanandTim O'Brien, who provide stellar backing. Although the rest of the material is new, one of the album's standout tracks finds Lauderdale resurrecting "I Know Better Now," previously recorded byKelly Willis.--Don McLeese