By Mark Ambrogi
Jim Lauderdale has hosted the Americana Music Awards since 2002. It seems only fitting since he has long personified the Americana label.
He’s fine with that, too.
“That term encompasses the different styles I do, bluegrass, country, rock and soul songs,” Lauderdale said.
Lauderdale, a two-time Grammy winner and prolific songwriter, will perform at The Warehouse, 254 1st Ave. SW, Carmel at 8 p.m. March 12.
Lauderdale will start the performance with his Bluegrass Band. He will perform several solo songs from his new album “Soul-Searching Vo1. 1 Memphis/Vol. 2 Nashville,” his 28th album.
“It’s half classic sounding soul music, which I did in Memphis, and the other disc is recorded in Nashville,” Lauderdale said of the album. “That is eclectic singer-songwriter style. The show itself will be eclectic that night since I’ll be kicking things off with the Bluegrass Band.”
Lauderdale plans to do a lot of songs he collaborated with Robert Hunter, a lyricist who wrote many Grateful Dead songs with Jerry Garcia.
“We’ve written about 100 songs together and I’ve put out about six albums of collaboration with him, some bluegrass, country and sort of rock,” Lauderdale said.
Lauderdale, 58, is eager to play The Warehouse’s living room-style concert room, seating 150.
“I just enjoy playing live so much,” Lauderdale said. “I’ve done it in so many different settings. This sounds like a real cool place. I think the band will enjoy it.”
Lauderdale has opened for Mary Chapin Carpenter and Elvis Costello. Lauderdale played in Costello’s acoustic band, the Sugarcanes, and they have written songs together. Blake Shelton recorded one of Lauderdale’s songs
Lauderdale collaborated on albums with Ralph Stanley, one of Lauderdale’s bluegrass heroes. Lauderdale co-hosts a Sirius XM show called “The Buddy and Jim Show” with singer/songwriter/producer Buddy Miller.
For more, visit liveforthemusic.com.
