Customer Reviews

Wait Til Spring

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Jim Lauderdale is something of a late bloomer as a recording artist. His first album, 1991's PLANET OF LOVE, was released when he was 34. Over the course of the next dozen years, his albums have blurred the lines between country, folk and rock. and two recent albums (I FEEL LIKE SINGING TODAY and LOST IN THE LONESOME PINES) found him recording traditional bluegrass with patriarch Ralph Stanley.

On WAIT 'TIL SPRING, he hooks up with the folk-rock sextet Donna the Buffalo for a collection of 11 Lauderdale originals, including a reworking of "That's Not the Way It Works" from his out-of-print 1995 album EVERY SECOND COUNTS. Songs like the title track and "Different Kind of Lightning" are hard-rocking country. "Slow Motion Trouble" has an R&B feel to it. The bluesy "Ginger Peach" floats along a solid organ groove. "This World Is Getting Mean" is the closest to traditional country with its lonesome fiddle. With its heavy percussion and stinging guitar, "Awake Now" has very Santana-esque quality to it. On the closing track, "Wowowo" is given a Cajun feel propelled by Frank Preston's accordion.

While this album isn't likely to break Lauderdale out of his cult status, this is a very satisfying album. (Running time: 41:19) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Jim Lauderdale has created a winning combination of lyrics and melodies that grab you from the first song. All of the songs have "feel good" rhythms that will have you tapping your feet in no time. Donna The Buffalo add a cool `jam band-y' element to the music and make it more rockin'. It's great music for a long road trip or for listening with friends over a nice cold beer in the backyard in summertime. Definitely buy this album. "Wait `Til Spring" as the title song suggests, but I don't recommend that. Jim put his heart and soul into this album and you can definitely tell. You will enjoy it anytime of the year! I know I will....

I've seen Donna dozens of times, and I've seen Lauderdale play with them numerous times as well. I love Donna the Buffalo, but I have to say that they've never sounded better than backing up Lauderdale on this peach of a record. Their live shows together are unbelievably fun, rockin', and intense and this is the closest you'll get to that (unless you know one of the peple who tap into the sound board at Grassroots). All accomplished musicians playing and singing songs wiritten especially for their unique sound. You won't be disappointed.

I caught Donna & the Buffalo's act at the Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, RI and was blown away. The album has an overall zydeco sound but every song is very different and you'll likely hear influences of other artists like Van Morrison and the Allman Brothers.