Jim Lauderdale Releasing ‘Patchwork River’

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale, whose songs have been recorded by the likes of George Strait (two of his song are included on 'Twang'), Patty Loveless and the Dixie Chicks, among dozens of others, is releasing his latest album, 'Patchwork River' on May 11.

The album, on the Thirty Tigers label, was co-written with longtime Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, called by his collaborator, "one of the greatest writers that has ever lived in my book. He says things in songs that have never been said before. He paints pictures that have never been seen. I can't believe that I ever got to meet him, much less work with him. He's a world-class genius."

Guests on the album, written at Hunter's California home, include singer Patty Griffin and legendary guitarist James Burton, perhaps best known for his work with Elvis Presley and Rick Nelson. Lauderdale and Hunter recorded an album, 'Headed for the Hills,' together in 2004.

Jim Lauderdale participates in the South By Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas on Thursday (March 18) with afternoon and evening shows.