Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale

Buddy and Jim (New West)

The most surprising aspect of Buddy and Jim? It’s the longtime friends’ first album together. Like their weekly satellite radio show, the LP cuts a broad swath of Americana, the two Nashville linchpins’ close harmony duets and stellar guitar work uniting the eclecticism of styles. Setting the pace with electric rocker “I Lost My Job of Loving You,” the duo swings into Flatt & Scruggs’ twangy “The Train That Carried My Gal From Town” and burnt-steel-swaddled ballad “That’s Not Even Why I Love You,” before ripping Cajun with Johnnie and Jack’s “South in New Orleans.” The Julie Miller-penned “It Hurts Me” contrasts the dark rockabilly rumble of “Vampire Girl,” while the backside saddles exceptional takes of the Mississippi Sheiks’ “Lonely One in This Town,” Joe Tex’s “I Want to Do Everything for You,” and a roaring reworking of “The Wobble.” (9pm, Antone’s; Fri., 9pm, Parish)

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This article appears in March 15 • 2013.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.