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Whether as co-writer, bandleader, master of ceremonies or musical ambassador for musical styles or states, Jim Lauderdale has been one of Americana music's all-time great collaborators. And his new album with the Po' Ramblin' Boys, InchThe Long and Lonesome Letting Go,Inch stands as one of the best collaborative works in his 36-album discography. InchPo' Ramblin' Boys just really speak to and resonate with me,Inch says Lauderdale. InchI hear so much of the great traditional bluegrass sound in them and it makes me so happy to see a younger band of their generation carrying the style forward so well. They're all so great in what they all do, both individually and as a performing band. I've always been blown away by them, so I was just very excited that they were interested in collaborating with me.Inch Based in Nashville, Po' Ramblin' Boys first crossed paths with Lauderdale at the annual MerleFest festival in North Carolina a few years back, when they asked him to sit in on their set on the festival's Hillside Stage. Lauderdale returned the favor the following year, bringing Po' Ramblin' Boys out for his show on the Cabin Stage. They kept crossing paths at other festivals, too, finally deciding to move ahead with a record. It was a dream gig for all the Po' Ramblin' Boys, but especially mandolinist C.J. Lewandowski - a fan since he started seeing Lauderdale shows while growing up in Missouri. InchWhen he came to ask about making an album, we were seriously blown away,Inch says Lewandowski. InchIt was really validating - Jim Lauderdale calling US to do a bluegrass album, we must be doing something right. He's good at everything, just being himself and he fits into so well into so many different genres, but especially bluegrass.Inch Lauderdale co-wrote all 12 songs on the album, half of them with Po' Ramblin' Boys guitarist Josh Rinkel, and they're all classic old-school
