Watch Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers at the Paste Sessions From MerleFest

Paste Studio “On The Road” rambles on, this time to Wilkesboro, N.C., for the 36th annual MerleFest! The festival was founded in 1988 in memory of Doc Watson’s son Merle, and features “traditional plus” music, described by Doc Watson himself as, “the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play.” In this session, watch Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers rip through three songs from Lauderdale’s latest record My Favorite Place.

Full Session

Guitarists Craig Smith and Frank Carter Rische take dual lead guitar on the first song, precisely picking the same rhythm at different intervals. The guitar duo paves the way for Lauderdale’s unmistakable voice, reminding us simply to treat each other well.

“Don’t You Treat ‘Em That Way”

Lauderdale (aka “Mr. Americana”) is another one of the unofficial “mayors” of MerleFest, celebrating his 27th appearance in 2024. And while we’re talking about mind boggling numbers, I just found out that My Favorite Place is his 37th (!!!) album.

“I’m A Lucky Loser”

Jim Lauderdale – Guitar and vocals
Frank Carter Rische – Guitar
Craig Smith – Guitar
Dave Racine – Drums
Jay Weaver – Bass

“You’ve Got A Shine”

Big thanks to Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, MerleFest, and our friends at Window World for bringing these sessions to life, and please stay tuned for more Paste x MerleFest sessions to come!