Never one to shy away from unexpected collaboration, Patchwork River finds him again working with Robert Hunter, best known as a lyricist for the Grateful Dead. The duo previously wrote together for Lauderdale releases in the early part of this decade, with Hunter contributing to Lost In The Lonesome Pines (a joint effort with Ralph Stanley), and The Hummingbirds (both from 2002), as well as co-writing all the songs on 2004’s Headed For The Hills.

Patchwork River is much more of a rock record than their previous work. At times, it sounds almost like a Grateful Dead album, filled with tricky lyrics and grooves in the roots-rock tradition–especially on the title track. There’s a soulful feel that expands Lauderdale’s sound with tunes like the horn-laden “Louisville Roll” and “Good Together.” For country fans, there’s “Far In The Far Away” and “Between Your Heart And Mine,” both of which, with a little luck, will show up on a future George Strait album.

The disc ends with its strongest song: “My Lips Are Sealed”–a shuffle with a killer hook and dark undercurrents–is edgy, heartfelt and prime Lauderdale.

His faithful will find lots to like on Patchwork River, and Deadheads will enjoy giving it a twirl, but it’s just as likely those with more catholic tastes will remain unconverted.