Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys

In the case of the new album from sublime roots singer-songwriter Jim Gaudet, “So Far So Good” just doesn’t cut it as a title. Really. He should re-name this sucker, “The Good Just Keeps Gettin’ Better.”

One of Nippertown’s very finest songwriters, Gaudet has a knack for crafting a mighty memorable melody – the kind that’ll get you singing along even on first listen. His delivery is wry and witty, often saying just as much with his pregnant pauses as he does with his lyrics. And lyrically, he’s poetic, literate and more than just clever.

After a string of excellent albums that culminated with “Give Up the Ghost” on the Prime CD label in 1998, Gaudet dropped out of the music scene for nearly a decade, but he came roaring back with with the sparkling “Re-Calling It Quits,” one of the best discs of 2007.

And fortunately we didn’t have to wait long for the follow-up, and this one is undoubtedly headed for the 2009 Nippertown Top 10.

While Gaudet fans will embrace the new CD with plenty of enthusiasm, “So Far So Good” is actually something of a departure from Gaudet’s earlier albums.

For one, this is a true band effort, and as befitting the first credited to Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys, the Boys – bassist Bob Ristau, mandolinist-lead guitarist Sten Isachsen and fiddler Tim Wechgelaer – get plenty of opportunity to shine in the spotlight.

Secondly, the album leans away from Gaudet’s usual folk-oriented approach and heads straight into high lonesome bluegrass territory. And these guys nail it. The vocal harmonies simply soar on original gems like “Get Up John” (not the bluegrass classic), “Jealous Heart” and the traditional “Hand Me Down My Walking Cane.”

But this isn’t just strictly a bluegrass album – not by any means. You’ll also find some whiskey-soaked roadhouse honky-tonkers (”Drive” and the love-gone-wrong nugget “Mind Over Matter”), a couple of chuggin’ train songs (the opening “Born to Be Lonesome” and the closing “Railroad Kill Bill”), some country twang (”Callin’ My Name”), a bit of finger-picking folk (”This Time”) and even some heavenly gospel (Gillian Welch’s “By the Mark,” the only cover song on the album).

In short, Gaudet has never sounded better or more confident. His voice is strong, and he takes more chances with it. Compare the title track with the version that Gaudet recorded for his 1994 album, “It’s a Colorful Life,” for example.

Much of the album was recorded live in Bender Studios in Delmar – the musicians playing all together at the same time, rather than layering on the one-at-a-time overdubs. And it shows. The proof is in the rich, warm, organic sound, which brings out the best in these stellar songs.

- Greg Haymes

The Albany-based Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys feature fiddle master Tim Wecgelaer, mandolin/guitarist Sten Isachsen (who also produced), bassist Bob Ristau and Gaudet’s songs and voice. They have an easy going, laid-back and organic sound, so having an album titled “So Far So Good” seems just right.

And it is. Without trying very hard, the 11-song album easily finds the essence of the Railroad Boys — exceptional playing and chemistry, and Gaudet’s simple but elegant songs. A guitar playing just two notes with verve announces “Born to Be Lonesome,” and after hearing Gaudet’s plaintive moan, you’re likely to believe him. It continues with the hard-driving “Get Up John,” followed by “Call My Name,” which leans towards old-time country with bending guitar strings and fiddle (when country was country).

The lovely “This Time” could be in a movie soundtrack, while “Mind Of Matter” is about thinking and drinking. Title track “So Far So Good” is simply timeless.


David Malachowski is a guitarist, producer and freelance journalist living in Woodstock, NY. - Daily Freeman, Kingston NY

Until Jim Gaudet, only a limited few have had a more prestigious second coming. On the rare and treasured occasions that I get Jim and the Railroad Boys to play live in our studio, I am fully prepared to stop myself from exclaiming on the open mic things like, Holy ----“! I am thoroughly prepared for the seemingly push-button excellence, attendance to perfection, the technical mastery, and the textural harmony!

I am prepared for all of it until they start to play and they pulverize my expectations. And it’s not that they do it; its how.

The infectious good will, confidence, and general, “yep, we got it” outlook with zero ego attached make me feel like the “Lucky One” (title of one of Jim Gaudet’s earlier songs) – for I get to observe and enjoy the best in the business merely at the top of their game.

Arthur Gonick, DJ/Host, WSPN-FM, Saratoga Springs, NY - Arthur Gonick

Jim Gaudet and the RR Boys can best be characterized as a
folk/country fusion group performing Gaudet’s well-crafted songs, filled with humor and insight. His instrumental mix might seem off putting to bluegrass or folk purists, featuring as it does both electric bass and guitar, but the music is entertaining and thought provoking.

His song “Found I'm Lost” and an audience participation piece called “So Far, So Good,” and "Split Pea Soup" all pleased. The band’s interactions are enjoyable. While well suited to coffee houses, clubs, and street concerts, this band is eager to broaden its audience and contributes good value to the festival scene.

Ted Lehmann - Ted Lehmann

In the case of the new album from sublime roots singer-songwriter Jim Gaudet, “So Far So Good” just doesn’t cut it as a title. Really. He should re-name this sucker, “The Good Just Keeps Gettin’ Better.”

One of Nippertown’s very finest songwriters, Gaudet has a knack for crafting a mighty memorable melody – the kind that’ll get you singing along even on first listen. His delivery is wry and witty, often saying just as much with his pregnant pauses as he does with his lyrics. And lyrically, he’s poetic, literate and more than just clever.

After a string of excellent albums that culminated with “Give Up the Ghost” on the Prime CD label in 1998, Gaudet dropped out of the music scene for nearly a decade, but he came roaring back with with the sparkling “Re-Calling It Quits,” one of the best discs of 2007.

And fortunately we didn’t have to wait long for the follow-up, and this one is undoubtedly headed for the 2009 Nippertown Top 10.

While Gaudet fans will embrace the new CD with plenty of enthusiasm, “So Far So Good” is actually something of a departure from Gaudet’s earlier albums.

For one, this is a true band effort, and as befitting the first credited to Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys, the Boys – bassist Bob Ristau, mandolinist-lead guitarist Sten Isachsen and fiddler Tim Wechgelaer – get plenty of opportunity to shine in the spotlight.

Secondly, the album leans away from Gaudet’s usual folk-oriented approach and heads straight into high lonesome bluegrass territory. And these guys nail it. The vocal harmonies simply soar on original gems like “Get Up John” (not the bluegrass classic), “Jealous Heart” and the traditional “Hand Me Down My Walking Cane.”

But this isn’t just strictly a bluegrass album – not by any means. You’ll also find some whiskey-soaked roadhouse honky-tonkers (”Drive” and the love-gone-wrong nugget “Mind Over Matter”), a couple of chuggin’ train songs (the opening “Born to Be Lonesome” and the closing “Railroad Kill Bill”), some country twang (”Callin’ My Name”), a bit of finger-picking folk (”This Time”) and even some heavenly gospel (Gillian Welch’s “By the Mark,” the only cover song on the album).

In short, Gaudet has never sounded better or more confident. His voice is strong, and he takes more chances with it. Compare the title track with the version that Gaudet recorded for his 1994 album, “It’s a Colorful Life,” for example.

Much of the album was recorded live in Bender Studios in Delmar – the musicians playing all together at the same time, rather than layering on the one-at-a-time overdubs. And it shows. The proof is in the rich, warm, organic sound, which brings out the best in these stellar songs.

- Greg Haymes