JD SOUTHER – TENDERNESS

 Souther made a glorious return to record-making after 25 years with 2008’s If the World Was You. Since then, he’s released several live EPs and 2011’s criminally overlooked Natural History, which contained reworked versions of J.D. Souther classics. ‘Tenderness’ represents where Souther is now, with new jazz/adult contemporary compositions expertly produced by bassist Larry Klein (of Joni Mitchell and Walter Becker fame). Is Tenderness better than If the World Was You? That’s like asking which of your grade-A-producing kids is your favorite. Souther’s voice has aged like a fine Spanish wine. ‘Tenderness’ make it obvious once more why he’s such a decorated songwriter. Check out “Something in the Dark” and “Dance Real Slow,” if you don’t believe me.