Amid his other varied activities, over the past few years, singer-songwriter-guitarist Buddy Miller has hosted Cayamo, a week-long cruise gathering fans and his fellow artists, many occupying that nexus where Americana and classic country converge. After recording some 2012 performances for his Sirius XM radio show with Jim Lauderdale, he began recording the shows, the source of these 11 performances, most duets on country standards.

On most tracks Miller plays his baritone guitar, aided by excellent steel guitar by Larry Campbell or Fats Kaplin.
Miller teams with Lee Ann Womack for the Conway Twitty-Loretta Lynn hit “After The Fire Is Gone” and sings Buck Owens’ “Love’s Gonna Live Here” with Kacey Musgraves and “Sunday Morning Coming Down” with its composer, Kris Kristofferson.

Picking his own lead guitar, Richard Thompson offers the Hank Williams hit “Wedding Bells.” Miller joins Nikki Lane for the George Jones favorite “Just Someone I Used To Know” and Elizabeth Cook for Carl and Pearl Butler’s “If Teardrops Were Pennies,” with Kaplan playing steel on both. Miller plays electric behind Brandi Carlile and the Lone Bellow on John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery.”

No matter the artist, the results are easygoing and satisfying.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s June ’16 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.