Affirming his reputation as an unabashed multitasker known for releasing multiple albums annually—and several of those within a matter of months—Jim Lauderdale expands his palette and furthers his ambitions with two discs of pure R&B recorded during separate sessions in Memphis and Nashville, Tenn. After well-received forays into bluegrass, straight country and collaborations with lyricist Robert Hunter, Lauderdale’s versatility is already a given, but Soul Searching seems to be his most disparate effort yet. Co-produced by Luther Dickinson, each separate set is comprised entirely of Lauderdale originals, all conveying an air of authenticity that recalls classic ‘70s soul—the Stax sound in particular. Indeed, Lauderdale’s country croon finds a seamless fit, and on songs such as “There’s a Storm Out There (But It’s Calm in Here)” and “Worth The Wait” on the Memphis side, and “What Do I Know About Anything,” “All At Once” and “Why Does God Let That Happen” from the Nashville tracks, he hits his stride as a generally credible soul stylist who’s also willing to share his spiritual side. With 26 songs in all, there’s a lot to absorb, but fortunately, Lauderdale both keeps his consistency and sustains his high standards.