Rural Route Music by Bluegrass Johnson BITTER SWEET, Ky. — I have found myself becoming a big fan of a musical genre known as “Americana.” It’s much easier for me to explain what it is by quoting the Americana Music Assoc. (AMA), which describes it as being, “contemporary music that incorporates elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues.” Okay, I’m still not sure what roots-rock is, but I can certainly relate to the other musical styles that make up this popular, relatively new style of music. I say “new” merely because the format came about in the 1990s but the music has been around for generations. And many of the artists who are counted as Americana artists have been around for years including Rosanne Cash and John Hiatt. Both of those performers finished last year with albums in the AMA’s top 10 of the year. I think there are many songs and singers that don’t really have a true home for their music. I remember a group call the New Grass Revival that was formed in the early 1970s. While their music was a form of bluegrass, it was really different, and I’m not sure anyone knew what to call it back then. What I do know is this: That group changed the dynamics of bluegrass to fit their own style and, in doing so, found a whole new audience, many of whom had never listened to bluegrass music before. I get that same feeling with much of the Americana music. It is as diverse as the performers who fall under its umbrella. Granted, most of this music will not be heard on many commercial radio stations; but thanks to the Internet, fans can find all the Americana they want. I have a tendency to lean more toward the country/bluegrass/folk side of this style of music but the fun thing about it is, there’s something here for everyone. One of my favorites from the AMA top 10 from last year is the Rodney Crowell release, Tarpaper Sky. Fans of Crowell will love his heart-felt lyrics laced within an array of ballads and up-tempo arrangements found on this CD. While he has known a great deal of mainstream popularity, Crowell’s music certainly adds to the Americana catalog. And this is but one of many examples of the hidden gems that can be found in Americana music and for that I give this genre a strong 99, A. You can learn more about Americana music and artists by visiting the website http://americanamusic.org
Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication. |
