Hallelujah, the genre lines are being blurred with so many artists adding rootsy instruments to their sound. They dance dangerously close to 'country,' which had been considered a dirty word in some parts. In fact, there has been a decades old clash between rock and country listeners, a chasm bridged here in Austin by Willie Nelson back in the Armadillo days as he united the hippies and the rednecks. But the fight was deep seated, and the sides continue deep in their respective corners to this day. At WMMO Orlando, in the late 90s, I was playing a Delaney and Bonnie tune one afternoon, it was "Never Ending Song Of Love" I believe, and some irate listener actually called me up to demand I take that "country sh*t" off the air immediately. Not to make it a survey of one, but Americana exists in part thanks to that "too country for rock, and too rock for country" axiom. For whatever reason, so many artists are picking up on the blending now. I think it has a lot to do with removing the shackles, and allowing these creative folks to explore whatever sounds are interesting to them at this moment, or the next moment, for that matter.

Amos Lee has embraced the flavor on his brand new CD Mission Bell, which is out today. Heretofore, his music has embraced folk, soul and incorporated jazz flavor into the mix. And now there is that hint of twang on this, his fourth CD. It was produced by Joey Burns, from the band Calexico, which also provides back-up band services on this set. There are the contributions of a remarkable guest list, as well, including Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), James Gadson, Priscilla Ahn, and Pieta Brown. Amos took his time on this one, allowing a year and a half to write the songs and then let them steep. He feels good about that as he notes the last two projects were somewhat rushed for his being on the road. We bring you a solo performance video of the lead track "Windows Are Rolled Down," from our friends at Farm Aid, on their 25 Anniversary show from this past September.

- Jessie Scott