I had an interesting conversation a few days ago that referenced what we like to call the 'country gets integrity' period, back when Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, Dwight Yoakam, New Grass Revival, The Mavericks, Steve Earle and more were being signed to label deals. At the time, adults were discovering Country music, and listening to country radio in droves. It made for a very healthy population spike in the ratings. My friend was wondering if that could ever happen again. I certainly would hope that to be true, as there are a garden of delights to be found in the Americana world. I am certain that could bring a passionate and robust mainstream audience to a radio station in a major market somewhere, hell, in ANY major market. I'd bet my boots on it, the music is just that good.

Buddy Miller is another Americana MVP, whose work spans the musical aspects from gospel, to rocking and edgy, to straight ahead Country, to downright soulful; as he is doing on his brand new CD The Majestic Silver Strings, which hits the street today. Buddy pairs with Greg Leisz, Marc Ribot, and Bill Frisell for this haunting and reverent look back. With textures that bring a hint of the British Isles, to folk that predates county, to the Les Paul fueled, to the gospel tinged, there is even a bit of gothic Tom Waits styling. There is so much ground to explore on this album, with contributions from lots of stellar guests, including Shawn Colvin, Ann McCrary, Patty Griffin, Lee Ann Womack, Emmylou Harris, and Julie Miller. We bring you the Darrell Edwards/George Jones composition, "Why Baby Why."

- Jessie Scott