Frog, that is one of the best descriptions I have ever heard of the Americana genre. Thank you for sharing it with us.
IMO, John Denver did some of the best Americana. His songs were celebratory. Some of those drab songs about being overworked and impoverished are,to me, just depressing. John Stewart was another great writer in the genre.
I'm not even sure what Americana means, but considering that a huge chunk of my listening is to the following, I guess I would be a fan. Jimmy Buffett Mary-Chapin Carpenter John Denver Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Willie Nelson Jerry Jeff Walker Tricia Yearwood Suzy Bogguss Rosanne Cash Dwight Yoakam Johnny Cash Harry Chapin Jim Croce Poco Ricky Scaggs Alison Krause Jessie Winchester Guy Clark Seems a fine line between traditional country and Americana.
I've been obsessed with this set lately. I own 8 with 10 more on the way. Seems like the very definition of Americana:
Yeah they are, and you're welcome! That tune is on the album Secret South (2000). The band existed from 1995 -2002. Edwards formed another band that is just as good, but maybe not as "Americana", WovenHand. Very intense.
How could I have typed the list earlier and missed Nanci! She's likely just about my favorite of all of them and probably should have her picture under the definition of Americana in Webster's.
As I read through the thread the artist I feel compelled to nominate for consideration is The Handsome Family. I've had two opportunities to see these guys live, the first time before I'd heard any recordings, and I was stunned with pure satisfaction.
If he hasn't been mentioned, I'd highlight Joe Henry. Brilliant writer and has never made an album that is less than compelling.
Of course, of course. The Handsome Family is great. The song "Weightless Again" is as good as it gets.
