Amos Lee "Windows Are Rolled Down"

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

Sean McConnell "The Other Side"

Some things are just meant to be. Sean McConnell was paying attention when his parents were playing the folk clubs around the Boston area, as he was growing up. When they up and moved to Atlanta, he found his father's guitar, as a means to heal from being separated from the people he loved and left behind. By college time, he had two indie albums, and a buzz growing around Atlanta. The move to Middle Tennessee State University, which by the way has a mighty fine music program, was a fortuitous next step. Close to Nashville, but just out of reach enough to actually focus on one's studies. Sean made the most of it. In his sophomore year, he started touring the country, and then signed a coveted publishing deal. His songs have since been recorded by Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and lots of others. But we are just interested in Sean singing himself. He of the soaring voice and beautiful pacing, can make notes hang in mid air, can make them ache.

There was something going around at Steamboat this year. If truth be told, there is something going around everywhere, every year. Sean was in bed for a couple of days, and we were heartsick that we weren't going to be able to meet up with him. Then the proverbial skies cleared, and he was in our studio, bringing that unmistakable warmth. The song "The Other Side" comes from Sean's 2010 CD Saints, Thieves, and Liars. This is how it is done.

- Jessie Scott

The Civil Wars "Barton Hollow"

Joy Williams and John Paul White are The Civil Wars. That is such a good name that it is a wonder why no one has used it before. She is from California, he from Alabama, and they now reside in East Nashville, and are on the road to everywhere else, as they are touring like crazy! It has been a breakout year, starting with their song "Poison & Wine" being played in its entirety on Grey's Anatomy. Hundreds of thousands of viewers Googled it to find out what it was. And then Taylor Swift gave them yet another unexpected boost, when she tweeted about them, and then included the song on her official iTunes playlist. Yes, I just mentioned Taylor Swift. Don't judge me.

Their first full-length CD, Barton Hollow, hits the street on February 1st. It was recorded in Nashville, produced by GRAMMY® Award winner Charlie Peacock, whom they met at their very first show at The French Quarter Cafe in East Nashville. It is the follow up to 2010's Live At Eddie's Attic CD (which was taped at their second show ever), and the 4 song EP from 2009, Poison & Wine. We can't wait to see what happens next, but what has gone on so far is truly astounding. There have been 100,000 downloads of the live CD; 400,000 views of the video "Poison & Wine;" and their EP debuted at #4 of iTunes Singer/Songwriter Top Albums Chart. What can I say? We couldn't wait until the release date. Here is the title track, "Barton Hollow."

- Jessie Scott