michael y- you are absolutely right...it is about quality not genre & in spite of our common appreciation of joni mitchell, there is an amazing diversity of tastes on this list...quality, we all know, is quite subjective
i am not sure what specific artists you are referring to when you write "faux-deep sh*t that passes for singer-songwriter "craft" these days"...but there really is an amazing array of talented singer/songwriters that are (unfortunately) outside of the radar of most of the record buying, music listening, concert going public... i doubt anyone will hear it on most commercial radio stations...if someone were to attend, say, a folk alliance event, or listen to noncommercial radio, or attend concerts like our own steve dulson produces or one of the many great house concerts around the country that are popular today, you would be blown away by the level of songwriting & musicianship talent out there...no fauxness or lack of craft at all.. our very own gregg cagno is just one excellent example of great songwriting craft, superb guitar chops, fabulous voice & engaging stage presence...as is the much beloved & well known john gorka, & ashara's favorite cheryl wheeler....& there are oh so many more... the reason i posted this article is because it is so heartening to me to know that there seems to be a trend growing that might lead kids into pursuing a musical instrument rather than just being a "pop star" ... & a trend which might lead kids try writing their own songs rather than thinking that music is about wearing cute clothes & dancing with a headset... ******************************************** Kate Bennett www.katebennett.com sponsored by Polysonics www.polysonics.com Discover the Indies at Taylor Guitars: http://www.taylorguitars.com/artists/awp/indies/bennett.html ********************************************
