Andy Griggs was not interested in music until his older brother passed away. His brother wrote songs and played the guitar and Andy wanted to pick up on that and carry on with what his brother had started. He taught himself how to play and he sang some of the songs that were written by his brother. After singing Gospel songs and marrying, he finally got his record deal in 1997.

Rachel Harrington most favorably represents a new generation of singer-songwriters with deeply American roots fertilized from the South but flowering over a broad range. Her carefully crafted songs deceive in their simplicity. Although a few of the tracks are fully produced in a pop sense, most are a tasty mix redolent with fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. The recording feels right at home in a number of genres from folks to bluegrass to country. Harrington possesses an assured voice that knows its way around. And while the sound of this CD is pleasurable and refreshing, it’s Harrington’s songwriting that truly shines. She knows how to tell a story and involve you on it. There’s sincerity in the songwriting and performance that draws you further into this album and keeps you deeply involved. It’s the CD I’d present to the cynic who claims contemporary folk is not related to folk. The Bootlegger’s Daughter is merely a fresh new iteration of a long tradition.

While recording a few songs for the movie Coal Miner's Daughter, in which he played Loretta Lynn's father, Levon Helm and friends just kept the tape rolling. American Son offers ten songs (the single "Blue Moon of Kentucky" b/w "Working in a Coal Mine" offers two more) from those productive sessions. A band of Nashville veterans replaces the superstar lineup of Helm's first two albums. The resulting record has a relaxed groove that kicks in with "Watermelon Time in Georgia" and doesn't let up. The terrific "Hurricane" evokes the Band's second album, while "Violet Eyes" and "China Girl" are highlighted by engaging harmonies. American Son is considered by many to be Levon's best solo album.

Gretchen Peters’ latest, Burnt Toast & Offerings, is a quiet and introspective collection of precisely-crafted songs that is remarkably detached from the usual heavy-handed imagery and overwrought production of today’s Nashville. Seldom wasting a word, Burnt Toast showcases an unparalleled maturity of thought; these stories are smart and poignant and come together to spin a complex web of human emotion.

On their debut album, country-rockers Whiskey Falls seem to cover all the bases. They're pop-savvy enough to load their songs up with plenty of radio-friendly hooks, but the production never gets too glossy or overblown, striking an agreeable balance between acoustic picking and bluesy barroom licks. The band's stainless-steel harmonies seal the deal, whether on the single "Last Train Running" or the fist-pumping proletarian anthem "Working Man." When all's said and done, Whiskey Falls seem to have their hearts set on becoming the Eagles of the '00s.

"After Tulsa's set a couple of weeks ago upstairs at the Middle East Club, we weren't the only ones who walked out of the club convinced that we had just seen the best rock band in Boston. Their combination of songwriting and musicianship and an eargasm of sound rendered jaws unfunctional." -- Boston Phoenix

In the 1970s, Philadelphia International Records could seemingly do no wrong where the O'Jays were concerned. The Cleveland trio recorded one gem after another under Gamble Huff's direction, and Family Reunion was no exception. Nothing on this CD has the angry bite of "Back Stabbers," "Don't Call Me Brother" or "Rich Get Richer," and the mood is upbeat and optimistic on everything from the uplifting "Unity" to the ballad "Stairway to Heaven" (not to be confused with the Led Zeppelin song) to the escapist party anthem "Livin' for the Weekend." With the intoxicating "I Love Music," the O'Jays stressed the soul side of disco and provided one of the most appealing hits of the disco era. From start to finish, Family Reunion was a valuable addition to a catalogue that already had its share of treasures.

In 1997, Lee traveled extensively through Western Queensland, Northern Territory and Outback New South Wales, visiting many country towns in search of inspiration for new songs. Charleville is a country town that over the years has persevered through drought and devastating floods. Like many country towns that have experienced hardship in one way or another, Charleville has survived with grit, determination and a community that sticks together when all seems lost. It was here on that legendary Saturday morning that the idea for a song called "Hat Town" was conceived.

Lee Kernaghan is one of Australia's most popular and influential country singers and songwriters. He has dominated the charts with successive hit albums including "Three Chain Road", "1959", "Hat Town" and "Electric Rodeo" making him Hit Maker of the Decade and creating a new musical landscape along the way. He has done to country music in Australia what Garth Brooks did in the USA..... he blurred the line and took country music out of the box that it had existed in for decades.

Jamie Richards is not a man who fears the machine or cares what “they” think. With boldness, Jamie dares to go where most have drifted from; traditional, honest, down right real country music.

A troubadour, a singer/songwriter, a folky, and a storyteller -- all fair labels for this artist, but they do not quite suffice. However, the tattoo of Woody Guthrie worn proudly on his arm is a good starting place from which to grasp Ellis Paul, for it is from the Woody Guthrie tradition that he hails, and Maine, as well. Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor are also listed among his influences, and their spirits seem to occasionally grace his work. With an acoustic guitar in hand, he weaves intimate, provocative, and romantic tales of lives that were obviously witnessed by a most-talented voyeur. Based in Massachusetts, Ellis has been called the quintessential Boston songwriter more than a few times and has garnered the recognition and awards to back up that claim, including a shelf full of Boston Music Awards.

Don Conoscenti is becoming the singer-songwriter for the connoisseur. Someone has already sent you an email or will send you one soon asking if you have heard his music. He seems to be a secret shared only with the closest friends, or with people who have heard every folk recording.

Lee Kernaghan is back doing what he does best: celebrating the spirit of regional Australia. Featuring seven new recordings among old favourites, Spirit of the Bush includes Lee’s new version of John Schumann’s legendary track, ‘I Was Only 19 (A Day In The Light Green)’ and Peter Allen’s iconic ‘Tenterfield Saddler’. The inspiring title track, ‘Spirit Of The Bush’, was recorded with fellow country artists Adam Brand, Steve Forde and a chorus of guest artists. All up, the album includes an impressive 17 tracks which will not disappoint fans and newcomers alike.

The Clark boys have all been performing virtually since they could talk. Alan (guitar/harmonica/vocals); Aaron (electric bass/vocals); Adam (mandolin/guitar/vocals); Ashley (fiddle/guitar/vocals); Andrew (drums/vocals) and Austin (dobro/vocals) are the oldest in a family of 11 children who basically grew up on the road traveling with their missionary parents, playing and singing during tent revivals. Their father, a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, served as a music teacher to all of his children.