At the heart of this album are contemporary singer-songwriters who have honed their craft by exploring the country's rural traditions. Texas native Terri Hendrix has become one of the folk world's most endearing voices ... more »and delivers the heartwarming "Prayer for My Friends," while the eclectic Josh Ritter offers a tribute to the city of "Harrisburg." RobinElla was trained in the church before launching into the public eye, while Ruthie Foster's 2002 debut earned her comparisons to Tracy Chapman, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Robert Earl Keen, one of the leading stars of the movement, and Old Crow Medicine Show give a nod to America's fascination with transportation on "Ride" and "Wagon Wheel" respectively. The Little Willies, a group that includes Grammy-award winners Norah Jones contributes "It's Not You, It's Me" is taken. The development of Americana has also allowed artists who may have been considered supporting musicians to take center stage. Banjo virtuoso Alison Brown began her career as a member of Alison Krauss' Union Station before pursuing a successful solo career that earned her a Grammy in 2000. Fiddler Carrie Rodriguez's talents captured the attention of Texas legend Chip Taylor and together they have received accolades from the Americana music community. Other relative newcomers, including Kevin Kerby of Mulehead and Eliza Lynn, have found a home within Americana's walls. Kevin recorded "Frankie Lee" in 2005, while Eliza Lynn contributes the unreleased but aptly titled "Sing a New Song." A portion of Putumayo's proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network, which feeds local communities who struggle with persistent hunger on a daily basis.« less
At the heart of this album are contemporary singer-songwriters who have honed their craft by exploring the country's rural traditions. Texas native Terri Hendrix has become one of the folk world's most endearing voices and delivers the heartwarming "Prayer for My Friends," while the eclectic Josh Ritter offers a tribute to the city of "Harrisburg." RobinElla was trained in the church before launching into the public eye, while Ruthie Foster's 2002 debut earned her comparisons to Tracy Chapman, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Robert Earl Keen, one of the leading stars of the movement, and Old Crow Medicine Show give a nod to America's fascination with transportation on "Ride" and "Wagon Wheel" respectively. The Little Willies, a group that includes Grammy-award winners Norah Jones contributes "It's Not You, It's Me" is taken. The development of Americana has also allowed artists who may have been considered supporting musicians to take center stage. Banjo virtuoso Alison Brown began her career as a member of Alison Krauss' Union Station before pursuing a successful solo career that earned her a Grammy in 2000. Fiddler Carrie Rodriguez's talents captured the attention of Texas legend Chip Taylor and together they have received accolades from the Americana music community. Other relative newcomers, including Kevin Kerby of Mulehead and Eliza Lynn, have found a home within Americana's walls. Kevin recorded "Frankie Lee" in 2005, while Eliza Lynn contributes the unreleased but aptly titled "Sing a New Song." A portion of Putumayo's proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network, which feeds local communities who struggle with persistent hunger on a daily basis.
Susan S. (susie-q) from COMER, GA Reviewed on 10/3/2010...
Love it.
CD Reviews
Very much an Austin-flavored collection (4.5 stars)
R. Kyle | USA | 08/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You could almost cull this CD from KGSR Austin's playlist archives. Many of my favorite Texas-based folks are here, including Terri Hendrix, Chip Taylor and Robert Earl Keen. I know Austin is a well-spring of music, but I'd like to hear some artists from other parts of the country as well.
The good aspect of Putumayo collections is that you always discover something new and a portion of your money goes to a good cause. In the case of this CD, it's the Second Harvest Food Bank.
The bad aspect is you can end up spending a LOT more money on CDs. If you like the Little Willies selection, their CD is a winner. Robert Earl Keen's "Farm Fresh Onions" is also another well-done CD. Additionally, check into Dave Carter. His passage robbed the Americana scene of a defining artist, but his current catalogue is still very much acquiring.
I particularly liked the choices and the sequencing of this CD. "Hole in my Pocket" covered by Ruthie Foster for the end number was a haunting choice and a suitable coda for the selections."
So nice to feed ears
Jinhu Guo | Chicago, IL | 07/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just recieved the email recommonding this album, actually I remembered I saw it before at putumayo website, but didn't pay much attention, because I didn't think it's my taste. But now I'm listening, and find it really nice entertainment to ears."
Patriotic Putumayo
Amaranth | Northern California | 07/17/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Americana" was released in time for Independence Day, perfect music to accompany barbecues and laidback fireworks shows. With its red, white, and blue motif, it's patriotic without being obnoxious. It celebrates American folk music heritage.
"Americana" has a diverse range of artists. Their music isn't challenging (if you prefer psychedelic country,get Workingman's Dead instead),but it's pleasant. There are spiritual songs,like RobinElla's "Down the mountain" and Terri Hendrix's "Prayer for my friends." Rising star Josh Ritter has a tribute to his town of Harrisburg. Eliza Lynn's "Sing a new song" shines light on a new talent. The Old Crow Medicine Show,which has performed on Prairie Home Companion,contributes Wagon Wheel. Banjo player Alison Brown,who was once with Alison Krauss' Union Station,has "Deep gap." Norah Jones shows she's better collaborating with others than as a solo artist when she channels her inner Patsy Cline with the Little Willies in "It's not you,it's me." The compilation closes with Ruthie Foster's hopeful "Hole in my pocket."
"Americana" is relaxing music. It's an all-American compilation like apple pie and barbecue. Enjoy!"