Various American Songbook (CD)

(Volume) 17 tracks

Welcome to the American Songbook
Garth Brooks is a country artist, I hope to God I'm not.” So said Steve Earle in an interview for American Songbook. We think you're a country artist, Steve, but this is not the time to argue the merits of Garth Brooks. However, it's time to explain what the American Songbook is all about. The American Songbook is about more than just country - it's about great music and artists who are more concerned with making music than making money. Last year, US trade magazine Gavin coined the term “Americana” to encompass a wide range of artists under a single umbrella. For Gavin, Americana means American roots music
be it country, bluegrass, hillbilly, folk, gospel or good old rock 'n' roll... American Songbook explores all of these musical styles and more - exploring the connections between different traditional music styles (Kathy Mattea, Maura O'Connell), the ongoing crossover between rock and country (Golden Smog, The V-roys) and the persistence of old values (Freakwater, BR5-49). The only way to really find out what the American Songbook is all about is to listen to the artists. Listen to the CD, read the book, and if you're really looking for a catch-all term for the American Songbook, try “Cosmic American Music” by Gram Parsons. For me, that fits... PIERS HAWKINS j