
On the music front, I most appreciate artists and their repertoire over years of writing and/or performing. In our current digital age, disposable culture and shrunken attention spans, I struggle with today's penchant for "songs" (what - when I was a kid - we called "one hit wonders") versus "albums". I have some "songs" in my collection (mostly dance remixes, appropriately, I think!), but as a relationship person generally, I've always preferred finding an artist that could consistently and repeatedly tell good stories. I'm particularly fond of "theme" or "concept" albums. In fact, one reason I put out my CD when I did is because I recognized - on a time line - putting out a "concept" CD (collection of songs) - complete with well thought out and "intentional" photographic images and including the lyrics in a "designed" lyric booklet - was a "now or never" proposition. In fact, I probably hit the market with a concept CD moments after the whole digital revolution sounded the death knell for the compact disc. But, I would not have missed the opportunity.

So, that's why my favorite genre is "Americana." My favorite artists are all storytellers, regardless of whether they're singer/songwriters or interpretive singers. And, because I have these "relationships" with these artists, I've only room for so many I can truly know in depth. Though most of these are listed on my profile, I wanted to repeat them - and add others - for continuity. Well, the "Old Standbys" include: Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt (when "on" is a "dead on" lyricist/songwriter/musician/storyteller), James Taylor, Nanci Griffith (she just gets better - like a fine wine - with age), Fleetwood Mac and its 'stars' as solo artists: Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham (his new disc, "Gift of Screws," is accessible AND truly good) and Christine McVie.

Emmylou Harris has been another huge influence, Patty Griffin (no one writes about the desolate landscape of heartbreak, hopeless desires and never ending hope so well, I think). I'm particularly moved by "When It Don't Come Easy" and "Rain" (which is the first song of Patty's I ever heard. I remember exactly when and where I was when I heard it). Bruce Cockburn's "Dart to the Heart" is an amazing disc. I think he's underrated, too. David Wilcox lost major label representation, but had/has been making consistently good music for awhile, too.

Other more 'mainstream' favorites include: Shawn Colvin and, of late with his latest disc, John Mellencamp.

And, my latest influence and newest artist in residence on my iPod is Ryan Adams. I've ordered his latest disc - which got really good, probably his best reviews - but haven't got it yet. But, "Easy Tiger" has several solid tracks and his "Follow the Lights" EP he did in 2007 has a chestnut that's in heavy rotation (part of an equally heavily rotated customusic mix I made called "giving thanks" at Thanksgiving) called "My Love For You Is Real." I realized lately it would have been perfect on the "Brokeback Mountain" soundtrack. It has this great building, atmospheric outro that echoes wild, wide open spaces and 'big country' skies . . .






