Guest Contributor

Discussion: An Elvis Kind of Christmas

December 6, 2008 Guest Contributor 6

Through the wonders of digital technology, duets with the deceased are not only possible, but convincing collaborations can be constructed from the transcendent art they’ve left behind. To honor Elvis Presley, a new collection of

Shelby Lynne, Just a Little Lovin’

December 5, 2008 Guest Contributor 5

Shelby Lynne Just a Little Lovin’ Dusty Springfield portrayed sexual longing and soulful intensity in a thrilling manner. Her nakedly honest songs seemed to be a survival mechanism. If she couldn’t speak her candid truths,

Discussion: Grammy Double Whammy

December 4, 2008 Guest Contributor 48

The Grammy nominations last night ignited a large number of responses, so tonight, we are opening up the floor for even more discussion. During CMA time, the mood was negative. However, last night’s events, for

Allison Moorer, Mockingbird

December 4, 2008 Guest Contributor 6

Allison Moorer Mockingbird Allison Moorer’s latest album is an exercise in splendid restraint. Excepting the title track, a Moorer original, Mockingbird is a collection of songs written and performed by the women who serve as her musical idols. Moorer shows an overt dedication to

George Strait, Troubadour

December 3, 2008 Guest Contributor 9

George Strait Troubadour A paragon of consistency, George Strait debuted in 1981, just as the Urban Cowboy fad was fading. But Strait, a true-to-life Texas buckaroo, is no fad, and judging by his newest album, Troubadour, he’s surely not fading. Strait

Discussion: Favorite Cowboy Songs

December 2, 2008 Guest Contributor 9

A long time ago, in a land far, far away, country music was called “country and western” music. The singing cowboy has been one of the central figures in the rich tapestry of the genre.

Rebecca Lynn Howard, No Rules

December 2, 2008 Guest Contributor 13

Rebecca Lynn Howard No Rules Patty Loveless has proclaimed her as a thrilling voice in modern-day country. Trisha Yearwood covered two of her gorgeously sad ballads on 2001’s Inside Out. And yet, Rebecca Lynn Howard

The Steeldrivers, The Steeldrivers

December 1, 2008 Guest Contributor 3

The SteelDrivers The SteelDrivers With their eponymous debut, The Steeldrivers have delivered a stirring symphony of haunting rhythms and clever stories that are classified as bluegrass. But the five-piece band, a collection of veteran musicians based

Jewel, Perfectly Clear

November 26, 2008 Guest Contributor 1

Jewel Perfectly Clear It seemed to be a suave career move. An Alaskan-born woman of the wilderness, wedded to a rodeo cowboy, embraces her down-home roots and heads for Nashville to join the ranks of

Discussion: The Right to Write

November 24, 2008 Guest Contributor 10

Mary Chapin Carpenter has been tapped by the Washington Times to write a regular column in the paper’s “Show” section, and her first article appeared on Friday, November 21. A press released last week lauded