Rural Route Music by Bluegrass Johnson 

 

BITTER SWEET, Ky. — Okay, I’m just going to say it; I don’t think I’m hearing enough women on country radio these days.

I’m not sure why because there seems be plenty of female country singers releasing albums, but the trend right now seems to favor the guys when it comes to top 40 country radio. A leading country music publication listed its top 40 albums of the year recently, of which only 14 were released by female solo or duet acts.

By the end of 2014, of the top 40 songs listed on one of the most listened to country music weekly countdowns, only four were from female artists.

I know these numbers are generated by the music buyer and listener, but I think there is more good music out there from our female country artists than maybe we are getting to hear. With that said, I would like to share a couple of my female picks for last year.

First, and one of my favorites from 2014, is from Rosanne Cash; a CD titled The River and the Thread. This is quite simply a great piece of work by one of the best singer-songwriters in the world. It may be the best she has ever recorded, at least for me.

While this album did top the American Music Assoc.’s charts, it’s likely that most listeners to top 40 country radio didn’t hear much if any from this selection. This album which blends country, blues and folk into a wonderful creation, received rave reviews and was nominated for three Grammys. All the critics recognize how good it is, so I think it deserves a little bit more radio love.

Angaleena Presley, who made her mark singing with Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe in the group Pistol Annies released her debut album, American Middle Class, last year.

The album showcases Presley’s strong vocals and a frank look at her life growing up in eastern Kentucky. Its honesty may keep it away from mainstream radio, but will win the hearts of many fans that appreciate an honest look at a sometimes tough life.

I had to listen to this CD a couple of times to begin to appreciate what Presley was saying and what a great piece of work this is.

I give both Presley and Cash a solid 95, A for their wonderful work and hope to hear much more of each of these performers and our great female artists on the radio soon.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody.

From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week.

Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.