Patty Loveless started something back in 2001 with the release of her original "Mountain Soul" album. It was a tribute to her coal miner dad who died from Black Lung disease. The album was totally true to her background as a coal miner's daughter. It just sang with the sounds of the mountains of Eastern Kentucky where she grew up. It's an album that's more authentic country than most anything you'll hear on the radio these days. This came at what became a departure point for her from the radio friendly country she became famous for and landed her squarely in the middle of true to life down home Bluegrass tinged Appalachian music! She hasn't looked back since. The albums you see above all reflect that real country sensibility and were neatly book-ended with her "Mountain Soul II" album last year, the one pictured at the bottom. While the three in the middle were less acoustic than the two Mountain Soul albums, they all take their place as throw backs to a simpler time when country was the sound that influenced rock and roll instead of the other way around. She's hit a sweet spot for me. I just love the sound of it all. I got to see her perform in person this past summer. She played to an outdoor crowd of approximately 8,000 folks in of all places Roosevelt, Utah. It really was a perfect setting for pure country music. You don't find yourself much farther out in the country than that! The crowd was obviously familiar with her popular stuff, but the more rootsy material that I adore was also much appreciated. Truth being said, even her country pop was pretty close to traditional. She was one of the wave of neo-traditional artists who came out in the late 80's and early 90's like George Strait, Ricky Skaggs and Alan Jackson. There must have been some other female artists in that same category, but none come to mind just now. Maybe it's because she really is pretty unique and occupies a place few others could challenge. Maybe Loretta Lynn, but I dunno! Whatever, she has a voice and a style I adore she's pretty timeless and her stuff will never wear thin, so hats off to one of my favorites, Patty Loveless! As usual, click on her name in the header to be taken to her website. BTW, the latest "Mountain Soul" is wonderful. Check out "Diamond in My Crown" with Emmylou Harris. Mmmm, Mmmm!!!
