Country today is what the mostly Nashville machine puts out by formula. The market is absolutely huge, so it is not surprising that the corporate music industry is very eager to tame, drive and predict its behavior. As an artist that fact is both frustrating and promising.

There are some real gems among the country pop artists - Vince Gill is genuine artist with a deep love for country music, a gift for writing and razor sharp musicianship. He has written songs that cross all boundaries, though they were delivered through the country medium. Ricky Skaggs, who has flirted with mainstream country for years - is a likewise highly talented artsist, as are Alison Kraus, Emily Harris and many others. Vince is the only one still considered mainstream country - but the others have or have had their place. These are all artist who the folk, blue grass and country worlds can love equally. Formula as it may be, the passion of country music has its roots in Apalachian folk, blue grass and rock.

We can shy away or shun the commercialism that drives the country machine, but there are some genuine, gifted and dedicated artists working in that world producing some wonderful music. After accepting a recent offer, I hope to become one of them.