Here's my list (probably left a few out) with a few short comments. I expect some will say my definition of "NEW" Country is a bit broad, but if I were stricter, there wouldn't be much to recommend, would there?

In reading over my list, I see I have voted with the side that says there are at least some good singers on the ladies' side, practically none on the men's side.

Kelly Willis, distinctive voice, not what Country wants nowadays. Definitely doesn't sound like anybody else

Mandy Barnett, a bit like Patsy Cline.

Gail Davies, been around a while, but as good as ever and a writer of the first degree.

Kimmie Rhodes, practically criminal that she is not better known.

Patty Loveless, recent offerings right on the edge of Bluegrass and GOOD

Suzy Bogguss, puts the WESTERN back in Country.

Julie & Buddy Miller, a bit hard to categorize, but give a listen, you'll be glad you did.

Good luck trying to find any of them on the radio.


Special Australian Section

Sara Storer, definitely the most Australian in Australian Country. Critics say most of the rest are all trying to sound as though they are from the States. My ears don't hear it that way. All the Australians I listen to seem to be a few years behind the trends in U.S. Country music, a good thing.

Lee Kernaghan

Tania Kernaghan

Ray Kernaghan, their Dad, hard to get more country than this

Gina Jeffreys

Beccy Cole, wicked sense of humour

Catherine Britt, recently signed to RCA, so she should be heard in the US soon

Shanley Del, originally from NZ, but has been in AUS long enough to count

Anne Kirkpatrick and oh yeah, her Dad ~~ Slim Dusty


Special Canadian Section

Quartette (Cindy Church, Sylvia Tyson, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick and former member Coleen Peterson, now deceased)

All of the above with their solo projects.

Ian Tyson, not the least bit "NEW" but still turning out great stuff

Dan et Lou, even if you don't understand French

The Ennis Sisters, not quite Country, but close enough, though I did like their earliest recordings best

Amanda Stott, closer to U.S. Country than a person might like, but still OK

These last two probably do not belong ~~ Nova Scotians Aselin Debison and The Cottars, but I can't resist recommending them. Some of Aselin's stuff is close to Country, most of The Cottars' is not. Listen anyway.