I was born and raised in NYC but I had a cousin who loved Country Music and whenever I went over his house, he'd always put on the stereo (yes, yungins, "stereo"; look it up) and play me what he though were some outstanding artists and bands, all with predominant guitars because he knew I played blues and rock but not Country (and Western). I heard harmonies (interval wise) I never heard before, styles of soloing I never heard before, picking/strumming accompaniment I never heard before and the list goes on and on. The lyrics were true, from the heart and were of stuff every human being can relate to. I have played in some C&W bands but admittedly, my background of predominantly Blues and British [now, Geezer] Rock have always had me on a different wavelength. So, although, C&W isn't my most personal creative bag, I have profound respect for it and all those who are committed to it. YMMV.

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You dig?

Is there any such thing as Country Music, any more?

It looks and sounds, from this opinion, for the last couple decades, to be basically hyper-formulaic, hyper-overproduced, "formula-look" "formula-sound" Stetson-sequin-vocal over-dominated twang-pop.

Ain't no, repeat, NO Hank Williams or Patsy Cline or Johnny Cash or Sons Of The Pioneers any more.

Living in and around Nashville most of my life has soured me on mainstream "country",like Amadillo said it's packaged and sold to people who buy it hook line and sinker.....and they are fanatical about it....I mean once you're in Nashville during Fan Fair or whatever it's called now and you'll see raving lunatics,all slobbering to get a glimpse of their favorite star,and they come from around the world.
Having said that,I've had the pleasure of knowing many people in the music business who are behind the scenes,and who have made that music,and there are some really great musicians who are fantastic players and good people....and they don't get rich or famous.
Around here,if you think you're the local hot shot....you better watch out because there is always somebody listening who can and will blow you away,just for the fun of it....it's very humbling.
edited to add; I don't play country and have never considered myself a country musician....I have a BIL who can burn it up,he keeps me honest.

I have been listening to it online and it is really impressive. Cool to see him play some different genres and play them so well. He is definitely a very underrated player.

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Blues with a feeling.

GUILD GUITARS: MADE TO BE PLAYED!

+1

I'd love to see Vince Gill put out one of all guitar playing like this one!!!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

+1 Their are some good pickers in country. But i love my Rock as well.

I love the old Rock and Roll and the old Country also. When it comes to new music, some (but not all) Country is about all I care for. It's interesting how a great deal of the newer Country guitar playing has moved to much more distortion and away from the old tele "quacking" sound (I do like both).

Guitslinger quoted Steve Earle about Shania Twain.. "She's not hard to look at but awful hard to listen to." Nothing could be more true!

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The quintessential sound of 60/70's R&R:
Fender Tube Amps
Gibson Guitars

I really enjoy "old" country music like Hag, Waylon, and of course George Jones, but the new stuff is as someone else said too processed and pre packaged for my tastes. I played bluegrass for the last 25 or so years so I tend to lean to more traditional sounds. I guess to sum it up for me modern country is more like pop in a cowboy hat, and I just double checked my spelling on pop so I did'nt put too many o's in it and run the risk of offending anyone

Hi love all the pull offs wide bends and double stops in country and western.

It ain't the way Hank did it, but Reckless Kelly and a few others have renewed my faith in country music. Just not that syrupy stuff coming out of Nashville, now. But then again, come to think of it, it's been 50 years since B.B. and Buddy put Chicago blues on the map, and they're not making any more like those guys, either.

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Strat+Tweed=Tone

Shooter Jennings has some pretty good tunes, but Waylon might not have approved?

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

IKD, Mike. I think Waylon would approve. Shooter's doing his own thing in his own way, and even if the music's not exactly the same, his daddy's spirit is very much alive. "Let's put the 'O' back in country!"

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Strat+Tweed=Tone

Shooter is playing Mastodon-style art metal with his new
group, Hierophant :

http://www.shooterjennings.com/

Check it out :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDnYxa6C ... re=related

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I wasn't aware of that. I knew about Hank III playing metal. These rebellious kids...

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Strat+Tweed=Tone