MUSIC: Justin Townes Earle

Named after the late country singer Townes Van Zandt and the son of country rocker Steve Earle, Nashville native Justin Townes Earle seemed destined to be a star. His funky acoustic style, coupled with a preternatural songwriting ability and pleasant folk voice, make for a commendable musical effort.

The 28 year-old's third album in two years, Harlem River Blues, debuts tomorrow, but be sure to check out his "earlier" material, including 2009's "Midnight At The Movies" and 2008's "The Good Life". Like an old pair of jeans that you forget about how much you love them until you slip then on, Earle's music is vintage and contemporary all at once; each song makes you want to sing along until you realize you don't know the lyrics.

While the parts of his name already have household recognition, hopefully it won't be long before they collectively do. This is an up-and-coming artist worthy of your ear.

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: Sam & Ruby

She is from Ghana. He hails from Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are based in Nashville. Together they make the folk-pop duo Sam & Ruby.

Released almost a year ago in 2009, their debut album The Here and the Now is perfect blend of folk harmonies, pop hooks, and R&B soulfulness. "More" is a beautiful coming-to-terms break-up song with both parts of the duo singing "Don't be mad about it, just be sad about it. I need more than you have to give." Literally every track on this album contains carefully crafted lyrics and gorgeous vocal arrangements. The horn-infused "Sarah" is the story of telling a friend that the man she is dating is actually married and her reaction while the title track begins with the line "come sit with me on the porch where we last had a fight, tell me its going to be alright" and continues by expressing the fact that relationships are hard but are worth the work.

The stand-out track, however, is "The Suitcase Song" which could be open to interpretation but on a very surface level is the personified story of the way we treat our luggage. In it Ruby sings:

"Remember when I fell down the stairs when you were rushing down that long flight of concrete squares.
You brushed my dirt off and checked to see if you had hurt me more than you thought but how hurt could I be?"

This is the perfect album for anyone who has ever tapped their toe to the stylings of Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Colbie Caillat, Matt Nathanson, Ben Harper, Sara Bareilles, or Jason Mraz. It sounds nothing like any of them but if you like one you will love the other!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: Big City Blues

Keith Gattis has been in the country music business for awhile now. His first self-titled album debuted in 1996 and scored the bluesy singer-songwriter a spot on the country music charts. His second album, Big City Blues, released in 2005, is a inspiring second effort overflowing with toe-tapping, gritty, soulful country music at its best. Perfectly fusing Nashville's Broadway with its Printer's Alley a couple of blocks away, his sophomore effort will not disappoint.

Some of the standout tracks include the titular track, "Big City Blues", and smooth as whisky ballad "The Bottom". My personal favorite, however, is the instrumentally sparse and haunting "Somebody Told Me" in which Gattis speaks to a soon-to-be ex-lover, imploring her with "somebody told me you're sick of your man."

Fellow Nashville artist Miranda Lambert has said she used Gattis as inspiration while recording her hit album, Revolution. It's obviously paying off for Lambert, so why not check out an under-appreciated talent for yourself!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: Sarah Siskind

Please do yourself a favor and check out Sarah Siskind. Her debut album, Say It Louder, is getting all kinds of deservedly good reviews, including Bob Dylan collaborator, Al Kooper, who said it "might be 'Tapestry' for the new millennium."

Die a little when you listen to "Lovin's For Fools".

Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1

MUSIC: Emerald City EP

If you haven't checked out Connecticut native and current Nashville resident Sarah Lou Richards' recently released five song EP "Emerald City", you are behind the curve my friend! Go to iTunes immediately!

Taking inspiration from artists as diverse as mainstream acts like the Dixie Chicks, Miranda Lambert, and Bonnie Raitt to alternative singer-songwriters Ryan Adams, Patty Griffin, Keri Noble, and David Wilcox, Richards has crafted a debut cache of self-penned tunes that show of her talent not only as a vocalist but also as lyricist.

Supported on the guitar by step-brother Ryan Van Arkel, and recorded at Aim For Zero Studios in Waterloo, Iowa, Richards shines on the heartbreaking "Time To Go" and "Space." Also taking center stage is the motivational "Milemarker 1" which chronicles the daily struggles and triumphs of the independent artist.

Rounding out the disc are the tell-off anthem "He Wears Womens' Jeans" and soul-exposing "Made Her Stay."

This is just the start for this rising star. Be the first of your friends to get your ears tuned to this raw young and honest singer.

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: "Mister Officer"

Here's a dare for you: Try to not tap your foot along to "Mister Officer," the new single from the all-sibling band Jypsi. If you end up jumping around and pumping your fists in the air you lose the bet too.

A slight departure from their usual more bluegrassy fare, "Mister Officer" still does what all Jypsi recording do and shows off the groups dynamic talent and personality. Youngest member of the group, and lead singer, Lillie Mae's vocals on this tune come complete with wink and a smile right through the radio dial. The tight instrumentation from the rest of the band, including the two part violin bridge, joining Lillie Mae with eldest sister Amber Dawn, make this one of those songs you crank up in your car and hope you don't get pulled over!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: The Bridges

During a recent meeting of the far-flung ZONINO! staff in music city, USA, Nashville, Tennessee, we had the accidental pleasure of hearing a band that will hopefully be huge one day in the mainstream music world's conscious. While attempting to see another band, we got lost and arrived late to find The Bridges, a group of siblings and their cousin, playing instead. We had missed the group we wanted to see but our ears got another treat instead.

These five relatives, Natalie, Stacey, Isaaca, Jeremy, and Brittany (the cousin) all play and sing either lead or backing vocals to create a unique fusion of country/rock/pop. While one of the highlights of the show was a cover of Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," the group's debut album, 2008's Limits of the Sky, is just as wonderfully addicting.

Check them out and be as pleasantly surprised and entertained as we were!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: soul of me

If this is the last album you ever buy, so be it! Rebecca Correia hand-delivered it to me this past Sunday and I have been listening to the album on repeat ever since. Stripped down, raw and lyrical, soul of me triggers all emotions and leaves you wishing for more. A Massachusetts native, Rebecca has been writing and playing since 4th grade. "Breathe," the first track, was written at a mere 17 years old - I mean, really!??!?!

It's cool to be on the inside of a songwriter's insight. Living with Rebecca last year and knowing her since college has given me the opportunity to be "in the know" for most of her songs. "Hold Me" is a delicate and somewhat fearful song about her mom's battle with breast cancer (that she beat!) and "Tell Kyle" is about the d-bag that she broke it off with shortly before moving to Nashville. It's also cool because I was one of the first to hear the tune "Oh Nashville!"

Bottom line is that the album is amazing; her voice is spellbinding. Also, the chance to see her live is unparalleled. Do not miss it.

The album should be up on iTunes in the next few weeks and you can also buy it on cdbaby.com.

Mrs. Fitz 1

MUSIC: Kings of Leon

First off, I want to comment that Mrs Fitz 2's your most recent post is hysterical because AmErica likes Brett Dennen too but we use him as a "go to" whenever we don't know who someone is. "Oh that's DEFINITELY Brett Dennen!"

Sorry for the tangeant.

New fave of mine is Kings of Leon, Nashville broski's who are just amazingly talented. Off their most current album, which is the one I'm obsessed with, Only By The Night, from 2008 has some great tracks. Check out "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody."

"You know that i could use somebody . . . somebody like you . . . I hope it's gonna make you notice . . .someone like me . . . I'm ready now"

I think they have great lyrics and a raw emotional sound that makes it intimate but they still rock. Check it.

mrs fitz 1

PS: Still can't get over Brett Dennen!