Country music has always been seen as coming from and appealing to white culture, but black Americans have always listened to it, and many black musicians, songwriters, producers have always been drawn to it. Just think Ray Charles. According to a 1993 survey, 24% of adult, Afro-American radio listeners tune in to country music, and 18-24 year-old, urban youth represent the largest and fastest-growing audience. All of this contradicts common impressions about country music, and tells us this is something to keep an eye on.

Trikont have created this album emphasize that country is a universal sound. Black and white country musicians have collaborated freely and with success throughout the years, and black musicians have been dipping into the country well for inspiration and combining that with blues, soul, funk and gospel to make it a "black" sound, as much it is a "white" sound. Black country artists have been there in the background all along, but because they never fit into the mainstream stylistic schema, many had to pay the price professionally and personally. Dirty Laundry shifts the focus to include black musicians who many have never made a successful country career, but who have contributed to the genre. These tracks were chosen for their originality and soulfulness, rather than their commercial success.

But the goal of redressing an imbalance isn't the reason to buy or listen to the album. Some well-known names are there for neophytes, including the Pointer Sisters, James Brown, Bobby Womack and Curtis Mayfield, who all bring soul and funk into the mix. Lesser known voices and song-smiths are equally remarkable. On "What Condition My Condition Is In," Betty Lavette sings "I tore my mind on a jagged sky." Freddie North pleads richly on "She's All I Got." Ella Washington opens the album with a meandering, soulful rendition of "He Called me Baby." This track features a strong horn section, electric guitars, and Washington herself ripping apart typical country phrasing with gospel style. Stoney Edwards sticks to tried and true country--a solid 4/4 beat, acoustic and electric guitars, and clipped cowboy yodelling. Etta James does a bluesy rendition of "Almost Persuaded," complete with sharp piano riffing, organ and guitar. And of course, there's James Brown funking his way unmistakably through "Your Cheating Heart."

The way country has been taken and cross-fertilised with genres we usually think of as "black" gives us a whole new perspective on our American musical stew. It also makes for an exciting listen full of heart-pounding soul, tragedy and pain.

Dirty Laundry: the Soul of Black Country is released by Trikont, at trikont.com. For more on Lydia Martin, visit lydiamartin.net.

Contributed by: Lydia Martin for www.afropop.org