Recommended for Americana Fans: Amanda Ann Platt and the Honeycutters


I spend many hours exploring artists unfamiliar to me on Spotify. This week I came across this band. I’d never come across any mention of them before and thought other Americana fans here might enjoy them.

New York born and transplanted to North Carolina, Amanda Ann Platt is an excellent songwriter who’s asserted she’s as much influenced by Springsteen and Tom Petty as by Classic Country artists. Although a cursory listen might suggest the music is Country (due to the presence of pedal steel and mandolin and the overall rhythmic feel), the writing is more sophisticated and not hobbled by adherence to familiar Country tropes. In other words, it stands up to repeated listening. I particularly like "On The Ropes". On this particular record, the utilization of a Strat, incorporating bluesy bends and a Knopfler-esque tone imparts a Rock tinge that is distinctly different from Tele chicken-pickin’.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDVVjPva0vI&list=OLAK5uy_lXj0YAS5kf7T47Eu-vEExnAyKAGjCSggk&index=2

 

 

stuartk

Showing 36 responses by slaw

The Jayhawks "Tomorrow The Green Grass"

Maybe among my earlier Americana influence.

I have a local music buddy that ..we are able to bounce similar musical interests off of in spite of our 6 year age difference.

@stuartk

"stylistic potpourri" excellent assessment.

Started my listening day with "Reflections"

@stuartk

Yeah, I meant Reflections. I understand your point. Most suggestions here will likely be very subjective.

@stuartk  

The "dividing line" is a hard one for me. Ever since musical genres became very mixed around the 90s and going forward, I don't feel confident in my classification skills but choose to highlight some artists here that seem to me have merit as Americana.

The Hiatt video seems to me to be more Roots/Country but couldn't that be an Americana description as well?

I think Tift Merritt deserves inclusion. I saw her my first time,  on the Traveling Alone tour. Had a great pedal steel player named Eric Heywood. Was once in Son Volt. Gotta mention John Coverntino on drums

"Eden Alley". Maybe a better description would be Americana tinged lyrics and vocals with pop sensibilities.

I've seen Shovels and Rope twice. Great band. Each playing multiple instruments and singing at same time.

@asvjerry  

Don't believe I ever realized that you were a fellow NC-linian.

Glad to hear you weren't directly affected by Helene.