Recommended for Americana Fans: Amanda Ann Platt and the Honeycutters

@stuartk I don't think there is any value in explaining my ignorant and half-informed definitions.  By labored I meant more professional, with the goal of selling the product. Folk always felt to me like playing to themselves and their bubble and enjoying it. But of course your examples prove how I make no sense.  

I studied music theory when I grew up but it was strictly for my country's musical background where there was folk, folk-dance, gipsy, beat, rock, and classical music. (Totally butchering it, my teacher would smash my head with a book)

And I totally understand if someone doesn't get Shania. I had a phase and it stuck with me. 

@grislybutter

Seems to me you’re being awfully hard on yourself!

Thanks for explaining what you meant by "labored".

I wouldn’t say you weren’t making any sense. I didn’t understand your use of the word labored. Having said that, there are people who just play for fun and others who attempt to make a living, in both Folk and Country -- at least in the US. In the 50’s/early 60’s there was a heightened popular interest in Folk, which got many people into playing guitar who later went on to play other styles, both as amateurs and professionals.

I’ve also studied music theory --up to a point. It’s been very useful for guitar playing. I don’t know why the other guitarists I’ve played with have had zero interest in it.

You wrote "for my country’s musical background". I’m curious; what country are you referring to?

@stuartk it's a sad excuse for a country, but one has no say in where to be delivered. It's that evil money laundering hole for dictators called Hungary. 

@grislybutter 

No; we don't have a choice. 

You live there, currently?

@stuartk no I don't, I live in California.

I do visit once a year to not be detached from reality