[SvilleKid]

They have been out there in the last 15 years, but have to look at early stuff of John Mayer, Nora Jones, Ben Harper, Amos Lee ("Arms of a Woman" - gets two thumbs up for me!), Jack Johnson. A lot of good singing talent was in the gospel genre (particularly like Selah and Jaci Velasquez). Mainstream stuff did suck, IMO. The ones listed above were mainly billed as folk singers, though several went mainstream. New groups have a tough time, because there's not (yet) a good source for them to get their music to the masses via radio waves. YouTube might very well be the break-out source of the future, IMO.

I'm mainly an old rock and roller from the 60's, 70's and very early 80's, but find many new(er) groups/artists I can enjoy. For a good mix of sounds, try Cadillac Sky. Kinda a country/folk/southern rock group (my definition). I also like Zack Brown Band. I've about lost touch with Country music, since it seems every act tries to be exactly like some other group. Guys all sound like George strait or Kenny Chesney, Woman all have to be glamor queens for the videos, and sing cookie-cutter songs and sound like Faith Hill. May be unique acts out there, but I doubt you will find them on the radio waves!

I'll give a listen to those you have listed. Maybe I can add to my list of newer acts that are worth the time to listen!!