Soulful soloists

NEXT time, perhaps, you might choose to critique the term “divas,” greatly overused in popular publications and by those in the music industry. If these young female musicians are as thoughtful as you maintain, they may have a more critical perspective about the injudicious use of that word.

Second, I might recommend Maureen Mahon’s “Right to Rock” about the black rock coalition, which forecasts many of the insights you mentioned. One might infer from your suggestion that these artists appropriate folk-rock musical styles, that there is no black tradition of “folk” (meaning acoustic guitar-singer) music. Of course, this is not the case. One has only to examine the careers of Memphis Minnie, Rosetta Tharpe, Odetta, Leadbelly, etc., to identify exemplars of this style.

EILEEN M. HAYES

Assistant professor of music

University of North Texas

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RIGHT on. I was just reading “The Mansion on the Hill” last night and getting depressed. Your piece on guitar soul divas offers a glimmer of hope -- not only that singers singing meaningful songs are getting another day in the sun, but that, unlike their forebears, they may not need much sunscreen. I’m so ready for that.

GREG GORDON SMITH

Los Angeles

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CAN’T remember the last time I read a music commentary that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I applaud your candid contention that although these women are beyond talented, and a growing force within the music industry that will soon take a larger market share, their first struggle is to overcome the prejudices of the record label that records them.

LISA M. AUSTIN

Via the Internet

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AN awesome article, that mentioned many great artists.... with one major exclusion: Amanda Dumas. I saw Amanda perform at the Greek Theatre last Sunday. She’s a fresh, innovative performer; she was onstage equipped only with her acoustic guitar and accompanied by her percussionist. Her voice is unique, strong and beautiful.

CYNTHIA HOPSON

Los Angeles