"While the term 'new acoustic music' never took hold, numerous sub-genres ranging from singer-songwriter to progressive folk, urban folk and even anti-folk have coalesced under the umbrella of 'contemporary folk.' Today, the expansive genre is at its creative peak, teeming with artists representing all roots and styles, the common denominator remaining a guitar and a few choice words to sing."
- Jim Bessman, excerpted from the liner notes of American Folk
Beginning in 1993, Putumayo released a series of celebrated folk music collections. With American Folk, Putumayo continues to highlight musicians who have written new songs inspired by folk traditions or have created new renditions of classic songs.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of American Folk will be donated to Mercy Corps in support of their efforts to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure and productive communities.
