I just watched Josh Groban on a PBS special a couple nights ago. I'd heard of him before, but had never listened to his music. I have to admit that I was very impressed. He's a very talented young musician, and hopefully, the start of a new trend in the music business, to play music by young people who are popular because of their God-given talents, and not because they dress in skimpy outfits and jump around the stage like cheerleaders.
I would say you have more of a folk tradition in Canada, and there are plenty of young artists who are doing well in the genre: Jory Nash, Aengus Finnan, James Keelaghan, Ron Sexsmith, JP Cormier, and I'm sure I'm missing a few. We just don't see young folk musicians getting much exposure on this side of the border. They're out there, but they are on independant labels, and are not getting their music out to a large group of listeners.
Gee. I think I'll move to Canada. I'm just a skip and a hop away. I could sneak across the border after dark.
I love Canada. I hang out with a bunch of New Brunswick fiddlers, and they're the nicest bunch of people I've ever met.
Cathy
http://www.cathycowette.com