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Country music has always been seen as coming from, and appealing to, a white population but black Americans have always listened to country music in America. Many grew up in areas where it and Bluegrass dominated local radio and because of this black musicians, song writers, producers have always been drawn to it. They have been there in the background all along but because they never fitted into the mainstream country image, many had to pay the price professionally and personally.

Artists such as Ella Washington (featured on Dirty Laundry) released a few country singles in the 1960s but when success didn't come she gave up and turned to gospel. Otis Williams (also featured) had enjoyed hits in the 1950s but he couldn't convince either the King label or the Epic label to record him on a solo album. James Brown has recorded country tracks again and again but when invited to the highlight of country music events -- the Grand Ole Opry -- he outraged his audience by incorporating his funk into the 'pure' country sound.

Trikont have created this album to make it clear country is a black sound whatever its image may be. Black and white musicians have collaborated freely, and with success, throughout the years and black musicians have been dipping into country style and sound for inspiration and have combined it with blues, soul, funk and gospel to make a very 'black' sound. Dirty Laundry shifts the focus to include those who have contributed to country with tracks chosen for their originality and soulfulness, rather than their commercial success.

But this idea of telling the truth about country isn't the only reason to buy or listen to the album. The sounds you hear are enough. Some well-known names are there for those new to country, including the Pointer Sisters, James Brown, Bobby Womack and Curtis Mayfield who inhabit country tracks like they were their first love. But other voices and song-smiths on the album are just as remarkable: Betty Lavette with her tragic voice on 'What Condition My Condition Is In' singing lines like "I tore my mind on a jagged sky", or Freddie North pleading in 'She's all I got'. Ella Washington opens the album with a meandering soulful rendition of "He Called me Baby" - there's a strong horn section in there, electric guitars and her voice that has the Country phrasing which Washington rips apart with her gospel style. Then there's Etta James who does a bluesy rendition of "Almost Persuaded" - complete with sharp piano sounds, organ and guitar. And of course James Brown funking his unmistakable way through "Your Cheating Heart". Track after track full of soul, tragedy and pain that pound the heart when you play them.

Dirty Laundry: The Soul of the Black Country is released by Trikont www.trikont.com