Anais Mitchell may be a relatively unknown singer-songwriter to most folks, although she's been working her way up the proverbial food chain for a few years. Her last full-length album, The Brightness dropped on Righteous Babe in 2007, followed by a brief EP the following year. Neither could possibly compare, however, to Hadestown - a folk opera modeled after the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, featuring Mitchell, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, Ani DiFranco, and Greg Brown. Read my full review of Hadestown.

image © Righteous Babe Records

Patty Larkin has been making great music for 25 years now, and has just released a commemorative album, appropriately titled 25, wherein she pairs up with 25 remarkable artists for 25 songs. It's a terrific disc, and a full review is on the way. But, in the meantime, why not take a moment to learn a little more about this wonderful singer-songwriter. Check out this profile of Patty Larkin, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

photo © Jana Leon

March is Women's History Month, so it only makes sense to make a point of spotlighting some of the finest women singer-songwriters in contemporary American folk music. I'll start with Shawn Colvin, whose confessional narrative songs have cemented her as a force on the national folk circuit over the past couple of decades. Her collaborations with everyone from Suzanne Vega to Buddy Miller have also showcased her versatility as a contributing musician.

Learn more about Shawn Colvin with this complete biography and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Rounder Records turned 40 years old last year, cementing a legacy which has spanned generations and proven to be one of the most influential and reputable roots record labels in the industry. Rounder artists have earned numerous Grammy, IBMA and other awards through the years.

Back in October, a concert celebrating Rounder's first 40 years took place at the Ryman Auditorium, featuring performances by Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck, and others. The show will air all this month (March 2010) on PBS and will be released on DVD May 4. Proceeds will go to the Grammy in the Schools program.

photo: Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images