Reckless Kelly are somewhat of a darling of the Americana scene, hailing from the ever-vibrant Texas music world (though they got their start in Oregon). This year, the Americana Music Association nominated the band for Duo or Group of the Year - not entirely surprising, since they had a No. 1 hit on the Americana chart with "Ragged as the Road" from their latest release Bulletproof (Yep Roc, 2007).

The new disc, to be titled Somewhere in Time, is already receiving considerable buzz around the blogosphere. Fans can preview tracks from the disc on Reckless Kelly's Web site, or hold their horses for the Feb. 9, 2010, release on Yep Roc.

image © Yep Roc Records

Dave Rawlings has, for years, been one of the most respected instrumentalists in contemporary folk and roots music. As Gillian Welch's collaborative music partner, Rawlings has charmed and impressed audiences with his dexterity on guitar. Now with his own outfit, the Dave Rawlings Machine, he's released one of the finest "debut" albums of recent note. Read my full review of Dave Rawlings Machine - A Friend of a Friend.

image © Acony Records

A month or so ago, I suggested Bob Dylan's new, much-discussed Christmas album, Christmas in the Heart was really awful or was an hilarious joke. Now, the legendary singer-songwriter has released a video to go along with the album's lead single "Must Be Santa".

In the video, Dylan stands deadpan in the middle of a rather raucus Christmas celebration. There's large group dances, sing-alongs, and swinging from the chandelier, not to mention Dylan with cigar and accordion (not at the same time, of course), and an almost Tom Petty-ish outfit. You can watch the video for "Must Be Santa" on Dylan's website. Comments, of course, are welcome right here.

image © Columbia Records

The first decade of the 2000s has seen a number of new folk artists, singers, and bands pulling from traditional and contemporary folk, Americana, old time, and bluegrass music. From direction-forging innovators to those keeping traditional music alive and pure, there have been some hugely notable new artists on the scene these past few years. Here's a look at ten of the best breakout folk, bluegrass, and Americana artists of the 2000s.

photo Karl Walter / Getty Images