My top 10 for 2012 features great country artists, young and old, legendary and up-and-coming.

Lots of people might look at this list and say, “Who are all these people?” In roots and Americana music, and at my house, they're stars. And these albums explain why.

Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott
"We're Usually a Lot Better than This"
Full Lights

In 2000 Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott released "Real Time," a gorgeous album of duets by two complete masters of instrumentation, arrangement and performance. Beautiful.

Without regard for cold starts or protocol for warming up the crowd, Darrell Scott began his set last night with "River Take Me," and immediately turned the entire Old Rock House audience attention to the stage. For the reminder of the night we were rapt by his song stories of life and love.

For years, Darrell Scott has been one of Nashville's best kept secrets. But with his work with Robert Plant's Band of Joy and a stream of solo albums, fans of roots music have taken notice.

There are no easy labels for Darrell Scott. In his career he's been a first-call session musician in Nashville, a songwriter, performer, collaborator and producer -- and he recently toured with Robert Plant as part of his Band of Joy.

Rock legend and Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant returned to the Fabulous Fox last night with his Grammy-nominated Band of Joy, featuring a powerhouse lineup of American roots musicians.