What’s edgy in country music

Although grudgingly respectful by the end, Randy Lewis’ critique of Emmylou Harris’ concert (“Emmylou Harris Plays Safe,” Oct. 9) dwelt largely on what he saw as Harris’ lack of “edge” and courage, as evidenced by her artistic decision not to replay her brand-new album straight through (a la Neil Young’s recent “Greendale” tour).

What disturbs me is Lewis’ very narrow sense of what counts as “risk” and “edge.” In fact, the decisions Harris made for the evening -- including the one to open with the astonishing and resolutely non-alternative country sound of her guitarist, Buddy Miller -- could not possibly have been more radical.

Jayne Lewis

Irvine