Understanding the history of a city by looking at the artistry of its musicians is a splendid notion, and "American Soundways" with Tripp Clarke takes big steps in the right direction. Since I live near Fort Worth, and have overseen television series on local history, I have a decent grounding in what has shaped Ft. Worth and Dallas. So I can attest that Clarke researches well and writes clearly, and he doesn't disappoint when he sets up his quick profiles and adds the music.

I was impressed with his initial backgrounder, explaining how Ft. Worth was settled and then moving nicely into what made the settlement notorious in the 19th century-- an area of bordellos and bars called Hell's Half Acre. Why is that important? Because music was essential to the entertainment there. And in fact, an equally notorious area, the contemporary Jacksboro Highway with its juke joints and all, has brought terrific musicians to the fore, who are with us today.

I'm disappointed that there are some disjointed seams in the chronology, such as sticking in a current local musician before we hear about Roger Williams ("King of the Road"), and the same goes as he inserts another current band before we understand Townes Van Zandt. I appreciate hearing how Willie Nelson cut his teeth in Ft. Worth, although Austin totally claims him. Two of the most fleshed out profiles are of Delbert McClinton, who does an interview with Clarke, and another of T-Bone Burnett. I would have liked to have heard more substance in the McClinton interview.

Clarke is good about mentioning jazz and do-wop contributions, but it's slight, and there is no mention about Tejano music either. I understand, though, this program isn't all encompassing.

Would we as a local station pick this up? You bet. Should others? Why not, if a music format is primary. The hour-long program is segmented in three, 20 minutes parts. Each segment has a minute cutaway.