GRASS ANYONE?

Well, technically not bluegrass, but very interesting stuff. Blueground Undergrass is a really cool band. They are actually kinda like an electric bluegrass jam band. They are interesting as they have a following like a small band of Deadheads. People travel to their shows, record them and post the concerts on the internet for all to use. This practice is embraced by the band and they even allow you to plug into the mixing board to record. Too cool.

Now, this may not be to everyone's taste, but I love it.

Check it out:

http://www.bluegroundundergrass.com/blueground/

Enjoy,

TIC

Amen to the above suggestions: Dave Grisman, Tony Rice, Darol Anger, and ESPECIALLY the SELDOM SCENE with Mike Auldridge; regarded by many as THE best bluegrass. My father (God rest his soul) loved bluegrass, Flatt & Scruggs, and always waxed on about the Seldom Scene. I went to a two-day bluegrass festival in the catskills with dad about 10 years ago and there was a special apearance by the Sceldom Scene and they easily blew everyone else away with superior artistic vision, dynamics, harmonics, basic excellence in songwriting.

Strenght in Numbers "Telluride Sessions" is playing as I browse today. Not true bluegrass, instrumental cuts from the cream of the bluegrass crop. Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Mark O'connor Edger Meyer and of course Bela Fleck. These guys are incedible. On "Duke and Cookie" the players trade licks so hot they could be Mahavisnu Orchestra on moonshine. "The Locks of Dread" is just your typical Celtic/Reggae hybrid. On "One Winters Night" Mark O'connors violin stirs your soul and then Jerry Douglas carries it to heaven on his dobro. Did I say that?! Regardless, everyone should have this CD, bluegrass fan or not.

Lot of great suggestions above. I'm going to recommend some specific titles:

In the same vein as the Brother Where Art Thou songtrack is a songtrack cd called "Songcatcher."

The early Alison Krauss and Union Station cds, and maybe the latest (tho I still haven't opened it), but some of the ones in between are a little more pop oriented.

Anything by Doc Watson, but you could start with "Remembering Merle."

Jerry Douglas, "Slide Rule." (Jerry plays dobro)

Tony Furtado, "Within Reach." (Tony plays banjo, Jerry plays dobro on a couple of cuts, and Alison Krauss sings "I Will")

Emmylou Harris, "Roses in the Snow" and "Blue Kentucky Girl"

Not exactly Bluegrass:

"newgrass:" - Gillian Welch, "Revival." A remarkable album of brand new old timey music with a bass.

mountain music: - Patty Loveless, "Mountain Soul" - her Dad really did mine coal.

- The McCarters, "The Gift," an lp if you can find it by 3 sisters. The cd "Jennifer McCarter and the McCarters" is not as good.

The best for last, unclassifiable American music: Iris Dement, "Infamous Angel." Actually all three of her cds. Merle Haggard calls her the greatest singer he has ever heard. Singer/songwriter actually.

If you're looking for a catalog of some great bluegrass stuff, Rebel Records of Virginia has a nice one online. Have a look here.

http://www.countysales.com/php-bin/categories.php?PHPSESSID=d70246790d97fb8c4ae3c9f1b6dc7ff4&category_id=1

I've seen the Seldom Seen (mentioned above) and they are certainly the real deal. They've done a lot with Rebel Records. I'd also recomend the Hogwaller Ramblers for some great bluegrass plus some fusion bluegrass/rock material. Try here http://www.hogwaller.com/index.html There's lots more out there, enjoy the ride.