Any bluegrass fans?

I agree with many of the obove answers........ go back to Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs etc. then check out some of the more modern stuff too Hot Rize, (Tim O'Brien solo as well), New Grass Revival, Tony Rice etc. Be well rounded, blue grass is great music especially if you dig a little (check out some of the old Vanguard or Smithsonian issues of Kentucky mountain music (Clarence Ashley etc.)).

Here's an interesting pick that I just purchased.

Steve Earle and the Del McCoury Band-Mountian

A nice mix of one of todays top song writers (Earle) and todays best BlueGrass Bands (McCoury).

BTW, Steve Earle, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, NickelCreek, Lucinda Williams, EmmyLou Harris and more were in Cincinnati last weekend for the Tall Stacks Festival. I caught several of the acts "up-close and personal". It was a real treat!!!!

Enjoy,

TIC

I have a special affinity for bluegrass and most all of the above already have a place in my collection. Some of the early Bill Monroe on Decca are just great. Stanley Brothers, too. In addition to those already mentioned, there is the Osborne Family in various combinations, the Dillards (some of whom were the Darlings on the old Andy Griffith Show), Bela Fleck did a couple of "Bluegrass Session" release including Earl Scruggs and others. I will throw out there Norman Blake (virtuoso guitar), as well. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is a classic as is "Symphonian Dreams". Kind of a hybrid bluegrass/rock/country that I've always liked is the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, especially the "Men From Earth" LP.

Lots of great suggestions here. I'll have to mention Jorma Kaukonen's "Blue Country Heart" again. I have really enjoyed that album.

I also highly recommend you check out Yonder Mountain String Band. They put on a *great* show, and are touring A LOT. Their CDs are nioce, but the show is where it is at. Bluegrass with a bit of improv and a tip of the hat to some psychedelia.

Mhedges, I saw Ralph Stanley last week. It was a great couple hours of music. His "Death Song" is incredible. That ole boy can still sing! I also saw a Doc Watson
festival in Boone NC this summer which was a real treat. After the show I sat around a camp fire and listened to the Krueger Brothers play for another two hours.
I am becoming a real fan of live Bluegrass. Besides the great music, I think the fans that show up at these shows are some of the most appreciative music fans I've experienced. Anybody ever been to Merelefest? I think this is the quintessential blue grass festival. I may go next year. I've also heard that the Bluegrass festival in Telluride is spectacular.
I like all the suggestions above. The old school stuff never gets tiresome. (The Allison Krause & Union Station LIVE DVD is a must have for any Bluegrass fan)… But there are some great young musicians out there. One I like is "Snake Oil Medicine Show" A little like Betty Boop meets Bluegrass... very original and fun. Another new favorite is "Deep Canyon Rangers."... Fabulous musicians... Their live recordings are at there best when they get on a roll on a long jam.
Happy listening.