Looking for some 'grass

Great responses so far. I agree with all.
A few others:

Steve Earle "Train a Comin"
Steve Earle and the Del McCoury Band "The Mountain"
Del McCoury
J.D. Crowe
Doc Watson
Ricky Scaggs
Marty Stuart
Wildwood Valley Boys

Dread Clampitt - this is a band from Walton County Florida on the Florida panhandle. One of the most beautiful areas of the country. They are local, but have 3 CDs available from their website. They are great, trust me, you will like them.

http://www.dreadclampitt.com/

I would check out the band Hot Rize - my favorite of their albums: Untold Stories. Greate singing and playing.

I agree with your mention of Dolly Parton's and Patty Loveless' albums, good stuff from unlikely sources.

One of my favorite bluegrass artists is Laurie Lewis. She is an excellent vocalist and fiddler. She has a plaintive voice that was made for bluegrass.

She has roots deep into traditional bluegrass but she is able to add elements of other genres without sounding contrived. She's really good at it.

I would recommend starting with "Earth and Sky" on Rounder. It's a compilation of her own songs written prior to 1997 when it was released. Don't stop there though, she has a number of really good cds.

The sound is very good, but it's the music that I never get tired of. Great songs, vocals, fiddle and supporting musicians.

Jim,
Glad you asked.
One of the best Bgrass Cds is John Reischmann, South of The border.
Performance is excellent, musicians play with power, passion and fire. Tunes are mostly original with a Latin, Jazz flair, but it is Bluegrass music.
It is not on LP, but the quality of the recording is also excellent. One mic with the mandolin, banjo, guitar, fiddle and acoustic bass. As each takes a solo, they step closer to the mike. No vocals
I would be happy to send a few cuts on a burned CD so you can be convinced it is well worth a purchase.
Similar to Grisman, but more fire, IMO.

A little hard to find, but worth it: New Grange, a short-lived all-star band comprised of Darel Anger, Tim Rice, Alison Brown, Phil Aaberg, and Mike Marshall. Each is a virtuoso on their instrument.