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American Folk/Bluegrass music to die for

Over the years, I have developed a sincere appreciation for American folk music that crosses a variety of genres. Here is a list of some of the recordings (mainly instrumental) that really opened my eyes to this hybrid sound that I have grown to truly embrace.

Appalachia Waltz - Yo Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor. The first album I was exposed to having this type of sound and to this day one of my most cherished recordings. A three musicians are masters of their instruments and it shows. Classical influence to this sound, very interesting and unique crossover album. Unfortunately, it will likely never make it to vinyl.

Appalachian Journey - Follow up to the above album. Alison Krauss steps in for a song or two as does James Taylor. Beautiful album.

Short Trip Home - Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Mike Marshall, Joshua Bell. Another outstanding album, a bit more folky than the others above and just a pleasure to listen to.

Telluride Sessions - Strength In Numbers. A must own - wonderful from start to finish. If you enjoy this genre this is one of the very best albums I have heard.

Skip, Hop and Wobble - Russ Barenberg, Edgar Meyer, Jerry Douglas. Another not so well known new folk great. Good
recording too.

Slide Rule - Jerry Douglas. Solid performance and good recording quality.

Uncommon Ritual - Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Mike Marshall. Good mix of music from three artists with three different styles. Definitely some solid cuts.

For new folk with vocals I have heard some Alison Krauss and Nickel Creek albums which I have really enjoyed but it is the acoustic and progressive folky sound of the above recordings that really seem to move me.

I hope some of you check out the free music clips of these recordings on Amazon, maybe you will discover some different sounds that move you like they did for me.

Cheers,
Chris

chris74
chris74 OP
99 posts
 
Philjolet, I hope you enjoy Appalachian Journey as much as I do, it is one for the ages. As for slower paced music of this genre, I can't think of anything off hand. Most of what I enjoy is of the upbeat variety. You might want to try Amazon again and when you are looking at these albums scroll to the middle of the page and browse the "customers who bought this item also bought" for different suggestions.

Rel2, I will check out the Dillards recordings, I am not familiar with them.
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philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
thanks Chris, good tip!
ballan
184 posts
 
Here's a Bill Monroe box set that covers his whole career.
http://www.amazon.com/Music-Bill-Monroe-1936-1994/dp/B000002OSF
A must have for anyone wanting to dive into bluegrass music.

Modern bluegrass favorites are Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek, Ricky Skaggs and of course, the "Appalachian Journey" and "Appalachia Waltz" albums. I also want to give a recommendation to Ralph Stanley.

"Folk" music is difficult to define. I think Woody Guthrie, Odetta, Pete Seeger, early Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash are all great choices, but some people do not like these artist being called "folk musicians". As many might know, "Folk" can create long arguments. :)

I know that it's been played too much and received a tremendous amount of attention, but the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" is an excellent collection of songs that cover this genre. I feel it has earned it's popularity and I highly recommend it.
tbonedeluxe
38 posts
 
Tony Furtado, Live Gypsy. Features Colin Wolcott from Oregon, a really nice live recording with great slide guitar and banjo from Tony.

I've loved Skip, Hop and Wobble for a long time. Good to see that you've got it.

If you want some fantastic fingerstyle guitar, you might try Ed Gerhardt.
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