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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
2bgeorge's avatar
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2bgeorge
52 posts
 
Thanks Chris 74 I am glad you like, the 15th and 20'th anniversary albums are very good with guest appearances by Emy Lou and Linda Ronstadt
Another name I think deceives mention is the Nashville Bluegrass and their collaborations with Peter Rowan and the Fairfield Four are pretty special.
chris74 OP
99 posts
 
I'll be sure to check out the Nashville Bluegrass. The Fairfield Four are just great, I own 5 different recordings of theirs on CD. I wish they had more on vinyl though. I've been having a hard time finding LP's with the Fairfield Four, which surprises me because they have been around forever.
jimcrane
163 posts
 
For something a little different from what you describe, try John Fahey. His creative slide guitar compositions, which rest in traditional songs but play to modern sensibilities, may not be the type of music you're seeking, but they're contemporary American folk music that crosses genres. Definitely worth a listen if you're not familiar with him.

Jim
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,665 posts
 
Check out The Watson family Tradition on the Rounder label,it is my favorite of all.
swanny76109
382 posts
 
Doc and Merle Watson, Down South
Doc Watson, Old Timey Concert
Ricky Skaggs, Bluegrass Rules
New Grass Revival, Too Late to Turn Back Now or Grassroots (greatest hits)
Allison Krauss and Union Station, Live
Del McCoury, Del and the Boys
Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers, Live at the Ryman
Tony Rice, Cold on the Shoulder
Garcia, Grisman, Rice, The Pizza Tapes
Grisman, Dawgology
Anything by David Grisman, Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas. S'all good, as we say.
Tony Furtado, Beyond Reach (banjo--now he plays blues dobro)
Bluegrass is really best live even though it's one of my favorite genres to listen to on my system. Go to MerleFest in N Wilkesboro, NC for the hottest lineup of live bluegrass. April annually. You could see any or all of the above musicians (who are still living, of course).
Enjoy the journey!
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