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
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!
The Steeldrivers- both of their cds are excellent
The Infamous Stringdusters- all of their discs are great
Old Crow Medicine show- more pop oriented songs, but great fun
Brian Sutton- guitar player with Chris Thile and Mark O'Connor. Sutton's solo efforts are worth checking out.
Railroad Earth- bluegrass oriented "jam band" Their most recent self titled cd is great. I also like their live disc "Elko".
Swanny76109, Doc and Merle Watson are just great, already have a couple of their live albums. Would love to make it to the Merlefest NC festival at some point.
Some suggestions:

The Gibson Brothers "Bona Fide"
Lynn Morris Band "Shape of a Tear"
JD Crowe and the New South "JD Crowe and the New South"
Johnson Mountain Boys "Live at the old Schoolhouse"

Let me know if any of those float your boat and I can recommend some more stuff.

Mark
Swampwalker, I actually own several Mark O'Connor albums, American Seasons is one I especially like. 30 Year Retrospective I have not heard but will check out for sure. Another album I really enjoy is "The David Grisman Quintet", got it on vinyl and its excellent. I'll definitely check out Common Chord.