NationStates Jolt Archive

I am interested in listening to some bluegrass music as it is a genre I have never had much contact with over here in the UK. However when I look on amazon it seems to come up with cds by vocalists. I always thought bluegrass was mainly instrumental - am I wrong? Can anyone recommend a couple of good cds to start listening to that will give me a good start?

I was into bluegrass about a couple of years ago when it was a bit of a fad in the UK, so people were sending me over examples.

I think this is among the most famous of the new stuff, adapted from Snoop Dogg, there's plenty others, not sure it's technically bluegrass.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wCAM3C3dpIA

I quite like it where it's good

I am interested in listening to some bluegrass music as it is a genre I have never had much contact with over here in the UK. However when I look on amazon it seems to come up with cds by vocalists. I always thought bluegrass was mainly instrumental - am I wrong? Can anyone recommend a couple of good cds to start listening to that will give me a good start?

Bluegrass is distinctive because of its instrumentals but also has vocals. I'll see what I can dig up for you...

put allison krauss into youtube while you wait for saint b to bring up some more names.

she has a baby voice but her stuff is well worth listening to.

youve already looked into bill monroe, eh?

OK, here's some stuff (Mostly youtube)

Steve Martin (yes, the comedian) and Earl Scruggs playing Foggy Mountain Breakdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMTVV5Lwaw&feature=related) Its an all instrumental piece.

Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy_CZDtIuz0)

Johnny Cash and John Hartford (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USGAvfxfmvU&feature=related) from the Johnny Cash Show I think...

A Bluegrass Cover of Young Folks by Dawn Landes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh_8j8k39y0&feature=related) and for comparison Young Folks by The Kooks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9FkQS_UyIY&feature=related)

I listen to bluegrass now and again but usually when its live; I think its pretty cool. Much better than popular Country Western.

Look up Hayseed Dixie. They primarily do hilbilly covers of AC/DC songs, but they have also done other classic rock songs.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=muyqMrsuLXw
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=hm4AeQS0KS0
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=V_fODduUkk4
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=yLDmjoWIHj0

Look up Hayseed Dixie. They primarily do hilbilly covers of AC/DC songs, but they have also done other classic rock songs.


How did I forget something so funny?

Look up Hayseed Dixie. They primarily do hilbilly covers of AC/DC songs, but they have also done other classic rock songs.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=muyqMrsuLXw
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=hm4AeQS0KS0
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=V_fODduUkk4
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=yLDmjoWIHj0

I have listened to them round a friends house, enjoyed them, but I am looking for more traditional material really.

I have listened to them round a friends house, enjoyed them, but I am looking for more traditional material really.
bill monroe, flatt and scruggs.

go with the kings of bluegrass and then branch out.


roy clark has some amazing instrumentals on the banjo.

Bluegrass bands play barn dance tunes, but a lot (probably the majority) of bluegrass is lyrical music. Bluegrass music is a style of folk music heavily influenced by the traditional melodies of Great Britain and the American country music of the 1940's. The name comes from Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys, the first band that pulled together all of the elements of what we now call bluegrass music. Bluegrass has had a significant influence on popular music, especially in the early years of rock & roll. Elvis sang Bill Monroe's tune "Blue Moon of Kentucky", for example, and bands like The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played a very folk-influenced style. If you like instrumental bluegrass, one of the best albums out there is "Instrumentals" by Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.

The best way to listen to any kind of folk music is to go to a music festival, but there are a lot of good bluegrass bands with recordings on major record labels that you will find in a good music store.

Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys
Flatt & Scruggs
The Stanley Brothers
Doc Watson
Jim & Jesse
Ricky Skaggs
Alison Krauss
Doc Watson
Uncle Earl (It's an all-female band)
Bela Fleck (very jazz-influenced - some of his stuff is well outside the traditional bluegrass sound)
Grandpa Jones
John Hartford
Rhonda Vincent
Tony Rice

Cherryholmes - "Celtic Dance" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7LzqvN2M5A)
Flatt & Scruggs with a young Ricky Skaggs on the Martha White show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCYCCuJLIaA)
Grandpa Jones - "The Banjo am the Instrument for Me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-u-Ql6_Gm8)
Bill Monroe - "My Last Days On Earth" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caUaiHs4hsc)
Earl Scruggs & Doc Watson - "John Hardy" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSnaDIXcsZ8)
Doc Watson & Jack Lawrence - "Tennessee Stud" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5c1k949Zn4&feature=related)

*edit*
OK, here's some stuff (Mostly youtube)

Steve Martin (yes, the comedian) and Earl Scruggs playing Foggy Mountain Breakdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icMTVV5Lwaw&feature=related) Its an all instrumental piece.

Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy_CZDtIuz0)

Johnny Cash and John Hartford (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USGAvfxfmvU&feature=related) from the Johnny Cash Show I think...

A Bluegrass Cover of Young Folks by Dawn Landes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh_8j8k39y0&feature=related) and for comparison Young Folks by The Kooks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9FkQS_UyIY&feature=related)

I listen to bluegrass now and again but usually when its live; I think its pretty cool. Much better than popular Country Western.
I agree

Thank you all. Looks like I need to start with Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs (did they do the Beverley Hillbillies theme?). Any particular cds?

Thank you all. Looks like I need to start with Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs (did they do the Beverley Hillbillies theme?). Any particular cds?
You need Bill Monroe's anthology (http://www.amazon.com/Anthology-Bill-Monroe/dp/B00008WI8K). It's a good sample of vocal and instrumental tunes.

You ought to look at the Stanley Brothers (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Columbia-Stanley-Brothers/dp/B00000294U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1224602687&sr=1-2), too. They are a little different than Monroe, but still very traditional.

Newgrass Revival is a pretty good too. Not traditional, but all acoustic. Well, maybe not the bass... I like Fly Through the Country (http://www.amazon.com/When-Storm-Over-Through-Country/dp/B000000MDQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1224602752&sr=1-4).

I am interested in listening to some bluegrass music as it is a genre I have never had much contact with over here in the UK. However when I look on amazon it seems to come up with cds by vocalists. I always thought bluegrass was mainly instrumental - am I wrong? Can anyone recommend a couple of good cds to start listening to that will give me a good start?

I love bluegrass. Fortunately, I live in appalachia and it is everywhere. Bluegrass music often has lyrics although it does not always have lyrics. I would divide bluegrass into two predominant genres. There is gospel bluegrass and there is everything else. I have even seen contemporary bluegrass that uses electrical instruments and can be some pretty funky stuff but I think that this is pretty much jazz music that calls itself bluegrass. Do not get me wrong I think this is some of the best jazz out there but it is still jazz.

I love bluegrass. Fortunately, I live in appalachia and it is everywhere. Bluegrass music often has lyrics although it does not always have lyrics. I would divide bluegrass into two predominant genres. There is gospel bluegrass and there is everything else. I have even seen contemporary bluegrass that uses electrical instruments and can be some pretty funky stuff but I think that this is pretty much jazz music that calls itself bluegrass. Do not get me wrong I think this is some of the best jazz out there but it is still jazz.
I'd call your first category traditional -- all the old fiddle songs, gospel, standards, etc. But it's all acoustic. Contemporary is the funky stuff done where pretty much everything and anything goes...

You need Bill Monroe's anthology (http://www.amazon.com/Anthology-Bill-Monroe/dp/B00008WI8K). It's a good sample of vocal and instrumental tunes.

You ought to look at the Stanley Brothers (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Columbia-Stanley-Brothers/dp/B00000294U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1224602687&sr=1-2), too. They are a little different than Monroe, but still very traditional.

Newgrass Revival is a pretty good too. Not traditional, but all acoustic. Well, maybe not the bass... I like Fly Through the Country (http://www.amazon.com/When-Storm-Over-Through-Country/dp/B000000MDQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1224602752&sr=1-4).

Just ordered Anthology from Amazon. Oddly I play the mandolin but don't own any mandolin cds at all.

Just ordered Anthology from Amazon. Oddly I play the mandolin but don't own any mandolin cds at all.

Now you're into a different category... You need to look up David Grisman. He's a heck of a mandolin player -- not in the Bill Monroe style at all. My favorite album (http://www.amazon.com/Old-Way/dp/B000002VKC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1224603307&sr=1-2) with Grisman also features Vassar Clemens, Jerry Garcia, and Peter Rowan. "Old and in the Way" is traditional, but it rocks!

Dunno if they have been mentioned yet but you might like
Amber Collins and No Speed Limit
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=49942259

I am interested in listening to some bluegrass music as it is a genre I have never had much contact with over here in the UK.
Follow the excellent suggestions in this thread, particularly Lord Tothe's , but if you're in the UK you should check out the folk music that contributed to the inception of bluegrass. I know more of the Scottish scene, particularly the Shetland fiddling tradition as espoused by Aly Bain. Excellent stuff, and and obvious predecessor of bluegrass.

A great place to start is the Transatlantic Sessions, co-created by Aly Bain (the Scottish fiddler mentioned above) and Jerry Douglas (an American dobro player) , which brings together musical talent from all over the US and Scotland, recognising the continuing influence that the folk music of both countries have on one another. Although it's not all bluegrass, it's fantastic stuff, and at times the only place you'll ever see certain artists play together. Originally shown on the BBC, here's some highlights; most from the more recent Sessions:

Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas with Russ Barenburg and Todd Parks perform St Anne's Reel (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BDQRt-OdzVk)

Fred Morrison on Uilleann with Bruce Molsky on Banjo play The Kansas City Hornpipe and Jarlath's Tune (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=D7zmd4rYh1o&feature=related)

Nanci Griffith sings a spectacular rendition of Boots of Spanish Leather, with the wonderful dobro playing of Jerry Douglas (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=k1KxthvX1Ms)

Jay Ungar, Aly Bain, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, Martyn Bennett, Phil Cunningham and more perform on the first Session (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Km_S9pGSGQ8)

Fred Morrison, Michael McGoldrick, Jerry Douglas and Donal Lunny play a medley; Farewell to Uist, The Lochaber Badger and RIP the Badger (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qVztCC37wlc&feature=related) (Wait for it to kick off!)

Julie Fowlis and Jenna Reid sing Biodh An Deoch Seo 'n Làimh Mo Rùin [The Drink Would Be In My Lover's Hand] (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MnBBQ-_D2Hc&feature=related)

Bruce Molsky and Julie Fowlis perform The Blackest Crow (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=d6jh1vqNvMs&feature=related)

http://www.bluegrassradio.org/

This is one of the best intenet radio streams for bluegrass music. No commercials, in fact no interruptions whatsoever except for the occasional station break for a 15-second announcement of what stream you're listening to.

http://bluegrasscountry.org/

This station has more structured programming where the DJ announces the songs, and sometimes offers some background info on the artists or songs. Highlights are the "Music from Foggy Hollow" and "Banks of the Ohio," programs.

Follow the excellent suggestions in this thread, particularly Lord Tothe's , but if you're in the UK you should check out the folk music that contributed to the inception of bluegrass. I know more of the Scottish scene, particularly the Shetland fiddling tradition as espoused by Aly Bain. Excellent stuff, and and obvious predecessor of bluegrass.

A great place to start is the Transatlantic Sessions, co-created by Aly Bain (the Scottish fiddler mentioned above) and Jerry Douglas (an American dobro player) , which brings together musical talent from all over the US and Scotland, recognising the continuing influence that the folk music of both countries have on one another. Although it's not all bluegrass, it's fantastic stuff, and at times the only place you'll ever see certain artists play together. Originally shown on the BBC, here's some highlights; most from the more recent Sessions:

Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas with Russ Barenburg and Todd Parks perform St Anne's Reel (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BDQRt-OdzVk)

Fred Morrison on Uilleann with Bruce Molsky on Banjo play The Kansas City Hornpipe and Jarlath's Tune (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=D7zmd4rYh1o&feature=related)

Nanci Griffith sings a spectacular rendition of Boots of Spanish Leather, with the wonderful dobro playing of Jerry Douglas (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=k1KxthvX1Ms)

Jay Ungar, Aly Bain, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, Martyn Bennett, Phil Cunningham and more perform on the first Session (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Km_S9pGSGQ8)

Fred Morrison, Michael McGoldrick, Jerry Douglas and Donal Lunny play a medley; Farewell to Uist, The Lochaber Badger and RIP the Badger (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qVztCC37wlc&feature=related) (Wait for it to kick off!)

Julie Fowlis and Jenna Reid sing Biodh An Deoch Seo 'n Làimh Mo Rùin [The Drink Would Be In My Lover's Hand] (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MnBBQ-_D2Hc&feature=related)

Bruce Molsky and Julie Fowlis perform The Blackest Crow (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=d6jh1vqNvMs&feature=related)

Have been into Irish music for a long time, though also some Scottish/Shetland. I have seen Aly Bain quite a few times. This is kind of why I wanted to hear some bluegrass.

Have been into Irish music for a long time, though also some Scottish/Shetland. I have seen Aly Bain quite a few times. This is kind of why I wanted to hear some bluegrass.
When you get the Bill Monroe album, let us know what you think.

You need Bill Monroe's anthology (http://www.amazon.com/Anthology-Bill-Monroe/dp/B00008WI8K). It's a good sample of vocal and instrumental tunes.

You ought to look at the Stanley Brothers (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Columbia-Stanley-Brothers/dp/B00000294U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1224602687&sr=1-2), too. They are a little different than Monroe, but still very traditional.

Newgrass Revival is a pretty good too. Not traditional, but all acoustic. Well, maybe not the bass... I like Fly Through the Country (http://www.amazon.com/When-Storm-Over-Through-Country/dp/B000000MDQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1224602752&sr=1-4).

I have the Bill Monroe Anthology, and I also recommend The Essential Flatt & Scruggs: 'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered (http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Flatt-Scruggs-Sweet-Remembered/dp/B000002AD3/ref=pd_bxgy_m_text_b/105-0286750-8018046). It's a good overview of their career, and it includes Foggy Mountain Breakdown (The theme to Bonnie & Clyde), The Ballad of Jed Clampett (The theme to The Beverly Hillbillies) and about 30 other songs.

I have the Bill Monroe Anthology, and I also recommend The Essential Flatt & Scruggs: 'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered (http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Flatt-Scruggs-Sweet-Remembered/dp/B000002AD3/ref=pd_bxgy_m_text_b/105-0286750-8018046). It's a good overview of their career, and it includes Foggy Mountain Breakdown (The theme to Bonnie & Clyde), The Ballad of Jed Clampett (The theme to The Beverly Hillbillies) and about 30 other songs.
Foggy Mountain Banjo (http://www.amazon.com/Foggy-Mountain-Banjo-Lester-Scruggs/dp/B0000012DP/ref=pd_sim_m_14) was the album that I used to get "new" and better licks from. It's a great album if you play banjo, or if you just like listening to one.

Foggy Mountain Banjo (http://www.amazon.com/Foggy-Mountain-Banjo-Lester-Scruggs/dp/B0000012DP/ref=pd_sim_m_14) was the album that I used to get "new" and better licks from. It's a great album if you play banjo, or if you just like listening to one.

I do play banjo a bit, but I haven't found that album yet. I'm looking for it in 12" black disk form :D I have a good turntable.

I do play banjo a bit, but I haven't found that album yet. I'm looking for it in 12" black disk form :D I have a good turntable.
You're only going to find it at a used record store. I don't think anyone ever released it digitally. Mine was used when I bought it, back in 1975 at Mole's Records back at Ohio State had some great deals on LPs.

How long have you been playing?

You're only going to find it at a used record store. I don't think anyone ever released it digitally. Mine was used when I bought it, back in 1975 at Mole's Records back at Ohio State had some great deals on LPs.

How long have you been playing?

My aunt knows someone with that album on CD, but it may be an audio rip from an LP. I've been playing off and on for about 8 years. I have Earl Scruggs' book and some other good tab music books. I only play 3-finger - I just can't quite get the hang of clawhammer.

If NationStates weren't so much fun, I might practice playing more :p

Thanks Myrmidonisia, the Bill Monroe anthology arrived yesterday and it is exactly what I wanted. Strange mix of mournful but also joyous at the same time, really enjoying it. I have just ordered the Essential Flatt and Scruggs.

Thanks Myrmidonisia, the Bill Monroe anthology arrived yesterday and it is exactly what I wanted. Strange mix of mournful but also joyous at the same time, really enjoying it. I have just ordered the Essential Flatt and Scruggs.
Glad to be of service. There is no one like Bill Monroe. I was looking at the Flatt&Scruggs album, too. Let us know how that turns out.