Wow! Looks like there is a lot of interest. Now I don't want to start a flame war but IMHO some of the acts mentioned aren't really bluegrass (for example, the Kaukonen disc). I have it, and while it is good music to me it just doesn't have that hard-driving bluegrass sound.
I have the 4-disk MCA Bill Monroe box set. It is a great collection, and the included book is first-rate.
I think I should mention some older recordings:
JD Crowe & the New South "JD Crow & the New South" (a lot of people consider this to be the best bluegrass album ever)
The Johnson Mountain Boys "Live at the old Schoolhouse"
The Country Gentleman "Calling my Children Home" (one of the first all-gospel bluegrass albums)
Speaking of live shows I am going to see Ralph Stanley perform tonight! I can't wait!
I have the 4-disk MCA Bill Monroe box set. It is a great collection, and the included book is first-rate.
I think I should mention some older recordings:
JD Crowe & the New South "JD Crow & the New South" (a lot of people consider this to be the best bluegrass album ever)
The Johnson Mountain Boys "Live at the old Schoolhouse"
The Country Gentleman "Calling my Children Home" (one of the first all-gospel bluegrass albums)
Speaking of live shows I am going to see Ralph Stanley perform tonight! I can't wait!