I am always looking for the SUGAR HILL label-- lp's--most seem to be superb recordings. All the Peter Rowan lp's are very good and the Ricky Scaggs/Tony Rice duo lp is outstanding as far as music and is superbly recorded. The Kenny Baker album "Plays Bill Monroe" is one of the best instrumental albums and keeps getting better over the years. My personal policy is to avoid ANY recording that strays too far from the traditional elements of the genre-most notably electric bass and drums- those are big red flags for my taste. There are several newer cd's of a traditional quartet with Peter Rowan and Tony Rice that retain the tradition and offer a more contemporary flavor. I really don't make a concerted effort to keep up with the current Bluegrass stuff,but have always loved that sound and when it is nicely recorded that is a plus. If you want to go a little bit farther afield try the Steve Earle Blugerass album with Del McCoury. The documentary "The high lonesome sound" is essential viewing if only for Roscoe Holcomb. Of course-Bill Monroe-the father figure of Bluegrass-it seems everyone went through his band before they started their own. There really is a wealth of great music in this Genre,not to mention the old timey string bands of the 30's and the Western Swing of the 40's,but those are other stories to be told and great music to hear.Enjoy!
