Where to start

[drjimuk]

I'm interested in listening to some bluegrass. I have NO idea about the genre at all but it inerests me. Could you recomend me some tracks to listen to, preferebly mp3s on the net. Thanks very much. Excuse my n00bness.

[psann]

You are at the right place. Start with the MP3's on this site. http://www.mandolincafe.com/mp3/

[J. Mark Lane]

Nickel Creek!!

[luckylarue]

Bluegrass is a mighty vast universe of styles and sub-genres. Be sure to get anything by Bill Monroe for the cornerstone of your collection. Get anything by the Del McCoury Band to witness bluegrass at it's modern apex (imo). My first "bluegrass" album was the original "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".

Oh yeah, I mean Bill Monroe or Nickel Creek as your cornerstone.

[Christopher Howard-Williams]

J Mark, that's plain mischievous http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[olgraypat]

I'm not an expert, or even well-versed (no pun int), but I happen to live in an area of the country where I grew up listening to some bluegrass, and I listen to it quite a bit now along with just about every other genre. My recommendation: Listen to www.bluegrasscountry.org. you can hear all you want, find out what you like, what you don't like and artists that appeal to you.

go to a record store or somewhere like Barnes and Noble where you can sample various artists...best way to sample a lot quickly. Know that Bill Monroe is the "father" and you have to listen to some of his music to understand the rest. Try some more "modern" groups like Allison Krause and Nickel Creek and Yonder Mountain. It will help you get an idea of the range.

As for a collection--buy what you like, but you have to have some Monroe. I would think something like the O Brother Where Art Thou CD would not be a bad place to start...Some people would be turned off be the commercialism, but I think it helps see where bluegrass came from and where it is in some peoplse's minds....or as mentioned above the Will the Circle be unbroken album.

But most impt...go to some live music. I live about 40 minutes from the Carter Fold, and there is live bluegrass every week-end within 20 minutes from where i live...in fact, we had live music in the street 5 minutes from my house last night (The Blinky Moon Boys....quite good). but you'll never appreciate it unless you see it live...

[drjimuk]

Thanks very much and sorry for my bad spelling in the first post. *oops*

[Dioptase]

"The Bluegrass Album Band : The Songs of Bill Monroe" Would be an excellent introduction with some of the finest modern musicians playing the most essential classics in Bluegrass Music. Superb album, often available under 10$.