re: Bluegrass must haves

Ignoring the more classic artists already mentioned:

I think the Punch Brothers are at worst in the competition for the most talented bluegrass group ever. Subtract some points for falling on the new grass side. Add some for four part harmonies. Add a ton for Chris Thile being one of the most gifted, talented, and creative musicians of our (/my) generation.

Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch make good sounds too. They're more of what 'hard bop' is to 'bebop' (being traditional bluegrass in this instance) to me, though. More listenable. Less focus on pure mechanical talent for the sake of pure mechanical talent.

Old Crow Medicine Show is a little on the folk/bluegrass line. I tend to like their sound a lot too. Particularly the 'Carry Me Back to Virginia' album.


For specific songs, limited to very popular stuff to get a good idea of their sound:
PB- The Beekeeper, Brakeman's Blues (non original)
GW&DR: Miss Ohio, By the Mark
OCMS: Wagon wheel, Ain't it Enough, Back to New Orleans, I Hear Them All