Figuring out Folk / Bluegrass / Roots Music

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Every once in a while, I try to get into these fields, but given the vast scope and extent of them, I have a hard time knowing which way to go. (It's sorta like being a 20th cent. classical newbie.) So I figured I'd ask for help. 

I just have a couple of Smithsonian Folkways issues and the Elektra "Folk Box" LP set, issued in the 1960s and never since. Where to go now?

Also, these fields are apparently still going strong. Here is somebody's list of 20 recent albums to check out. Would be grateful for any feedback from those in the know about these genres:

http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2014/07/20-great-folk-albums-to-add-to-your-indie-rock-collection.html

[snyprrr]

I was invited to a bluegrass jam at the local dive a month ago. If you don't play EXACTLY the status quo you will get funny looks. I start to wonder about people who have to classify things to death- 'Neo FolkGrass'-

There's only TWO kinds of music- 'Country' ... and 'Western'... we play bOTH!

I made them play my skiffle version of 'Under the Boardwalk' and they seemed to like that, but they seemed nervous about sullying their PURE music. 'SkiffleGrass'

They also have a bluegrass jam at the ranger station during the summer---


Actually, the funny thing is, if you 'translate' any song into a rolling 'G'- you could play 'Welcome to the Jungle' and they wouldn't know the difference!


'PunkGrass'


Wasn't there a pop song in the 90s by a Swedish group that was bluegras?---really really baaaad--remember? 'Cotton-----   Joe'

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Thank you for the amusing anecdote, Snip. Do you play this kind of music yourself?

[bwv 1080]

For old time music, take a look at Michael Seeger(Pete's half brother), Roscoe Holcomb, Dock Boggs or Clarke Bueling.  I got into playing old time banjo a couple of years ago and those were the guys I primarily listened to

http://www.youtube.com/v/UxkSuBhzHqg

here is my gourd banjo:

https://www.youtube.com/v/9c2IsbIi9Hg

[snyprrr]

Thank you for the amusing anecdote, Snip. Do you play this kind of music yourself?

I come from the land of Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan--- there's a tradition of roots music around here--- but it starts with the banjo, which I haven't mastered--- my friend who just recently passed (and was a small friend of Gatton's) was the banjo--- Gatton had this technique we called "The Claw" which was a banjo way of playing the guitar which would yield superhuman results.

When you ask me if I play this myself--- you can't!!---(unless of course on banjo)--- you need

1 to 2 Martins

maybe a nylon string

string bass

dobro

banjo

percussion--- spoons, board, what have you--- jug--- jaw harp---whoopin anf hollorin

oh--- forgot fiddle



I did play fiddle once--- tee hee---- it became a Em- D- C - B7 dirge blues--- aweeesome--- and the yokels loved it!!



but it's just so much PICKING-- and my poor fingers, ouch--- I'm not into fingerpicking like my friend was



HOWEVER- on my album of Pslams that I produced, I actually did some bluegrass arrangements (Psalm 150 for one--- you can probably hear that in your head), and I had jaw harp and jugs and handclaps (even a shofar!) and my other friend played the "correct" rhythm on guitar(that's what I mean- these guys are like Totalitarians when it comes to the finest nuance of their Art)--- it "sounds" like bluegrass, but I don't know how a purist would react-- I'll have to find someone)



Maybe to answer---- I HAVEN'T "figurde out" folk/bluegrass/roots---- I don't get it, haha!!! ASK CHET ATKINS--- seriously, watch him play guitar!!! (Buck Owens too)

[North Star]

Actually, the funny thing is, if you 'translate' any song into a rolling 'G'- you could play 'Welcome to the Jungle' and they wouldn't know the difference!

I assume you have heard these. 
https://www.youtube.com/v/_cnR-hrq-cc  https://www.youtube.com/v/Z3KYp8RgpEU   https://www.youtube.com/v/SslKMvv2F4A

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

For old time music, take a look at Michael Seeger(Pete's half brother), Roscoe Holcomb, Dock Boggs or Clarke Bueling.  I got into playing old time banjo a couple of years ago and those were the guys I primarily listened to

Old time is within my scope of interest. I've heard of Boggs and Holcomb and plan to check them out.

[mn dave]

Ah, one of my favorite topics...

ESSENTIAL
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I could go on, but that's enough for now.

[Karl Henning]

Maybe this is considered one of "the usual suspects," but I like it, and it deserves mention.

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[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Ah, one of my favorite topics...

That Smithsonian 6-CD set looks superb. Definitely getting that one.

[mn dave]

That Smithsonian 6-CD set looks superb. Definitely getting that one.

Good choice. That's definitely the one to get first.