Fervor Coulee Bluegrass Blog

Favorite Bluegrass Albums of 2024

Donald Teplyske  |  December 22, 2024

Difficult choices this year, but after much consideration I've narrowed down the many bluegrass albums I encountered in 2024 to these (links to my full reviews provided):

1. Tony Trischka– "Earl Jam" Inspired by jams of thirty and more years ago, "Earl Jam" is quite incredible, the rare album that seamlessly blurs eras, generations, and stylistic choices to create a vibrant, true tribute to the interactive, personal roots of bluegrass jamming and the bluegrass banjo of Earl Scruggs, all through the vision of Tony Trischka.

2.Tidalwave Road– "The Bonfire Sessions" Knocked out of first place at the final moment in recognition of its status as an EP. It is rare to hear bluegrass music that just leaps out of the speakers like this band's does, especially a band I had not previously even heard of. I absolutely love the music of Tidalwave Road. This is raw bluegrass that isn't ragged—the band understands the music and execute it flawlessly while coming in at under twenty minutes. I look forward to more music from this band.

3.Billy Strings– "Highway Prayers" Never known as a judicious editor, Strings' latest is 74 minutes of mind-expanding 'grassicana. The thing is, while it runs a bit long I am at a loss as to what could or should have been held in reserve. It is a powerful set of music, covering all the rootsicana and bluegrass bases. As impressive as anything about "Highway Prayers," and distinguishing it from many other 'grassicana albums, is the strength of Strings' and his partners vocals. Concise and catchy bluegrass (and bluegrass-adjacent) songs ready made for radio play, dreamy, lyrically-rich explorations of songwriting, and expansive jams with mood-altering instrumentation ideally balanced to appeal to the ever-broadening bluegrass audience. Pair this one with his "Live Vol. 1" from earlier in the year, and there is no need to get off the chesterfield for about three hours.

4.Blue Highway– "Lonesome State of Mind" A good start for Down the Road records—their first two releases in my top five! "Lonesome State of Mind's" twelve songs embrace the full spectrum of the bluegrass palate. Here, Blue Highway—as they always have done—take us on a journey through the legacy of the Stanleys, Mr. Monroe, the Country Gents, and all the rest, finding new shades of 'grass for up tempo romps, songs of introspection, a song of salvation, spirited, fiery Dobro- and banjo-rich instrumentals, and pensive songs of time passages.

5.Laurie Lewis– Trees Not every song is going to immediately register as bluegrass, with several solidly within broader folk and Americana realms. Lewis' long-time partner Tom Rozum appears on select songs as a vocalist, but is no longer able to play accompanying mandolin; Rozum's artwork is utilized on the album cover. "Trees" is another outstanding album from California's Laurie Lewis.

The rest, in no particular order:

Troy Engle– "Back Home" Troy Engle has released a strong bluegrass recording in "Back Home." Nostalgia is definitely the theme here with almost all of the songs looking to the past for inspiration. Again doing everything himself—writing or co-writing every song while singing all the parts and playing acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, upright bass, reso and reso pedal steel, all the strings, and a bit of drums and percussion—while producing and mixing the album, any flaws and praise are down to Engle. There are no flaws beyond a consistency in sound across the recording. Without other voices and approaches, each song tends to reveal itself in a predictable manner. Not a criticism as much as an observance.

Appalachian Smoke– "Appalachian Smoke" Twenty years ago, I would have known about this well-established band from its earliest days. It seems there are too many groups to keep track of, especially as I'm a few miles from the bluegrass heartland. I don't know too much about Appalachian Smoke, but their bluegrass is as interesting to me as that of Balsam Range (are they still together?) and Town Mountain, contemporary sounding bands well-rooted in the traditions.

Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road– "Yellow Line" Coming out of Deep Gap, NC–home of Doc Watson– young Liam Purcell has himself a mighty fine sound, definitely bluegrass but with shades of more 'mainstream' Americana roots music injected in all the right places. A very strong outing.

The Po' Ramblin' Boys– "Wanderers Like Me" Truly independent, The Po' Ramblin' Boys don't let the grass grow around them—they are always moving forward, looking for the next challenge and inspiration. With recent personnel changes, the band has challenges confronting them, but their second album with Smithsonian Folkways revealed no acrimony, just pure mountain-inspired bluegrass. Strong original songs from (the now departed) Josh Rinkel and choice covers combined with impressive instrumental arrangements and execution with distinct vocal variety results in a mighty impressive recording.

Rock Hearts- "Unfinished Bridges" A bit of a throwback band, pleasantly reminding us of the smooth, classy 'grass of the '80s and '90s from Nashville Bluegrass Band and even the Seldom Scene. Terrific songs on this set.

Woody Platt– "Far Away With You" For many years, Steep Canyon Rangers were a great bluegrass band before moving along to become a great rootsicana group. I was a bit surprised to hear how bluegrass Platt's solo debut actually is. Yes, it blurs the edges but the drive of 'grass is ever present, and there is a fiery energy to the songs. Vocal guests including Darrell Scott, Del McCoury, and Tim O'Brien add to the overall sensation.

Amanda Cook– "Restless Soul" Amanda Cook has a strong and distinctive voice and singing style. "Restless Soul" is an enjoyable album with inspiring instrumentation, well-considered song choices, and arrangements allowing the players to shine alongside their impressively voiced leader.

Route 3– "Just Believe" From the Ozark foothills of Missouri, Route 3 previously experienced chart success with "Cartersville." Jason Jordan has a pleasing voice, and as a collective the band sounds good together vocally and instrumentally. I look forward to hearing more from Route 3.

Wilson Banjo Co. – "Memory Lane" Mainstream bluegrass artfully executed. Several memorable, catchy songs including "Coalmine," "Tomorrow's Coming Fast," and "Sadie Danced a Hole in Her Stockings." "Holler" has a spellbinding musical atmosphere. With new vocalist Brandi Colt, the group also released a strong single late in the year, "Black Wedding Dress."