David Davis & The Warrior River Boys "Two Dimes & A Nickel" (209)

One of the hardest things for a neotraditional bluegrass band to do is to perform material that is true to the bluegrass format, yet not sound dated.  So much of the first generation's songbook clearly no longer relates to even the parents of the audience.  When has anyone lived in a little cabin?  Or ridden a train? 

The song selection here is firmly within the bounds of traditional bluegrass, yet most of it could be directly addressing issues faced by audience members in the 21st century.  So many of the problems of the early 20th century stay with us -- finances, love, absent family members. 

Spring Creek "Way Up On A Mountain" (2009)

There's something that I love about Colorado bluegrass bands.  They are informed by the tradition, but not too tightly bound by it.  Perhaps its just the strong influence of the Hot Rize guys, but there's a playful approach to the genre. 

Spring Creek is a wonderful neo-traditional band.  They incorporate some elements of Western Swing, but still stay true to the roots of bluegrass, without feeling constrained by them.  Highly recommended.

Sam Bush "King of My World" (2004)

Sammy just keeps on going, playing his own brand of music.  It's rooted in bluegrass, but he's not afraid to experiment with reggae, rock, & whatever else strikes his fancy.  That eclecticism can make for uneven recordings, but when it works, it works.  This is one of the better ones.  High points include "Eight More Miles to Louisville" & "A Better Man".