Recommend to me some "listening" bluegrass...

[F512]

When it comes to bluegrass, I only like listening to instrumental solo guitar stuff.
For that I really like Clarence White and also Norman Blake’s instrumental pieces.

[Goat Mick]

I guess Trey and Rob would fall into the OP's category too.

[wxfloyd]

Not exactly bluegrass in the traditional sense (I know you said modern), but Mandolin Orange has been on my regular rotation lately. I'm With Her just released their second album, and I've very much enjoyed it.

[Birdbrain]

Daryl Ainger has been a first-class fiddler since the dawn of the JazzGrass era in the late '70s. Recently I saw his newest ensemble, Mr. Sun. The format is traditional -- fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass -- but their approach is light, whimsical and virtuosic.

I don't listen to much pure bluegrass, but the musicians who use those instruments to dance around the edges of that format are among my very favorites. So I'd recommend anything by David Grisman (mando), Jerry Douglas (dobro), David Rawlings (guitar), among a few others. They start with the old music, then take out and stretch it a little.

[Long tooth]

I find the Boxcars are pretty good.
If you dig fiddle stuff the O’Connor band is really good. Saw them a few weeks ago and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen.
I also like Reno and Smiley (since Reno style was mentioned).

[Rjlipton]

Of course there is the Punch Brothers. They almost define modern bluegrass and are 5 outstanding musicians.

[bonefishlarry]

The Bluegrass Album Band

[Erithon]

Originally Posted by Rjlipton

Of course there is the Punch Brothers. They almost define modern bluegrass and are 5 outstanding musicians.

I'll second this.
Also check out Yonder Mountain String Band. Their live recordings in particular are a lot of fun.

[jstroop]

Originally Posted by archerscreek

I am put off by an overly oppressive banjo in some bluegrass songs. The banjo is like medicine. A little is good. Too much can kill you/the song.

I think it was Steve Fromholz who once told an audience, “No producer has ever said, ‘Hey, let’s turn up the banjo.’”

[gfa]

Nickel Creek, particularly the first album. Not exactly bluegrass, but it may be up your alley.

[nootis]

I have always enjoyed the "Pickin' On" series... Basically bluegrass covers of various artists such as, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Phish, Dave Mathews Band, Ben Harper, Widespread Panic, Willy Nelson, Nirvana, etc., etc. Most of them are instrumental covers without lyrics. I ALWAYS enjoy when they come up on "shuffle" on my iPod.

[Wrighty]

I love the “so long, so wrong” album by Alison Krauss - very accessible and beautifully played and produced.

[Silly Moustache]

My all time favourite bluegrass band is Seldom Scene, back in the time of john Duffy and Mke Auldridge (my dobro hero).

I heartily recommend "Live at the Cellar Door"

We HAVE to mention Alison Krauss and Union Station. Whilst no-one can deny Jerry Douglas' skills on Dobro, I'd mention the band when Adam Steffey was still with them on mandolin - try "So Long, So Wrong" (1997) n.b - all of AK's albums are beautifully recorded and mixed.

Also, can't knock some of those ol' Flatt & Scruggs ! Try F& S "with the Foggy Mountain Boys" (about 1959!)

Also Country Gazette and the Pete Rowan bluegrass band.

I could go on ... and on and ......

[Steadfastly]

This gal has won more grammies than anyone else.

[muscmp]

i'm not sure what you mean by bluegrass. just like modern country is not like the country of old, modern bluegrass is the same. probably the best is to surf spotify or pandora to see if anything jumps out at you.

i love the music of lage and eldridge but certainly wouldn't call it bluegrass. lage has played quite a variety of music from working with his trio to nels cline to jazz, pop and blues.

play music!