There are others, and I might get to them, but for me, #1 will always be the Stanley Brothers, a choice involving both quality and my personal taste. Your thoughts?
Country Gentlemen
Seldom Scene
Lonesome River Band
Johnson Mountain Boys
Edited by - OldNavyGuy on 01/27/2023 18:57:14
Singing will always be a big part of bluegrass music, I think.
Back in '89, my bluegrass band was on a tour of the UK, as the hotshot US based bluegrass band. However, in Perth, the band that opened up for us was a bluegrass band that was a former barbershop quartet, before they all became interested in bluegrass. Their vocals just put us to shame, it was embarassing! All the fancy babrbershop harmonies were executed perfectly.
Mentioning the Country Gentlemen, I was always told the reason thier vocals sounded so solid and thick on their albums was because they double tracked the vocals (which does have that effect if done flawlessly). At a show I asked them about this, which they flounced around in answering. I got no problem with doing that, but odd that they wouldn't give a straightforward answer.
Alison Krauss & Union Station, esp. with Dan Tyminski doing the lead singing.
Stanley Brothers for sure,, spine-chilling at times
J.D. Crowe and the New South,, the 0044 album especially
Blue Highway
The Seldom Scene , early line-up with John Starling
Edited by - chuckv97 on 01/27/2023 20:18:13
To me, vocals is what it's all about. It is THE main instrument. You may be able to pick a hole in the ozone, but without at least one strong vocalist, the music lacks something. Besides the obvious standards and pioneers, I like Seldom Scene, Blue Highway, Steel Drivers (especially w/ Chris Stapleton) AKUS, Skaggs & Rice, Jim & Jesse,
Can't leave out the Bluegrass Cardinals!
Also Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and the Nashville Bluegrass Band.
No matter who was on guitar, the Osborne Brothers always nailed it.
The original Seldom Scene was my favorite though. Those guys were smooth.
Edited by - monstertone on 01/28/2023 10:33:37
Del McCoury
Robert
The Allen-Lilly Band. For me, their duets provided a refreshing departure from the ubiquitous trios.
Surprised no one has mentioned:
Russell Moore and IIId Tyme Out
Dry Branch Fire Squad
The Dillards always had great harmony singing.
Any band combination with Tony Rice singing lead. New South, Bluegrass Album Band, Tony Rice Unit. Personal taste but I feel both Rice and Russell Moore are two of the most versatile lead singers in bluegrass. Many other greats for sure...
Johnson Mountain Boys
Jim and Jesse
Union Station Alison Krause
Osborne Brothers
I'm not knowledgeable enuff to discuss details, but I like Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers.
Edit: ... among others, of course.
Edited by - Owen on 01/30/2023 08:35:10
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver always had incredible vocal and harmony work. IIIrd Tyme out has been one of my favorites too.
Retro 78 (2022 SPBGMA winners) is a pretty new band that has really good singing.
Doyle Lawson's original group was so good it made shut crowds up. Doyle Lawsons work with "Quicksilver" members created exceptionally good harmony.
Seldom Scene sang lots of good seldom heard tunes. John Duffy really demonstrated his vocal talent. His singing "A Picture From LIfe's Other Side" always gets my attention.
The Heart Collectors 
Edited by - Helix on 02/27/2023 05:29:50
Doyle Lawson is one of my favorites,the Grasscals are another.
quote:
Originally posted by Ks_5-pickerDoyle Lawson is one of my favorites,the Grasscals are another.
Balsom Range is another
Edited by - Ks_5-picker on 03/07/2023 19:42:46
