Top 10 Albums of 2018: Bluegrass Breakdown

Bluegrass Breakdown

Hosts Walter and Willa Volz of Bluegrass Breakdown consider the music they play straight, unadulterated bluegrass – “no AstroTurf.” While they dedicate a portion of every show to artists from Missouri and Illinois, this Top 10 list features the best bluegrass musicians from across the country. 

Most of the performers are well into their careers. After all, it takes time to master instruments and to understand traditions. However, young bands like High Fidelity prove that new masters of the genre are always waiting in the wings. 

Backline / ‘A Thousand Wishes’ / Poor Mountain 

David Davis & the Warrior River Boys / ‘Didn’t He Ramble: Songs of Charlie Poole’ / Rounder

Troy Engle / ‘Sountern Skies’ / Rocky Glen Music

Five Mile Mountain Road / ‘Five Mile Mountain Road’ / Patuxent

Mickey Galyean & Cullen’s Bridge / ‘Songs from the Blue Ridge’ / Rebel

High Fidelity / ‘The Hills and Home’ / Rebel Records

Ida Clare Band / ‘Ida Clare’ / Self-released

Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road / ‘True Grass Again’ / Pinecastle

Milan Miller / ‘Timepiece’ / Melton & Miller Music / EP 

Special Consensus / ‘Rivers & Roads’ / Compass

Listen to Bluegrass Breakdown on Sundays from 12 - 2 pm.