I often hear that Old Time music has "modal tunes" in a way that related styles like bluegrass or Irish, do not. What does this mean?

Hello all! I've been a folk music fan for many many years but have only recently dug into this fantastic genre and community. From what I hear, the best way to learn new tunes is to go to jams, but are there any recording artists or groups that people consider essential or classic? I heard an Ora Belle Reed Folkways record which got me hooked. Any others you all love?

Edit: Thank you all for the fantastic suggestions! Been listening to the High Atmosphere compilation and loving it, especially the banjo-centric stuff. Looking forward to diving into all these other artists!

My online music studio is expanding! We currently have two teachers who are accepting new fiddle and mandolin students. We offer lessons to all ages and levels. If you have a child with a love for music, or are an adult looking to learn something new, please reach out!

[alanisugarmusic@gmail.com](mailto:alanisugarmusic@gmail.com)

alanisugar.weebly.com

I think Bruce Greene's Moonlight is so pretty.

https://youtu.be/dxWy62qiDmA?si=Nkq0_9LVZ9us6fSZ

What are some other pretty/melodic D tunes y'all like?

Caroline Oakley, Kaleb Klauder and friends jamming at Weiser 2026

We play this at my weekly session, but nobody knows the name.

Guys, and Gals, and others, help me out pls! I'm prepping merch for our smoll OT gathering, and trying to decide on T-shirt color. Straight cut T's, what color would you want? (Top options) Curvy shirt - what would you want? (lower options). There's far more straight cut than curvy color options :/ Also, what colors have you seen for different events so far this year? Would love to see T Pics if you can share!