Bryan Sutton and Friends - 'Almost Live'

Bryan Sutton is in good company, not that he needs it. That he was able to get the artists represented on this album together in one place at one time is, in itself, a feat. From Almost Live's opening notes on "Morning Top" (purchase/download), it's clear that this is a collection of some of the finest instrumentalists in contemporary bluegrass and Americana.

It's easy to imagine that getting all of the greatest pickers in bluegrass together is bound to produce nothing short of a tremendous album. Yet, there's something to be said for great songwriting, great instrumental synergy, and all the planning that goes into making such a thing happen. "Morning Top" is easily one of the best instrumentals of this year, featuring Jerry Dougals, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Mark Schatz, and Bela Fleck who trade solos seamlessly.

Then, the disc jumps from straight-up classic bluegrass-style jamming to a more swinging tune, "Big Island Hornpipe" (purchase/download), with a stellar fiddle part from Gabe Witcher. Featuring the ferocity and aplomb of Chris Thile's How to Grow a Band, the tune pops and sails so smoothly into the waltz which follows ("Dark Island"). From there, it's on to old time banjo tunes, classic folk songs, and anything else you could imagine. Sutton's gift here is clearly not only in assembling stellar bands on a per-song basis, but also in tackling nearly every area of folk music with absolute precision.

The bluegrass community is so tight-knit and familial, it's no surprise a tremendous ensemble project like this one drops every now and then. The last big notable one was Tony Trischka's Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular, which featured many of the same pickers.

Sutton not only presents great material and a great ensemble, but also pays tribute to the many projects on which he's participated. Already mentioned is the inclusion of the How to Grow a Band. There's also "Kitchen Girl" (purchase/download), which is inspired by Hot Rize (featuring Tim O'Brien on a stellar mandolin part).

It's the disc's final track—a duet with mandolin master Chris Thile on "Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar" (purchase/download)—which stands out as the best track on the disc. With just the power and dexterity of Thile's mandolin and Sutton's guitar, the two nail some incredibly intricate instrumental harmonies and arpeggios. While this record is no doubt about the kind of music great players can make together, it's hard to ignore the sheer muscular skill that goes into making some of these runs happen.

Regardless, in just ten tracks, Almost Live picks its way to surefire staying power. It's easily one of the finest bluegrass discs of the year so far, if not the best.