The Carter Family has classics for sure, but not Bluegrass. That's "old time" music, and yes, there is a difference despite them being related, primarily the role of the instruments.Originally Posted by piebaldpython
"Old time" music involves less (or no) soloing, and then typically only by the fiddler while the rest of the instruments hold almost exclusively rhythmic roles.
Bluegrass bands, on the contrary, often have multiple soloists (fiddle, banjo, guitar) who will take turns soloing off of the main melody of the song.
In that way, bluegrass is as much a derivative of jazz as it is old time music. There's a reason "Little Liza Jane" is a standard for both bluegrass players and New Orleans brass bands. Nothing happened in a vacuum.
In answer to RC's question about finding bluegrass songs to learn... just do what PBP said and sub "Bill Monroe" for "The Carter Family" and you'll be all set. Then go back and learn "old-time" music from the Carters too.
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