I really enjoy good folk music. Particularly the type that leans towards the bluesy side. I will say though, folk is best appreciated live (at least for me). Though I do find myself listening to it at home, I will almost always take the opportunity to go to a good folk concert live.
Here are some of my favorits.
Amos Lee: His original self titled album. I like this one considerably better than supply and demand. It is on vinyl and I do recommend the vinyl version. I have seen him live at the Mill in Iowa City. He was GREAT--small bar that holds about 150 people. Highly recommend you see him live.
Eric Bibb: Sign Paintings on vinyl. Very good and remarkably similar to Amos Lee. I have not see Eric Bibb live--I would guess it's great.
Mary Gauther: Mercy Now (once again vinyl). This a great, but rather dark album. I say her live at the Englert theater in Iowa City. She started by saying--if you've come for some good uplifting music--you've come to the wrong place. She was great live.
Dar Williams: Promised Land. This is a rather upbeat album for her. It's good, but really doesn't capture what she is capable of. Once again, this is a great person to see live.
Janis Ian: Folk is the New Black. Funny title. It goes back to her roots of folk writing and singing. But once again it really doesn't capture her very well. She is one you MUST see live. I've seen her a couple of times and the last time I wasn't sure if I was at a music concert or a comedy show--I don't think I've every laughed so hard--she is very funny (and a great musician).
Enjoy.
