Drive (1988)

Drive is widely regarded by musicians as the ultimate modern acoustic ensemble recording. Assembled around Béla Fleck's inventive banjo compositions is an all-star acoustic lineup: Tony Rice on guitar, Sam Bush on mandolin, Jerry Douglas on dobro, Stuart Duncan on fiddle and Mark Schatz on bass. The arrangements demand ferocious technical mastery, yet every break serves the collective groove rather than individual vanity. The rhythm section breathes together as one pulse, setting a high-water mark for contemporary instrumental bluegrass.