It seems to me a lot of mandolin solo focused bluegrass albums are just about technical proficiency and don’t carry a lot of feeling. I sort of can’t stand it. Can anyone recommend me a bluegrass mandolin album with some heart to it?

Absolutely killer kick.

I play with a Bluechip TP48 and a CT55. I like the clarity and smoothness of single notes when using the CT, but I prefer the TP for tremolo because it’s easier and smoother. Which pick might bridge the gap between the two, the TP60 or the TAD40? I play bluegrass on an F-Style mandolin.

[ETA: primarily interested in Bluegrass, folk, and other americana. If I progress enough, I'd really like to learn some Gypsy Jazz, even though it's not usually played on a mandolin.]

I am on my way to beginning my mandolin journey. Don't have one just yet but I hope to change that very soon.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to hire a teacher, so private instruction won't happen and I'll need to learn from books, videos, etc.

I was wondering if there are particular ones that are well thought of.

I'm in my early 50s and have only a little bit of a music background. I took up guitar and bass several years ago but never got very far for various reasons.

I know just enough music theory to get me in trouble, and I doubt I would ever be able to tune an instrument without the use of an electronic tuner, I just don't have that kind of ear.

Any thoughts for someone like me?

Thanks!