Sugar Hill Records has just released a download-only album in iTunes which consists of the Top 50 tracks from their deep catalog of bluegrass and Americana music. Members of the Sugar Hill staff chose the songs for this collection, which is offered for download at $19.99.

The songs include early classics from Boone Creek (One Way Track), Sam Bush (Sailin’ Shoes), Lonesome River Band (Highway Paved With Pain), Tony Rice (Church Street Blues), Hot Rize (Colleen Malone), plus tracks from newer artists including Nickel Creek (When You Come Back Down and The Smoothie Song), The Infamous Stringdusters (Fork In The Road) and Sarah Jarosz (Song Up In Her Head).

There is a track from Ricky Skaggs’ initial traditional country album, Sweet Temptation (I’ll Take The Blame) and one from his memorable duo project with Tony Rice, Skaggs & Rice (Bury Me Beneath The Willow). Other artists featured include Dolly Parton, Ronnie Bowman, Jim Mills, Aubrey Haynie, Darrell Scott, Jerry Douglas and many more.

You can see the complete track list, hear audio samples, and buy it as a digital download in iTunes.

While at IBMA last week, we were able to get a few minutes to sit down with Sugar Hill recording artist Sam Bush.

Our good friend Doug McKelway conducted the interview. He and Sam spoke at length about Sam’s new CD, Circles Around Me. The CD is due to be released on October 20, on Sugar Hill Records. They also spoke about the digital age of music, recording a duet with Del McCoury, Sam’s place in the mandolin world, and more.

Thanks to Donica and all the folks at Sugar Hill Records for making this interview possible.

The interview lasted close to 15 minutes, and we’re bringing it to you in full. Enjoy…

There are a number of big events we are looking forward to attending at IBMA this week, outside of the wealth of activity on the official schedule.

We have video interviews set up with Del McCoury and Sam Bush to talk about their upcoming CDs.

The Grascals have scheduled a major announcement for Monday afternoon. No leaks about what they are up to, but we’ll have something on it as soon as possible.

Mountain Heart has a very ambitious schedule for the week. On Tuesday evening they have a private showcase set up that is expected to draw a great deal of attention. The band has written and worked up some new material that they will be performing before an invitation-only group of label folks on Tuesday, and we’ll be there to report on the show.

If you have seen Mountain Heart of late, you may have noticed that their edgy, in-your-face style has become even more so, with vocalist/guitarist Josh Shilling occasionally slipping behind an electric keyboard for some bluesy, rocking numbers.

Here’s an example…

Then on Wednesday evening, they will host a 10th anniversary jam from 11:45 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. (CDT) in the Fisk Rooms at the Renaissance Hotel. Cindy Baucom will MC as Mountain Heart will pick and sing with a most impressive lineup of guest performers.

This event is open to any IBMA registrants. We hope to capture some video of the show, and speak to some of the performers.

Also on Wednesday, Rural Rhythm and Sugar Hill Records are hosting private showcases, and we are planning to spend time there as well. Both will serve to highlight their fine artists, who we hope to interview and shoot – videowise, that is.

Rural Rhythm’s showcase is expected to feature Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, IIIrd Tyme Out, Audie Blaylock & Redline and Michael Martin Murphey. They will also share details about their involvement with a major east coast festival. Kyle Cantrell will MC.

Those are just a few of the IBMA events we’ll be covering over the next few days. Whew… better bank some sleep!

Here’s the fifth installment of the video content we’re bringing you as part of our Infamous Stringdusters promotion.

The album The Infamous Stringdusters, will be released tomorrow, June 10, 2008. See our original post for information about the pre-order special.

This video is provided in cooperation with The Infamous Stringdusters, Sugar Hill Records, and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.

Each episode (5 in total) will be accompanied by either a streaming track or an mp3 download from the new CD. Access to the tracks will be limited to registered users of The Bluegrass Blog, and accessing the track will enter you in a promotional giveaway to win one of three autographed copies of the CD.

We also have one other contest for you – there will only be one winner in this contest, but it’s big. We’re giving away a pair of tickets to this year’s Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, a meet and greet with the band at the festival, and some merchandise the guys will autograph just for you on site.

Enjoy the video, listen to this week’s track, and enter to win free festival tickets!

This fifth installment of the video is a look inside the production of the CD. The tune is Get It While You Can.

Enter to win an autographed CD (and listen to the streaming track)

Enter to win a pair of tickets to the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival