Think of these progressive instrumentals as the ultimate "temp tracks" -- that is, the music used during the editing phase of a film production to set the mood for a scene. Great for budding indie filmmakers and soundtrack enthusiasts.
In L.A. circa 1966, young producers and songwriters looked to the increasingly complex work of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. Inspired by his harmonies and lyrical themes, a new generation of groups created a gently psychedelic brand of easy listening.
Take a trip from Haight on down to Sunset with these acoustic-centric songs by California artists from the late '60s and early '70s. Singer-songwriter, folk rock, country rock, soft rock. Lots of harmony, and plenty of mellow.
When a new generation of bluegrass players started tweaking the traditional template, incorporating folk, rock, jazz, world music and more, Newgrass was born. Enjoy the evolution of this rule-breaking sound through the decades.