TONY RICE
The Bluegrass Guitar Collection (Rounder)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Simply put, Tony Rice is the most influential acoustic guitarist of the last thirty years. Whether it's an adaptation of a traditional fiddle tune or the unique form of acoustic jazz that he's had a principal hand in creating, he's constantly pointed the way toward what's possible in a way that has given every serious picker something to shoot for, though I'd be hard pressed to come up with many names that have hit the target.

Building on the innovations of Doc Watson and Clarence White, Rice spent the seventies reinventing string band music with J.D. Crowe & the New South and the David Grisman Quintet, before setting off on a solo course that's brought him the acclaim and the accompaniment of musicians who are legends in their own right. Among those who join him on this compilation are Norman Blake, David Grisman, Jerry Douglas, Vassar Clements, Doc Watson, Sam Bush and Bela Fleck. That roster alone should be enough to tell you that there's music to amaze, amuse and delight anywhere you point your player on this disc.

This is some of the very best American music from the catalog of one of the very best musicians anywhere, any time, and it's an essential addition to your bluegrass shelf.

Track List:

Tipper * Monroe's Hornpipe * Jerusalem Ridge * New Chance Blues * Blackberry Blossom * Medley: Fiddler's Dram/Whiskey Before Breakfast * Whitewater * Lost Indian * Stoney Point * Misty Morning * Gold Rush * Foggy Mountain Creek * Home Sweet Home * Bill Cheatham * Stoney Lonesome * Soldier's Joy * Cheyenne * Big Mon * Birdland Breakdown * Port Tobacco

© 2004 - Shaun Dale