The Bluegrass Guitar Collection

 (16 customer reviews)

Tony Rice is the greatest acoustic guitarist I've ever heard. His right hand knows what the left hand is doing. The tone and balance in his style haven't been equaled although every flatpicker after him owes him a debt of gratitude. The tunes are fiddle toons for the most part with a fantastic supporting cast which has been the norm for Tony throughout his recording history. This is a great collection spaning much of his career.

The collection showcases the fine instrument the man plays as well. I first heard and saw this guitar in person about 25 years ago and it sounds even better today. It's as legendary as the current owner. The instrument was obscure for it's first 25 years. Then it was purchased in 1960 for Clarence White by his father for a mere $35. Tony Rice purchased it in 1975. The 1935 Martin D28 is the finest guitar of it's kind in the world. And it's no accident that Tony Rice owns and plays it.

kcoyner

In his liner notes, guitarist Ron Block simply states that Tony Rice "epitomizes the best in bluegrass and acoustic music." This 20-track collection clearly makes a strong argument to support that claim. Along with Doc Watson and the late Clarence White (whose guitar is now owned by Rice and featured on the cover), no one has had the kind of incluence on a generation of guitar pickers as Tony Rice. Each of these songs is a gem, and showcases Rice's prowess in a bluegrass setting. [Although the final two tracks owe more to David Grisman's "dawg" grass than bluegrass.]

While none of these are new recordings, they reflect the consistently high quality music Rice has recorded over the decades on Rounder with the Tony Rice Unit, the Rice Brothers, the Bluegrass Album Band and other projects.

In addition to the liner notes by Block, Rice provides commentary for each of the albums 20 tracks (musicians are listed, too) as well as a page-long essay on the Martin guitar...Read more

For the past thirty years Tony Rice has been acknowledged as the towering figure in the field of bluegrass guitar. This album features the flatpicking instrumentals that developed that stellar reputation. Tony is a master of speed, taste, and tone. Along with Tony, the album features a who's who of the top bluegrass instrumentalists providing backup and sharing solos. This collection is outstanding and easily rates five stars.