tony rice was one of the few artists that went out of their way to thank me (the lighting guy) and the sound folk at the end of his show at our theatre.
Don't forget Tony Rice's vocals too. Putting all the guitar virtuosity to one side, he was just so incredibly musical. That's why he should be remembered as one of the greats.
I think its an accurate statement to say never in any genre of music has there ever been more talent assembled on one stage than this. Nobody will ever be able to replace Tony Rice. R.I.P. my friend. You will always be the GOAT in my opinion ❤
The crazy thing is, even though Tony and Bela are the big names, I think Mark was the most talented one there. He plays all those instruments at that level.
Grew up a few houses down from Mr. Rice and as great of a flatpicker that he was, he was a nicer man. And had great taste in cars, can still hear his black cobra til this day
Oh my god, I'm devastated. Tony was The Man. I met him backstage in the early 90's and he actually let me play his guitar. In the late 2000's I came across some research on spasmodic dysphonia and sent it to his website. I'm sure he didn't remember me from Adam, but a few months later, as my wife and I were watching TV; the phone rings. "I'm looking for Eric Fischer, I'm Tony Rice." The voice goes. I would have thought it was a prank, but with that husky rasp he had then, I knew it must have been him. He searched me out, and called me, just to say thank you for sending off that information to him. My wife, Anne was on the couch, she was dying from cancer and I said, "Anne, you'll never guess who this is. It's Tony Rice!" She used to play bluegrass with me, so she knew who he was. I didn't know what to say; just stuff like "Tony you're the best, man. Thank you for everything." He talked for a couple minutes and then excused himself. What a gentleman. Back in the 90's, my friend was a nurse a local hospital and in one room, the TV was playing an old Andy Griffith episode. Clarence White and the White's were on. He pointed to the screen and told the patient, "My friend played that guitar!" Tony, man you'll be missed.... and revered for years to come. Thank you!
I was about the make the very same recommendation. Not only is the music and banter simply incredible, but the story behind the tapes is almost equally good. More Dead serendipity.
RIP Tony. I feel lucky to have lived in a time that produced Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, Mark O'Connor, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush and Mark Schatz. Every one, a once in an eternity.
It is called dressing for the character you wish to portray on stage; think Emmylou Harris with her cowboy boots and J-200 or Vulfpeck striped shirts. The stage persona is for the show. Folks are surprised when they meet their stage heroes and discover they are, for the most part, just regular guys and gals. BTW, Tony's guitar solo on Emmylou's Wayfaring Stranger is the epitome of taste and timing. I digress.
11:02. RU-vid couldn’t even handle the amount of heat it was being required to stream hahahah. So bad ass. Rest In Peace TR. my favorite players favorite player.
This hit me hard, he is one of my all time favorite artists, and he was an artist. Not just a phenomenal groundbreaking guitarist, but also a great groundbreaking singer, bringing a while new style to bluegrass singing, and damn he was able to tell a story. He was a great songwriter as well, but didn't write lyrics. And he picked the greatest songs to cover as well, he especially loved Gordon Lightfoot and his versions of his songs really are the definitive versions. And he was a humble gentleman as well. What an exceptional human he was.
As a bluegrass educator myself, nothing makes me happier than watching another musician/teacher nerding out about a classic bluegrass video! :D Happy to run across this sir! Let me know if you would ever like some more obscure, but awesome bluegrass stuff to react to! :D
The look on the fiddle players face after he killed that solo. It's like he surprised himself. Thanks for making these videos, it really helps us tone deaf folks when a person says "that's an A". I'm starting to recognize notes, it's awesome.
The fiddle player!?!?!?!? Thats Mark O'Connor, also one of the most awesome players ever. He can keep up with the best players on any instrument, mandolin, guitar. Boss.
Tony's second solo, while improved, is not really winged. He's adding jazz to bluegrass. Giving space and tension. Complete mastery over that Martin. Breathtaking.
Literally growing up at Bluegrass festivals in the late 70's-early 80's, Tony Rice was always like some mythical beast. If he was picking, EVERYBODY stopped jamming and watched. A complete Master of his craft. From Manzanita to the New South and then the Tony Rice Unit he blazed a very wide swath of what was possible on an old Martin D-28. RIP sir. Go rest high on that mountain.
There will never again be this much musical talent on one stage together. Each one so incredible. I glad I lived to see it. RIP Tony. You still are the master.
In Grisman's FB tribute to Tony he mentioned that when Tony first joined the DGQ he told David that he couldn't compose music, and David told him, "Yes, you can!" The next day he brought his first composition to David, Swing 51, and it was included on their premiere album, The David Grisman Qunitet (Kaleidoscope F-5). The power of suggestion is real. RIP Tony, and thank you for this tribute, Michael.
What an absolute joy to see you enjoying 'Freeborn Man'. You are right! The magic, the artistry, the humour and the leadership, Tony Rice had it all. Thank you for this. Once again, you are showing us another shade of what music is all about but always through the prism of passion :)
JD Crowe, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas and boby Slone. To ME, the best Bluegrass album ever. Started playing banjo in the 70's with the Earl Scrubbs book then found JD. Crowe, and COUNTLESS Banjo players. But Tony Rice just freaking stole my heart. RIP Tony, you gave us ALL some GREAT GREAT times.
Thanks for this. Tony was the man, IMO the greatest bluegrass guitarist we've seen (and not just a bluegrass guitarist, he could play well in virtually any style). Such a cool cat too. RIP.
For 25 years now my biggest hero and inspiration, the reason that I pick! Do a search on RU-vid and listen to the entire Mar West record you’ll love it! And a big welcome to Tony’s music!!
5:45 When he walks from the A to the D, he does it *against* the beat. When you hear that (and it's the sh*t) that's either Tony or a Tony disciple. And it gives me chills.
Last comment - promise. Tony had a beautiful singing voice (before dysphonia took it). Go listen to him sing "Four Strong Winds", "Church Street Blues", "Urge for Going", or "Green Light on the Southern". Thank you, Michael, for the lovely tribute. You said and felt what we're all feeling.
I love how you respect the great one! His pure driving grass and jazz influences warped the guitar in bluegrass to another level and there will truly be no other! I find this hard as what he did with the guitar is almost comparible with scruggs on the 5 string, completely rewriting the instrument and every solo you listen to in grass has a TR influence he will be greatly missed...
Amazing, gracious musicians. So incredibly gifted. Feel so fortunate to have been able to see these guys live. I love how generous they are with each other.
Thank you for the video. I love your passion. It's nice to see someone who knows all these people and is passionate about the music as I am. I've seen this video maybe a dozen times but I still love it. I love how much fun they're having too.
I’ve never seen anyone else react the way I do when I watch that freeborn man video. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not the only fanatic 😂 and thanks for sharing the joy. This video of Tony rice is one of my absolutely favorites.
I get so much more from your reactions and analysis and joy of this great music, I love it. I got seriously into guitar in the early 1980's and played it like a mad man for 20 odd years, but have not picked it up in a couple of years. Thanks for the fun you put into these, this was hot ...
I'm dying at 13:00 - 13:05 Tony goes for a lick, then another, and your face as you try to interpret what he might be going for is priceless. Your hand in the air. Mouth slightly ajar. Eyes narrowed. hahahahah
You missed some of the fun interplay. Bella missed his cue on the banjo break, so coming into the next verse, Tony intentionally waits an extra two beats to come in with the vocals. You can see Sam laughing because he knows it’s Tony playing around.
I love the passion you got. I'm not that big into bluegrass and i dont even have close your music knowledge but you just catch me with that passion. Couldnt stop smiling the whole vid... you inspire me to improve my guitar playing
That D28 the “antique” is priceless. Some of the best to ever hold a pick have had the honor and privilege to play it. From Clarence to Tony to BMFS have all played it. I hope the family keeps it and takes care of it.
As a (now stroke-ridden) metal/rock axe maniac from the '80s I believe I have missed a lifetime of the talent and workings that were from the virtuoso that was Tony Rice. And only now after his passing am I enlightened to his magic, and the knowing that for all this time I've been a *HUGE* bluegrass fan all my life. I would have loved to have performed "Cattle in the Cane" to unexpected HM fans with all the respect that it owes him, it is *LITERALLY* among my most favourite pieces of guitar work from *any* artist or genre. Much love and respect, always Mr TR ❤️
Really loved this video. I have entirely new and improved appreciation for Tony Rice. I listened to him when I was much younger, he always amazed me. Great stuff! Thank you.
What a glorious tribute! Thank you Michael for reminding us how and why great music is made, this time in the form of the late Tony Rice. I have such affection and respect for the man. He was my favorite guitarist in Appalachian music, second only to my very favorite, Norman Blake. Their two joint albums ensured a walk through the pearly gates, and once reunited, they will charge but a modest fee** for their heavenly performances. ** Every few days angels will be dispatched to Earth with the money to replenish strings and picks and such.
This is an outstanding analysis. I've seen that video probably 500 times, and you pointed out some things I had never realized. I was so fortunate to have lived in Louisville, KY when Tony and Sam were in their late teens playing with the Bluegrass Alliance, and it was already obvious that they were a force to be reckoned with.
I grew up in Wilkesboro North Carolina. Home of Merlefest. The best bluegrass fest started by Doc Watson. It’s amazing to see who comes from all around the world. Great music and great community. Awesome Rest easy Tony Rice
I have been obsessed with this song lately watching this Tony Rice version on RU-vid every night for about 8 nights in a row so I really enjoyed your rundown. Thank you.
Tony's music has been with me when everything else felt insincere. I cannot put into words how incredible of an artist he was. his works with the bluegrass band and Tony Rice unit are among the best music I've heard. it just felt great seeing you loving this man and his music. great video.
Thanks for the intro to this guitar great, Tony Rice! I’m a very basic guitar player who loves all good music and I absolutely love your enthusiasm for this truly gifted performer. I’m joining you in geeking out on Tony Rice today.
my absolute favorite of all time. I was on a roadtrip with a college buddy in 1999 a few yrs after graduation. He was a serious flatpicker, i played just my strat (blues mainly) at the time. In a hotel room in Lake Tahoe he played a beautiful rendition of Tony's version of Church Street Blues. It completely floored me. It was then immediately and is still now, one of my favorites of all time. I did the ultimate deep dive of Tony and all of bluegrass. I learned to play bluegrass guitar until my fingers bled, healed then played again, rinse repeat and didn't stop - that was 20 years ago and i've never stopped. Thanks for this video! RIP Tony. You were absolutely immense. In case you guys want to hear his last interviews with his friend Jan, here is the link - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2BY3hJBgS1U.html and part 2 i believe - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-miTt76TzDX0.html
Michael you are such a rockstar! The look on your face when the youtube video glitches out is priceless. Thanks for, finally, doing a video on the legendary Tony Rice!
Your enthusiasm and contact with the music is infectious. That's it, I'm subbing. Any deep dive devotee of Tony Rice is a gift to the world of picking. I've been a Rice fan for 35 years at least.
I know what you're unable to say. I've been in awe of Tony since '83 when I first was introduced to his music. I got to meet and chat with him a few times. He was as awesome as his playing. Bragging on everybody else.
Hi Michael! First of all I want to tell you that I love your channel. I went to see Tony Rice in Harrisburg, PA in the early 80's. I'm ashamed of myself for not remembering the fiddle and banjo players names but they were absolutely phenomenal. I love bluegrass and always will and watching this just sparked my interest again. I know this video is from 2 years ago so you may not even see it, but I thought I would reach out anyway. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
I told my wife how lucky we are to have had this generation of musicians that built on the foundation's of monroe, Stanley, flat,and Scruggs and took acoustic music to a new level. Sadly Tony passed on Christmas but he set the bar for the next generation.
I cut my bluegrass TEETH on Tony Rice in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Saw him in person at gigs all the time. I would laugh until I cried. I’m glad you get it!!!
The first time I heard Tony rice blew my mind. The first song I heard was Church street blues then I explored blue grass stuffs that has permanently changed my personality as a musician .Heartfelt condolences to Tony. Love you 💓
Jerry could play any style of American music as well or better than anyone of his generation.As King of the bluegrass pickers around the Bay Area of course he and Tony played together, water seeks its own level. Love you Mike, your the finest kind. 🖖🏽
Lived in Nashville for 20 years and would regularly go to the Bluebird Cafe and the Station Inn. Not only would you see the current greats of country and bluegrass playing as well as songwriters trying out their stuff but you would see the greats of other genres in the audience. Steve Winwood lived in Nashville and he was a frequent visitor. 30 years ago I was in the Bluebird and the owner announced that there was a "fairly good picker" in the audience and wanted to see if he would play a bit. This guy in front of me gets out of his seat and steps on the stage. Eric Clapton. Crazy.
Really glad I got to see him play 2X, once at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival with Allison Krauss and Union Station and at the tiny Stoughton Opera House in Stoughton WI back around 2011. Great memories.
