For the aspiring rhythm guitarists in the room, slow down the tempo of this track around 4:26 and check out how Tony plays between the beat here while still staying in perfect time. Most people will never notice it because it isn’t intrusive to what the soloist is doing, yet it adds a unique “bump” of acceleration or groove to accentuate the progression. You can tell by the smile on his face it was something he just threw in there for fun. What a master this man was and I’m so thankful he has given us more to think about and study than we could fully cover in several lifetimes.
@@drewby613 Raised in Los Angeles, I always thought LA was probably not the right setting for Tony. His persona belonged in the hills of Virginia for sure! His suits were always quite dapper! :)
Notice that Tony Rice appears to comment here. He died Christmas morning in the Old North State. Things like this video are never possible again. There will never be a replacement for Tony Rice, picking or singing.
He had a damn good voice, too, didn't he? Sharp dresser, too! Incredibly musical guy! I was lucky enough to get to meet him, and listen to him from only a few feet away! Transformative experience!
Every time I was blessed to speak to Tony, he was a gentleman, and bragged on someone else. I'll never play all his notes, but I'll hit a few. Prayers for his family.
At 4:51 you can finally see the entire ensemble. From left to right: Pete Wernick-banjo, David Grisman-mandolin, Del McCoury-guitar, Ronnie Simpkins-bass, Ricky Skaggs-mandolin, Jerry Douglass-resophonic guitar, Tony Rice-guitar, Mark O'Connor-fiddle, Ricky Simpkins-fiddle.
There will never, ever be another Tony Rice. I feel blessed to have heard him play in person six times over thirty years, including his final performance in Raleigh. Pure majesty.
No kidding. At age 13, he was the youngest person ever to win the Grand Master Fiddler Championships competing against all ages, amateur and professional. is still the only person to ever win national titles (open to all ages) on fiddle, bluegrass guitar and mandolin. At age 14, he won the National Flatpicking Championship (which is a blind competition where the judges never see the performers and only know them by a number) by playing "Orange Blossom Special" on the guitar. Dudley Murphy was the first to play it in competition (it's considered one of the hardest pieces of bluegrass to play on guitar) the year before and came in third, I believe. O'Connor won it twice. He may be one of the finest pure musicians to ever grace the planet.
Never seen this video until now! Awesome breaks from all of them! You can really see Tony bending those strings during his break! Thanks For Sharing! Rest In Peace, Tony Rice. THANK YOU for the many years of Great Music !
Tony’s absolute delight at Fiddle Break #1 and the audience response to it is priceless. Real masters never have an ego around others blessed with true talent. They celebrate and thrive with it. Hope he’s doing well these days.
I was thinking while watching it, it would be great even to watch it while muted JUST for the smiles and nods from this incredible group of dearly loved musicians. A treasure for sure. So much joy for them and thankfully US!
Tony was incredible. Pure tone. Solid notes. We saw him at the IBMA when he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement. He played onstage with some of these guys but he was in pain. I cried for him. Loved me some Tony.
David Hopkins I'm of the opinion that he is the greatest mandolin player ever! I say that lightly but his mastery of many styles that he is amazing at. I recommend that you listen the David Grisman Quintet featuring Tony Rice mid to late 70's live show are my favorite. Hands down some of the finest music ever played.
America's best bluegrass players. Just burning the house down. Love to hear such terrific talent on one stage. Lots of respect for each lead. I have been lucky enough to see David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice and Mark O'Conner thru the years. But never in such a brilliant stage. God bless American Bluegrass.
Wow, that was awesome, and what a great cast of characters! To see them all playing together like that is fantastic! Thanks for posting and Tony, Rest In Peace, you know Heaven has a hell of a band!
I like how the title just says ricky skaggs and tony rice. Must of forgot the rest of them like they are all just peons lol. Had me cracking up. Good video and even better music
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST REQUESTED VIDEO-HITS FROM SKAGGS & RICE FOR ALL MY PAGES: Tony Rice Friendsnfans, Clarence White Fotos, DocnMerle Watson, and Larry Prentis Rice.
Tony, Jerry and Ricky all played with JD Crowe and New South. Jerry was about 18 Ricky 21 and Tony 26. Tony played before that with Sam Bush in Bluegrass Alliance. Might have been while Tony was still with them that Doyle Lawson came to the group.
@TokudenInc I didn't know that. I'm very saddened to hear that. I loved him. His playing spoke to me and took me to places that I love. RIP Tony Rice. See you in Heaven!
Lots of great moments, but my favorite might be right when Pete Wernick finishes his solo and appears to gasp with relief that he didn't embarrass himself in front of the virtuosos on stage with him.
