Tony Rice - Plays And Sings Bluegrass (1993)

Tony Rice, one of the most innovative guitarists to emerge from the "third generation" of bluegrass musicians, returns to his roots on TONY RICE PLAYS AND SINGS BLUEGRASS, his first real bluegrass album since 1977. This collection of classics, mostly from the '50s and '60s, is given an exuberant reading by Rice and his band of bluegrass veterans.

Rice's lead vocals evoke the "high lonesome" sound of Bill Monroe. His guitar work is stunning in its attack, rhythmic intensity, and choice of notes--his solo on Lester Flatt's "I'll Stay Around" twists and turns, hits a few pungent blue notes, and is gone, all in eight bars, while the guitar break on "Thunderclouds of Love" explodes in a flurry of notes and slurred jazz chords. Dobro star Jerry Douglas adds his unmistakable fluid touch. Bill Emerson, a founding member of the Country Gentlemen, is on hand to play some hellified banjo and to pass the torch. Balancing respect for tradition with modern virtuosity and willingness to take risks, TONY RICE PLAYS AND SINGS BLUEGRASS is about as good as it gets.