Tony Rice All Star Jam plays Nine Pound Hammer

[@AMWakeUp]

Tony Rice was the most relaxed genius. Still listening in 2024

[@L-jm4sy]

a "very stable" genius

[@joshuareuser]

I’m here too

[@bryanstreettandtheblueridg9989]

This is Bluegrass perfection. No overplaying. Spot on perfect. Absolute unmitigated joy. Precision. Timing. Just fast enough. Totally original solos from all four hall of fame greats here. Perfect rhythm. Tony can’t be any cooler and what a leader.

[@GrantDresnok]

Well said

[@dougieh9676]

Facts

[@wb5mgr]

If anyone could have carried the 9lb hammer, Tony was that guy …

[@Sandrab769]

Watch Billy Strings

[@billierobertson8565]

Bluegrass perfection to the power of 10. I am in awe of the talent here. Oh My Goodness Gracious, as my MT. AIRY , N.C. grandmother would say. I am also a huge fan of Jimmy Martin. Greetings from Virginia from a fan of GOOD Bluegrass music!!

[@ZzzzZz-pk2yq]

Woah! That is possibly the most deeply stacked group of true virtuoso musicians I’ve ever seen on a single stage! Each one of those guys could bring the house down on their own, but to see them all playing together is something else!

[@wakingmycadaverful]

Tony Rice, a true American guitar hero. Nobody can hold a candle to you. Godspeed! RIP

[@alexmiller9417]

Came here to listen to some of his tunes for the morning, sad news... Such a legend!! God speed Mr. Rice!

[@onionsoup4145]

Was sorry to hear of his passing. But he joins Doc Watson, Guy Clark, so many more. Almost all of my favorites are gone.

[@Mr.300kingpin]

You're right! Nobody can hold a candle to him.. The greatest, and I'm still trying to play leads like him.. Not to mention.. He's expression less. Never makes the guitar face, while shredding!

[@donaldboudreau4845]

@@alexmiller9417 0p

[@donaldboudreau4845]

@@onionsoup4145 q

[@HugeGene]

Tony Rice cannot be compared to ANYBODY. There are pickers faster, sometimes flashier, but nobody better. His musical taste, phrasing, sense of space and impeccable timing put him above every other bluegrass guitarist alive today...and he invented his unique style, although he obviously had/has his influences...we all do. The only player close to him is his brother Wyatt, at least as far as right hand techinque, but Tony's musicality remains unique. Miss his gorgeous voice though.

[@laurentfarsy3722]

I agree with that.

[@jeffjoseph3575]

Billy Strings.

[@lordofthemound3890]

To paraphrase Charles Mingus (who originally stated it with regards to Charlie Parker): “If Tony Rice were a gunslinger, there’d be a whole lot of dead copycats.”

[@mhoh6212]

Tony's playing meant so much to so many people. I learned to love bluegrass because of this man. Rest easy brother.

[@Kateoakim]

Grandissimo!,,,,,,,,,😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@oopsydaizi3s824]

Same here. This music is beautiful

[@sameo2634]

I first saw Tony Rice around 1975 at, of all places, a Straw Hat Pizza parlor. What i saw completely blew me away. He was starting to work with David Grisman. What grabbed me was how the only things moving were his hands and fingers. As though he and his D28 were literally one. Impeccable style, phrasing and into a musical realm never seen or heard before. What a joy and privilege. Beyond words!

[@nancychace8619]

Those were the days. I saw him with David Grisman et al in Santa Cruz, back in the day.

[@tnt6715]

I rewatch this a 1,000 x and see something new every time....

[@j.d.o5709]

This video is the musical version of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, or Monet’s lilies, or the Great wall of China: the propensity of the human ability to accomplish feats so seemingly impossible and awe-inspiring that the soul aches as it beholds them. Rest in peace Tony. You were the greatest. You gave us a gift so great that it’ll never die.

[@billfigeley7554]

Tony Rice never messes up. He creates new licks.

[@bstimy]

with the right ear and the right skill and knowledge it is pretty hard to screw up, but do exactly what you say.

[@phucknuts]

Tony should really just getting to the 21st century and put pickups on his acoustic because you're missing half the damn lead

[@willclark6907]

@@phucknuts It was 1992...

[@stupagia26]

Not on THAT guitar!

[@MC-sv4zz]

TR doesn’t”mess” up!!! He just takes to another level! And to another WIRLD!!!

[@andrewz4537]

I'm not a big Bluegrass fan but this is incredible virtuosity, tightness, and artistry. I have nothing but admiration for these musical geniuses.

[@josephestes9959]

You just can’t beat this guy and he has a way of sending chills up ur spine with these jazzy offbeat rhythms like nobody else. Love his selection of material as well 🧨🔥

[@sethcushingmusic]

Who is still kicking it with these tunes in 2023?!🙌

[@SonrisaProductions]

The High Desert Hot Strings out of Lancaster CA.

[@kilakila992kilakila2]

Billy strings.

[@calebyoung88]

2024

[@07blackdog]

Kickin' it in '24 son...

[@grferguson]

I’m 51 will listen to bluegrass till I die

[@BorkedJorsh]

I literally cannot stop watching this. That sound. That talent. That almost-angry Clint Eastwood face backed by that joyful noise... and that mandolin, and the realization that's Bela Fleck... wth?! Thank you, and please let this video stay up forever

[@randcamp1790]

This video is great, but no Bela Fleck to be found -- that is multiple hall-of-famer Sam Bush singing and ripping up the mandolin

[@tonyeads9142]

I am amazed every single time that I hear these classic recordings and marvel at the fact that they were recorded live outside and under what conditions only God knows. There were no re-takes or over-dubs or studio magic! These guys just stepped up to the mic and took turns crushing this bluegrass standard. They were so far ahead of their time that I don't even think they knew at the time. Many bands have tried to play these songs before and since and they still can't do it any better than these guys just off the cuff! They made it look so very easy it was almost laughable! I know that taste in music is relative and people like or don't like what ever they may want to but how cold watch this video of these masterful musicians and not appreciate it in some form or fashion for just how gifted they all were! I can't believe there is 2 people that have watched it that just don't get the magic that was happening live! Thank you for the post! Thank God for the gift of Music!

[@heinsmit5329]

yeah i agree.

[@heinsmit5329]

sorry was abitt late response after 3 years ,i love this.

[@eadsst1]

Tony - I don't know if we are related (Oklahoma Eads family) but you are so right on this one, brother!

[@rockers2rockers616]

I torture myself trying to play guitar like Rice. Amazing to say the least

[@tydouglas3013]

Rockers2Rockers been doing the same. Fingers hurt. Sooo many g runs

[@alexstewart839]

It's great to hear the bass way up in the mix like this. He's really powering the song forward.

[@excavatoree]

I've met Mark Schatz, he's a great guy. He, Sam, Mark and Jerry need to take care of themselves. We want them around a lot longer!

[@cabinfeverfunk5132]

As an upright bass player myself, I'm FLOORED that Mark's amazing tone punches through this

[@fohdt]

this is my great uncle Charlie's song. & it is absolutely amazing to hear this herculean band play it. i got to mix monitors for Tony twice before we lost him. For his last show i worked, he had just visited the ailing Vassar Clements that morning. Tony was in a very somber mood. And after one soundcheck he said in that reasp, "You done good, Phil." It is an absolute highlight for me,

[@5150show]

Let’s put our hands and hearts together and thank God for giving us Tony Rice and his Music

[@straightsix4441]

I'm danish and god I miss this guy. Have listening to Tony Rice for the last 20 years. Dear mr. Tony RIce may you rest in peace. I fucking love you!! Bluesgrassssssss forever!!

[@askewbowl]

The picking in the first 10 seconds is out of this world. I dont stand a chance, not even sure why I bother trying. RIP sir

[@zachwatt4344]

I love how the world as a whole recognizes how special of a moment this was. A lot of times over stacked stages fall flat, but this is that rare moment when everyone was in top form and made something for the ages.

[@rambstudiosFilm]

I’m 14 I love tony rice and especially this song

[@johnfenner347]

An absolutely wonderful performance of world class masters, at the top of their form. How extremely fortunate we are that this was recorded, by excellent engineers, and video director. I doubt we will hear their like again. Marvellous ! x x .

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

These Boys were in their prime at same time. Full throttle. You can see each players facial expression light up as they watch each other take their Break. This is the best up close video of a special place and Time👍RIP Tony🇺🇸

[@susanreynolds661]

Would of gave anything to have seen Tony Rice in concert, miss him so much his music will be with me forever?

[@patferris3640]

The magic of Tony Rice is his ability to weave in and out of the beat without ever losing it. His second solo at 3:10 is a great example. It stretches the measures, creating tremendous tension and excitement - always ending exactly on the beat! What a genius!!!

[@brendahaltom6612]

Yeah I would have lost the beat at that point or stopped playing! Hahaha!

[@johnnyvannoy8931]

The amount of talent on that stage at one time is absolutely incredible! All of them are just the best at what they do . RIP Tony .

[@JulienFoucaut]

R.I.P Tony, you are the best...♥️

[@mangladeofyou7340]

Yes♥️

[@walterbiker2250]

RIP

[@mythcrackers460]

Bluegrass legend

[@LeePayne2310]

Rip Mr. Rice..it was a pleasure and honor growing up a few doors down from you...never will forget dad playing the banjo and you pickin your guitar in your living room.

[@chuckallen9559]

That's amazing. Lucky you and RIP tony

[@Corntassels]

RIP Tony Rice. You were a huge part of the soundtrack of my childhood and I will keep listening in gratitude.

[@ebennett7]

All you guys with your negative comments- we should all get down on our knees and worship these music masters. They are a gift to all of us!

[@ergbudster3333]

Well, these guys are just plain good. Sound like this makes my heart smile.

[@se2702]

I was at this performance. My friend Jim Eanes, a well regarded bluegrass writer and performer , introduced me to Tony Rice at another show in Virginia. I was in awe! And Mark O'Connor is the nicest person and absolute master of everything he plays.

[@lowellfox1987]

Lord, these gems are a treasure to behold...makes my heart sing.

[@greggo502]

I just started to listen to Bluegrass recently and I just cant get enought of this Outstanding guitar player. He was incredible. ish I could have seen him live . RIP Tony

[@PiDev]

The nod off to Sam Bush at 1:42 is the smoothest.

[@jorgefres]

Pious Devil your turn boy..

[@tydouglas3013]

Eyebrows

[@beaveittoleaver2327]

Tony: "Now I own your SOUL!" Sam: "Cool, I got your 6"

[@drewby613]

So smooth. So cool. So able to never lose track of where he was in the music no matter how abstract his solos got. RIP Tony Rice. One Virginia gentleman who is sorely missed.

[@sigean100]

My wife and I were there that day at Merlefest. The entire set was magic. 🙏❤️🎶

[@jftruthseeker989]

Man , i love him so much .. when i first discovered him it was pure joy to look him play and to listen and it still the same after 1000 times of listening. And all his awesome maestro band

[@Pete-z6e]

Class lineup!

[@termozzilla]

God Bless youtube and the free sharing, only in this way a boy like me from so far away(Italy) can have the pleasure to taste and to know fantastic artists like Tony Rice and his band! Thanks for sharing! Bluegrass musi unfortunally is not so popular here!But is fantastic!

[@robertschmitt6368]

Thank you,Thank you,Thank you. Always one of my favorites, played by a master.

[@nickfoster9407]

Bless this production crew.. What a delightful video

[@sKarmA115]

I'll be in my woodshed practicing for all of eternity...

[@havi70]

Blessed to hear Tony's voice, and to have this collection of music put to video before his voice went.

[@mf5202]

Tony Rice is the most effortless flatpicker I've ever seen. And Mark O'Connor is still a god.

[@jackpuskar6439]

Effortless indeed

[@jftruthseeker989]

I'm from Montreal and there is not a lot of bluegrass here but i love bluegrass I'm in love with this music , and after for not so long ago , i discovered and explored Tony Rice albums and live , i understand now why he's such an inspiration for many, this man is a virtuoso of bluegrass guitar and music, I don't have words to explained his particular sound

[@sawbilly2]

Smoother cleaner picking you will not hear! R.I.P Tony. Sure gonna miss you!

[@georgewilkins4231]

Marvelous.......

[@TheGuitarRoom]

RIP Tony. I deeply regret never having crossed paths with you. You have greatly influenced me. Thank you for being so much for so many. I will miss you greatly. My heart and prayers to your family and close friends

[@alphacentauri8083]

RIP. He wasn't just a phenomenal picker but a lyrical player as well with that amazing tone and bluesy feel. A cut above the rest.

[@onionsoup4145]

Tony came from the day when he probably knew what a nine pound hammer really was

[@homespuntapes]

I remember being at this show and it was a musical epiphany for me. It made me want to switch from being a primarily electric player to a mostly acoustic player. I still love my Tele bends and rocking out, but there's a real power to acoustic music that is so real and can't be faked or covered up by effect pedals.

[@arnoldfernbladst3875]

That's awesome! I was just watching this again for the 1000th time and wondering if people there knew they were witnessing history being made

[@JimDavidson-FingerpickinGood]

Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful, beautiful music, Tony. Safe travels...

[@jonsindenius]

I love to get hammered in the afternoon listening to these guys!

[@charlesmcgowen6562]

Thunderbird?

[@skatetodeath666]

So what ?

[@obamna666]

Nine pound hammered!

[@stevepennington7879]

Quite possibly the most “talent” ever assembled on stage at one time ! Look no further for “pure perfection”! RIP Tony.

[@ChrisGS]

What a crew. Tony had such a great voice for these tunes.

[@ddavis510]

Look how young Jerry Douglas is! RIP Tony

[@katjakruit]

That really him?? My gosh...

[@stiffarm67]

YES! Jerry. He was a preppy looking goober🤣

[@gastonbluesman6705]

Is Jerry...oh yeah!!!

[@vincentreyes6154]

That face is so unrecognizable, but that style cannot ever lie.

[@nobodynoone2500]

Love how he turns and even converses with his fellow players while still mid-run in his first solo effortlessly nailing it. @ 0:58, Those eyebrows at 1:43, That head raise (to communicate a pitch raise while fading the note) on "back" at 2:18.

[@tonyshebelskie2741]

Tony is simply the best acoustic slinger ever. Thank you man.

[@lukebradstreet1149]

That little nod he gives to the mandolin player right before the solo is so.... badass.

[@nuclearfusion3337]

"the mandolin player" is the one and only Sam Bush - a living legend in the world of bluegrass and newgrass music.

[@ChristophHenrici]

Each and all stellar , incredible this concentration of talent. I wouldn’t know who to single out

[@paddyotoole2058]

That nod by Tony to the mandolin player for him to get ready for his solo turn at 1:42 is totally badass.

[@levibailey6256]

Mandolin player is Sam Bush

[@paulgaddis36]

Very beautiful song! You guys and gals did a very wonderful job

[@superjarrod13b]

I love how he reaches over to adjust the Dobro Player’s mike. Showcasing the talent that joins you onstage is true showmanship.

[@rylieriley]

This is a dream band. The fiddle and slide playing, especially, are some of the sweetest I've ever heard. The whole band just knocks my sock off.

[@blueohenryutube]

I remember when I first heard Tony in 1985 and I really felt like I had missed a decade of awareness about Bluegrass and bad ass guitar picking. I had been playing guitar since 1966 and was getting discouraged about the direction of music long about 1978...(disco, though fun was not advancing musicianship).Languished in ignorance of the underground BG music scene for a few years and then...............and then I heard Tony... and went..."Wow! This is possible on an acoustic guitar? I thought Hendrix was good...but...wow. For all you younger viewers out there, or just new viewers to the Bluegrass scene, it's a lovely and eternally rewarding labyrinth of talent so intertwined in history...Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Tony Rice, Mark O'Conner, are second generation BG pickers and they intermingled with 1st generation BG folk and the 3rd gen intermingles with the prior 2 and then next 2. This wonderful music never goes away. It just keeps expanding and all the pickers you know about all know or have been influenced by all the pickers you don't know about. But you will. It takes time. You just take solace and comfort in learning and appreciating. Everybody started behind the curve after Bill Monroe happened. Just pick it up and keep going. There's a whole family of welcoming arms out there...old rickety ones and young fresh ones....all enjoying and loving this music. It's not like anything else. It will always endure and when you're 85, you will have thousands of friends to pick with. Go for it.

[@BeingRomans829ed]

yep!

[@Halliday7895]

well said.

[@Trollificusv2]

That's beautifully put, Mr. V, and absolutely accurate. Can't even say how many times I've been stunned to "discover" some fantastic artist only to find out they've been around for 20 years. I always feel like an idiot, but it's oh so worth it.

[@jarchhhh]

It's a swell hobby! -Jim

[@alvinweasel]

First time I saw Tony live was at the Doyle Lawson Fest in the 80s. Alison Was just a funny looking kid then. And Tony could still sing. That whole explosion of BG superstars just warped my mind!

[@tylerfoss3346]

This isn't music, this is magic. And that's the truth!

[@vishalmohan3080]

Tony rice is best flatpicker and best bluegrass vocalist . Love from India

[@greys1989]

This song brings me back a ways. Always in total awe of that flawless picking. R.I.P Tony Rice

[@johnojazz78]

Sincerely hope that Tony gets better and eventually back out playing. He's a true legend of American music in my opinion.

[@tracyrobinson4310]

2nd that

[@patlance6494]

Rest in piece Tony. Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@anderjohmetallica]

Tony Rice is totally underrated IMO. Did you hear his 2nd solo?? EVH, SRV, Randy Rhodes (and others, of course) get accolades for doing the same. But Tony does it on acoustic, and it still sounds awesome. He should be up there with other guitar gods.

[@killlalaland]

uh, he is

[@williamchop]

John Anderson uhh how bout did you hear that mando solo?? theres a man that doesnt get enough accolades if theres ever been one.

[@TheoWecker]

william kelley Sam Bush has all of the accolades and deservedly so.

[@poeta067]

John Anderson I agree 100% .....

[@byronicman]

Theo Barton-Wecker He did...until Thile came along.

[@vicmorrison8128]

Love Tony. This reminded me of the time I went to an open bluegrass jam in some banks basement. Didn't know anyone. Thought I could play. Jazz student. All the guys were like 80. I refer to it now as the day I was murdered by the children of the corn! Thanks! This was tops!

[@ragalb4019]

Love Sam Bush's energy. He's always so hyped lmao

[@nickbeier6265]

Golden retriever energy

[@raymondcyr1002]

good stuff tony just love it awsome guys thank you for sharingggggg

[@steelybizzle]

I first heard Tony play with Jerry G on the Pizza Tapes what a great player was im forever grateful RIP Tony ❤🎸✌

[@josephanderson3889]

This jawn is a banger

[@jacicrimmccrary]

Listening to this just made my day! I'm full of energy and now, I can get everything done! Thanks!

[@larsdybvad4789]

Tony Rice, a favorite guitar player of mine, and a good singer. Poor man; in many years he lost his voice: Couldn´t sing or talk! What a handicap! In april 1996, l had the pleasure of seeing Tony Rice Unit on a small scene in Virginia. I´ll never forget. He played up to his standard. Never sang or said a word, and the audiens got worried about that. Me too - until l got the answer from a video on this channel years later. Masterclass guitar player 💜💜💜

[@randalbladel2817]

Some of the finest musicians at the top of their game. The contrast in playing styles is interesting. Mark and Sam are practically dancing the notes out, while the only things that move in one of Tony’s solos are his hands. Jerry is similar. Some great close up camera work of Tony’s and Jerry’s hands at work. Or is it play? I would have loved to hear Mark and Tony trade guitar licks.

[@eightapeach2861]

Tony’s arrangements and renditions of other writers’ songs was always the high water mark for the song. It couldn’t be done any better.

[@TheBodybuilder4life]

serious talent and musical knowledge here. non -musicians couldn't fathom the hours of practice put into being able to play like this. if i can do this at 1/10th speed someday, that would be an unbelievable milestone

[@elvisburton6199]

I'm just getting into this style of music and WOW this is some of the. best. i. have. heard!

[@motownkeller9175]

You were one of the greats Mr Rice. You are missed. Your playing will live on forever.

[@stephenschultz9901]

Just discovered Tony Rice today. Where have I been living? Wow!

[@winger1985]

rice's legacy, best baritone voice in history

[@KenLongTortoise]

you cannot get more all star than that. sure do miss that gentleman

[@carllast2658]

THE BEST EVER, TONY RICE

[@clayallen4354]

starting to agree. at least in the bluegrass genre

[@devonaz]

I can't stop playing this. I knew who Tony Rice was ... is and he was a favorite of friends of mine, but I was too focused on players I favored like Doc Watson, David Bromberg and didn't pay much attention. I'm so happy to say I was wrong not to appreciate this good man's talent, the cream rises to the top. Oh ... and the rest of the players ... Wizards ... just the best. So much fun to watch. Think I'll watch again.

[@joshuabolt]

Tony Rice is boss on that guitar, and for my money O'Connor plays the best breaks I have ever heard.

[@softailspringer9915]

This is my go-to video for non-bluegrass folks, especially rock guitar players who tend to look down on BG as simplistic music. There's just mind-blowing musicianship here.

[@OldMusicGuy]

RIP Tony! You will be missed.

[@louisbyron]

These guys are the greatest Bluegrass players of their generation. A great example of how Bluegrass technical proficiency matches that of any music, including jazz and classical music.

[@Mole_Man274]

I'm a British 25 year old man never been to America, but I love bluegrass! Yehaw! :3

[@Trollificusv2]

Good taste is not limited by geography or culture. Good on ya.

[@danielstein5290]

Well, bluegrass was influenced by british settlers! :) the old fiddle tunes and folk songs

[@OldBanjer]

I hear a few Clarence White licks in the last few bars of Tony's first solo. Great stuff, thanks for posting!

[@JohnDanielMeyer]

Awesome song and video! Mark's second break is freaking insane!

[@appetitefordynamite]

thanks for id'ing the dobro player. He smokes!!!!!!! I watch this alot. They are such a good bunch. Happy Happy Joy Joy. It never fails to put my head back in order. Yeah aren't the pens in Tony's pocket wicked awesome devil may care dorkville. He's so cool with his hard poses and the singing out of the side of his mouth as he communicates with the fellers with his nods.

[@poeta067]

Tony Rice....yeahhhhhhhhhh....great wizard of the six strings acoustic guitar!!!

[@torino429scj]

Absolutely amazing! I haven't just discovered these guys, I listened to them in New Grass Revival, at least Tony and Sam. I have to say that as far as I'm concerned, they are the standard to which other players must be judged. I've listened to many pickers, and there are none which compare. Too bad Bela isn't in this one. You can listen to this and have cold chills roll all over you.

[@ringmaster5252]

Tony was one hell of a singer back then.

[@TrailinSmoke]

I miss it. church street blues is one of my favorite recordings ever

[@sydneyjorgensen6886]

if you ever listen to him talk he has a very scraggly voice but yeah he is a great singer listen to him playing with ricky skaggs on where the soul of man never dies

[@beaveittoleaver2327]

Everytime I watch this, I comment. It's THAT good. UNREAL talent in this group. Don't try this at home...