Tony Rice and Norman Blake

[@mikec6733]

I love Norman. Where ever he plays, he seems to bring his front porch along with him.

[@6412mars]

I love Norman too...and Tony..Two flat picking greats on the stage.. Fabulous!!

[@jacobcarlson8799]

That’s a great way to put it!

[@davelopez9161]

Best concert I ever paid $5 for was sitting center seat front row in a small venue being mesmerized by Norman Blake. On the stage, 30ft from me was a chair with Mr. Blake sitting and a picking. wow.

[@troychester7539]

Front porch vibes all day

[@chrisclarkvideos1969]

lots of nice love from fans of Tony. My bud Peter had an early 8mm mono camcorder that he used here. I cleaned the vid as much as I could by changing the aspect ratio and color and sharpness. Then I EQd the hell out of it. He also audio taped using a Sony D6 and Nak shotgun mics. I don't have the tech or patients to synch audio tape and old 8mm. Pete and his family died on 9-11 on Flight 175 and were featured in the Grey Fox program in 2002. It makes the videos that much more special. I have lots. Posted the Vassar workshop will post more soon. Thanks

[@slide6strings]

Very sorry to hear if the loss of your friend and his family on 9-11 and really appreciate the effort you put into cleaning up this vid. It's wonderful!!!

[@jvbryant]

Thank you.

[@scottmidler8603]

This is *amazing*! Thank you!

[@johnhank724]

I have so many memories in life associated with these gentlemen's music. What a privilege to see live. Sincerely, thanks. Hank

[@alchristenson6532]

Well, you have some real gems here. Thanks so very much for letting us see these rare treats. Your efforts are well worth the price you have paid. Looking forward to seeing more. Very well done!

[@garymoon2829]

I saw Tony and Norman in this format, two master pickers at an outdoor festival, about the same time. It was in Bishop California. Afterward, I spotted Norman walking to his motor home so I chatted with him a minute or two, a great memory. I've seen Tony many times at festivals, first time was in San Francisco with David Grisman after Tony had left the quintet. I so admire Norman, and miss Tony - a humble gentleman, incomparable musician.

[@donmateoSF]

Millpond. Remember it well.

[@94757598494309438]

Loved it. Miss Tony something fierce.

[@m.c.master4622]

My 1st time here since we lost him without crying.

[@rickycarter7154]

Nothing better than two old friends picking the old tunes they remember and love. Makes me miss my Dad. We sure had some fun didn't we? God bless you Mr. Blake, on your lone journey home.

[@robertshorthill4153]

Our brother Tony has gone onto the other side of this life. Norman is still here, but I suspect his bags are being packed. I think he's pushing 83 or so, don't know for sure. They both are national treasures. They will leave a massive hole in the folk, old time and bluegrass world that will take a long time to fill with the young pickers they have influenced, both together and individually. Have followed Norman's music for way more than 40 years and am always finding obscure recordings he and Nancy made decades ago. What treasures they are ! Thanks for sharing this vid from. '91. Brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. Bob

[@toddsmith7505]

0:00 Introduction 0:54 New River Train 6:40 Bill Cheatham 10:42 Two Soldiers 16:08 D-18 Song (Thank You Mr. Martin) 21:27 Salt Creek 25:45 Eight More Miles to Louisville 31:05 Green Light on the Southern 35:45 I'm Comin' Back But I Don't Know When 39:50 Fiddler's Dram / Whiskey Before Breakfast (Encore) Thanks for the upload of this awesome performance Chris!

[@nashreilly8745]

What you've got labeled as "Southern Railroad Blues" is actually "Green Light on the Southern". It's a Blake original.

[@toddsmith7505]

@@nashreilly8745 Fixed. Thanks for the heads up.

[@linfloyd4911]

Tony so obviously enjoyed playing with Norman, who was wildly inventive.

[@jeanricketts6880]

So hungry for real music like this! In this crazy time.......

[@orgelssecondrule9221]

Amen

[@robertwelch4395]

Me to brother.

[@JPM-NM]

I think that Fiddlers Dram/Whiskey Before Breakfast was one of the best ever. The respect and admiration these two had for each other is palpable. Vintage Tony---always doing what is musically appropriate, seeking to support the other and the song. He was one of a kind. He will be missed dearly.

[@sidgriffin813]

That acoustic flat picking guitar I love so much does not get better than this. I saw Norman Blake at the Univ of South Carolina in 1975 with his wife and they were soooooo spectacular. What a great evening. Wish I had one-tenth of either of these gentlemen's talent.

[@boco1951]

Tony changed guitar playing for many folks! He made his mark. He will be remembered!

[@arctichare8185]

Yes, that's the word these days.

[@KCBarr1]

And don't forget, Tony was a student of Clarence White.

[@richardperkins5046]

@@KCBarr1 He got his D-28.

[@louispouliot4102]

Perfect for younger generation so they can admire real talent musician.

[@spb7883]

Tony Rice was a testament to looking beyond yourself and having an open mind. He didn’t do what the world expected of him. We should all learn from that.

[@Les3201]

Thanks so much for posting….I didn’t think any tape of this existed ! We used to go to Winterhawk every year around this timeframe……and, yes, I was there. We DID know how good we had it when we were seeing this stuff !!!…….just unbelievable…..so glad it got captured..

[@mf5202]

Chris: Thank you SO VERY MUCH for uploading this video. This is a flatpicker treasure.

[@garymoon2829]

I'm starting to play mandolin, and this week started learning Salt Creek. This rendition is astonishing.

[@ringmaster5252]

Thanks. Tony and Norman were great together.

[@peggymyers1182]

I appreciate the relaxed manner of both Tony & Norman in this gem, as well as the respect they have for each other, completely lacking in competition or one-up-manship. A thing of beauty!

[@Blueridge1]

Tony's greatness never went to his head,..... Both these guy's humble and not trying to out do the other, just two ole boys that loved what they were doing and we all get to listen in whenever we would like.......Thank you Blake and Rice.......

[@chrisclarkvideos1969]

He went through rough patches. I worked for Rounder Records (in the warehouse and in mail order) and went to Winterhawk/GreyFox on Rothvoss farm and we captured Tony on film and audio. In the 90s as he lost his voice, it became a bit uneven. Loved the Gordon Lightfoot tribute he did for Rounder but he did a set with Chris Hillman that wasn't great at Grey Hawk as I call those years at Rothvoss Farm. If it wasn't for Tony we wouldn't have Billy Strings. HUGE influence on so many. I have more Tony I will be posting......February 2, 2021 is a snow day even for me a FedEx delivery guy. Good time to transfer and clean up and post some more Tony!

[@jarrodelks4928]

These guys are so inspiring. Humble yet relentless in their musical abilities. Tony will be missed by millions and will remain as one of the greats as time goes on.

[@guibox3]

That album they made that has the opening picture on it is just epic. Learned some great songs and serious licks from those two. Also Doc Watson plays a part on a few of them too. So sad to lose such a great player and a great man. RIP, Tony. 2020 can kiss my ass.

[@williambutler8624]

Tony and Norman are two of the best flatpickers around, along with Clarence White and Doc Watson, all of them have influenced alot of people in flatpicking over the years, I first heard about Clarence from a guitar book by Russ Barenburg in 1978 while learning to play guitar. Clarence and Tony were friends, Clarence sadly passed away in the early 70's, Clarence was a big influence on Tony which shows in his playing. Tony is playing Clarence's D-28 one of the best Martins I've ever heard, this video is a treasure to anyone who loves Guitar and bluegrass music, thanks to everyone who made this video and sharing with all of us, rest in peace, Tony, Doc and Clarence, you will always be with us through the joy of your music.

[@attechoutdoors5893]

Great pickers. I didn’t realize Tony passed. I cut my teeth listening and trying to learn a few of his licks. May God bless all.

[@timothyturner3396]

RIP Tony! Saw him at winterhawk,greyfox and lots of other places. True gentleman, always a class act. Rothvoss farm in Berkshires was a great festival site.

[@Dan_Frechette_Songwriter]

I’ve met both these folks. I met two musical universes

[@davidhoxit4274]

Tony, Norman and Clarence! Thanks fellas!

[@plainolded5030]

Man ..... you left out Doc.

[@davidhoxit4274]

@@plainolded5030 I got caught up in the moment and I DID forget Doc!

[@plainolded5030]

@@davidhoxit4274 Since you put it that way .... :) They were all great weren't they, and we've still got Norman. Love Tony and Norman together.

[@davidhoxit4274]

@@plainolded5030 Yes, they were!

[@shred5]

I was there with my dad when I was 9.

[@chrisclarkvideos1969]

You had an awesome childhood. We had fun on that hill. We were all like 9 year old kids on Christmas morning. You just can't recreate that vibe from that time now.

[@jonathansmith3262]

R.I.P., Tony. Thanks for the inspiration and beautiful music.

[@tylerbalkind2268]

I'm so lucky I got to meet Tony 3 or 4 times and got to strum and pick that famous d28. I will miss Tony so much. May he r.i.p.

[@randalclarke5487]

How did it play? I've read some horror stories about it's action

[@tylerbalkind2268]

@Mike Bastiat well for awhile I was getting guitar lessons from his brother Wyatt Rice. Wyatt invited me to a show they was playing in Marshall NC. He introduced me to Tony before the show and Tony looked at my accutron watches and we talked for a bit. After the show I got to go backstage and Tony still had the guitar in his hand, So I asked could I play it and he said sure kid. So I got to play it for about 30 mins.

[@tylerbalkind2268]

@@randalclarke5487 Yea the action is really low. If you strummed or played a string to hard it would buzz. You had it play it soft or yea it would buzz.

[@jonm5163]

Never saw one report on national media about Tony"s passing. Maybe I missed it but not surprised that they gave him no recognition since a lot of bluegrass players never get the due they deserve and are some of the best musicians this country ever produced

[@toddish10]

I heard it on NPR first.

[@bhr788]

NPR and Rolling Stone both covered it and I believe the BBC put something out as well.

[@terrymattingly6843]

Tony's great D-28 simply MUST end up in the Martin Guitar museum or even the Smithsonian. I don't know if Bluegrass Hall of Fame could afford it.

[@ericsprado4631]

Instrumenst should be played

[@Mandolin1944]

@@ericsprado4631 Terry is correct it should be preserved. Putting an treasured instrument in a museum does not mean it won't be played -- but it does mean it is preserved for others to see and hear. Bill Monroe's mandolin gets played as special events and it is safe at the Opry. BTW it was Clarence White's guitar before Tony.

[@blueseruser]

What a great video of 2 outstanding guitar artists. I got to meet Tony after one of his appearances at Merle Fest in 1992 and was hooked on his music from then on.,! He was such a innovative player and singer until he lost his voice, which was such a blow to us all. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!

[@douglove2412]

Wow! Priceless video. Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad KZbin sent me here. Magic!

[@rostekkuna7095]

Tony forever a legend ✊

[@charlestew8792]

Thank you Peter. Good job sir

[@bonesc7201]

We're all going to miss you Tony!

[@austenrobinson2747]

Never be another Tony or Norman. Tony is the master. God speed Tony.

[@terrillschneider3778]

They were wonderful together and I miss Tony very much

[@levergunleather2632]

It don't get no better than this! 45 mins went by too fast!! I could listen to these guys all day!

[@stephenblyskal5666]

Thank you so much for posting this, and all the work you did to clean it up. I discovered Norman Blake in the 1980s and have listened to him since then. Saw him at Winfield and in Houston when he was touring. While I am not a flatpicker I have enjoyed playing his songs for the words and the way he wrote the music. Ginseng Sullivan is a favorite.

[@toddish10]

Absolutely the best. Glad I saw Tony live once.

[@worldcapers]

Great music! They just bounce off each other. Brilliant! Love it. Thank you for posting this concert.

[@tomproctor.archive]

Just amazing. Great audio, video is a little shaky but we're grateful for it - such greatness.

[@bretmaynardmusician3807]

This is such a blessing to be able to see these 2 together. Absolutely awesome! Thank you for posting!

[@gianvittoredeboni1647]

I prefer fingerstyle guitar, but these two guys always kick me up to heaven. Great guitarists, very lovely voices.

[@scottfleming6166]

I may be impartial, but to me the late 80's and the 90's were the best times for bluegrass music. Sadly where I live in central N.C., it's just not being played as much anymore. Maybe the internet has taken it's place.

[@ICU2HI]

Thanks Chris for posting this treasure! At a Festival in FL I saw Tony drive off in his convertible Mustang and he gave me a Wave & a Smile. Hate to see ya go Tony. We will all miss you GREATLY.

[@craigyoung8541]

There is a mutual respect and admiration from both of them for the other. It's amazing to watch.

[@davemoy330]

I’m glad this footage exists. Thanks

[@robertwelch4395]

This takes me back to the front porch before black top roads air conditioning just good old picking and grinin. I'd give anything to hear that harmony echoing through the hollow.

[@tmfast1]

This video is a treasure. Focused on simply capturing these two masters at the peak of their excellence. And then the story of who filmed it and how it came to be edited and shared. Amazing. Thank you for posting.

[@Steve-si8hx]

Beautifully performance ❤️thanks for uploading

[@ikeray8538]

i like the look and feel and sound of this, exactly how it should be in memories

[@StokesMusicStudiosOnline]

Thanks for sharing this treasure.

[@nancychace8619]

Thank you for sharing this special recording...2 of my favorite artists. RIP Tony.

[@grorob52]

Thanks for posting These guys are so great and looks like they are having so much fun, Love watching Norman swinging his head and smiling as he plays Both are so talented and creative. RIP tony and Norman please stay well in theses horrid times, I see Norman has a new album Love the song choices

[@ZumwaltTheMighty]

Thanks for having this uploaded. Fantastic.

[@laurabearwriter6360]

Thank you so much for taking the time to clean this up and share with all of us. The fact that Pete and his family were also taken early makes this tribute to Tony especially moving. Bless you.

[@markcarter6827]

Chris ….wow thanks for this Mark N Carolina

[@glenguldbeckmusic3410]

Chris, thanks so much for posting this video. This morning, while making breakfast, I listened to the Rice/Blake album. This is just magical.

[@acousticguitar130]

Thanks for sharing this. Nothing better than Acoustic Life!!!!

[@isurelike]

Love seeing the genuine honor and joy Tony feels. Such expressive playing from both.

[@johnhank724]

Thank you, thank you. Their two records have been in my rotation for what may be over 30 years or longer. RIP Tony.

[@ChrisThomasLouKY]

What a great addition to the Tony Rice library! Thanks for posting!

[@mokisable]

Thank you very much Chris for posting this!

[@rossr6616]

Thanks Chris! I needed this today ;)

[@als1023]

Wonderful Thank You for posting this !!

[@whistleaddict]

This is fantastic. Thanks for posting this.

[@marcusfinn759]

Des très très bon guitaristes,, exceptionnel

[@billlawson5571]

Thank you for documenting this we all owe you !

[@earlyrisersteph]

This is great

[@JeffMonkman]

Pure gold

[@nadalfrench]

This is pure gold! Thank you for uploading this one. My first Winterhawk. You can see the respect and affection that Tony has for Norman in the way he looks at him during his solos. Like he's looking up to his big brother. Fantastic.

[@jambonejim1249]

I need to be able to hit the thumbs up after each tune.

[@sardiniabluegrass]

Great set 😄 Thank you so much for posting that💙

[@emersonlangstaff1527]

Best picking ever by the best pickers ever.

[@openveracity]

amazing man. appreciate the post

[@ProjectRedfoot]

The audio is great

[@Dulcimerea]

Excellent. My heroes, thank you.

[@Richard_Lush]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RodFraserMusician]

Thank you very much for working on this and putting it out here for the rest of us. Just beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes....I'll be sharing with my father. Happy New Year!

[@davestagner]

Thank you for sharing this. Beautiful performance!

[@francoisvola3611]

I see five thumbs down! Who couldn't like this video of the two superstars of Flatpicking?

[@DR-et5ue]

Ignoramuses

[@steveblanchard2712]

Probably a response to all the chatter going on in the background. I wish folks would just shut up when Giants are playing.

[@neilybuds]

This is fantastic. Thanks for posting this -

[@JewandGreek]

Kudos all around. Thanks and RIP to Peter for the video. Thanks to Chris for his efforts in bringing this to us. Major respect for Norman Blake, a legend in the folk music world. And of course thanks and RIP to Tony for half a century of incredible music. And a major middle finger to 2020 for taking Tony before his time. o0o

[@mobinsone]

Great video, thanks

[@TrevorJClayton]

Holy sh!t man

[@jenningsmarcus7814]

the Bill Cheatum, nice surprise from these two. Thanks for the upload and a great one at that

[@dannycaddell4495]

Just perfect!!!

[@Xanadu128]

Wonderful. Thanks.

[@johnl3777]

Thank you for posting this. I was there, man it was hot that day.

[@johnmaisonneuve9057]

Thank you for posting.

[@aaronjonesgospel]

Great stuff man! Thanks for uploading. Sure going to miss Tony's pickin

[@Hd28cw]

Thank you for the video.

[@ketch_up]

I was able to improve the performance of Greenlight by playing it at 1.25X speed. Tony's solo sounds much better, and Norm's singing too! Not sure why he insisted on singing it so slow.

[@haroldopimentel3013]

Preciousness, very grateful for not providing this rarity.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Thanks for posting this.

[@holyworrier]

What great fun! Thanks.

[@plainolded5030]

Thank you Chris.