British guitarist analyses Tony Rice and friends CRAZY technical ability!

Tonight I'm taking a look at a stage full of talent with Tony Rice!
Original video - • Mark O'Connor, Tony Ri...
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[@CambriaCandiceMaria]

I've never heard this man before. What a splendid pleasure it was to hear this man do his thing! My God! Their all fantastic!

[@midwaymonster30]

I say this with all seriousness. Tony Rice is so underrated that it's almost criminal. He was quite possibly the finest flat picker the world has seen thus far. On top of that, he was such an incredibly great singer that he should be in the country music hall of fame along with some of the greats. He was the total package and is sorely missed.

[@jerrytaylor4078]

There is a video on YT of Tony playing with Clarence White that is an excellent listen, recorded just weeks before Clarence died in 1973. Tony also played with Allison Krauss and Union station at the CMA awards that just brought the house down. What a great man totally enjoying his mastery of an instrument.

[@finchbevdale2069]

Underrated?

[@midwaymonster30]

@@finchbevdale2069 Yes. He's not nearly credited enough for his impact on music.

[@metalabsynth]

​@midwaymonster30 that's bluegrass in general dude. They almost never get their due sadly. So many amazing players, and Tony is a crown jewel of the genre.

[@Qdobafett]

He is the consensus flatpicking champion in the bluegrass community. The original telluride house band guitarist

[@roygunter3244]

Rest in peace Tony Rice, the whole bluegrass world was better for your time here on earth.

[@dandaffron6954]

Knew Tony well when he was with jd crowe in Lexington Ky. He took me to carls music stiore to pick out my first d28. He played it a few times on stage at holiday inn and recommended a few adjustments which I had done at willis music. I still have the guitar.

[@jamescarroll6954]

That's a gem, that d28. My '68 was played on tour with Arlo Guthrie by a San Diego guitarist. I bought it from him when he decided that it was too good to take on the road, got an Ovation which sounded great amplified and was tough as a railroad spike to bear up under the rigors of a hectic touring schedule. I still have that Martin, too, and will until I can no longer play itl

[@mandovapehater6988]

And what did he recommend?

[@haze61151]

Been to Carls Music many many times..What a great place.

[@marksc1929]

dan daffron , great story...Tony seemed like a class act ..

[@Geekman1118]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@wandamundy1759]

Unbelievable players on this. A whole stage full of "nobody better than this" on their respective instruments. Mark O'Connor (fiddle), Sam Bush (mandolin), Bela Fleck (banjo), Jerry Douglas (dobro) - and possibly Edgar Meyers (bass) . . . also known as "Strength In Numbers" . . . Legendary - all of them.

[@brucejohnston6184]

Yeah, exactly. I saw Bela & thought "we're venturing into the supernatural here" 😆💕 Thanks Fil

[@metalabsynth]

Mark Schatz is on bass.

[@normangoldstein7110]

That was Mark Schatz on bass

[@wandamundy1759]

@@metalabsynth Thanks - the two of them seem to be interchangeable . . .

[@wandamundy1759]

@@metalabsynth Thanks - my eyesight is not what it was . . .

[@nippynf4l831]

I was there. It was magical. Had the privilege of seeing Tony several times and meeting him. Very nice man. He influenced so many in bluegrass music. These guys on this video are the cream of the crop. RIP Tony. You’ll always be loved. ❤️

[@Katerina9256]

How did that stage not cave in from the weight of these monster musicians? Too. Much. Talent😁

[@apachemountain]

Tony, JD CCrowe Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas Bobby Slone and Keith Whitley played a ton of shows here in Lexington...TheNew South...at the Post Lounge. Bela Fleck came down from NY to watch Crowe...magic days...

[@hawaiiandobroblues]

@@apachemountain The legendary 4 sets a night 6 nights a week at the Holiday Inn?

[@sunnycyclist]

I remember the old MerlFest stage being a little creaky :) I was fortunate enough to get to hang out backstage as a little girl (musician parents) and I actually got to see this very performance from the right wing.

[@marksc1929]

..drank a beer with Jerry Douglas ....great dude

[@Mooseman327]

@@hawaiiandobroblues That's the one.

[@GregTuckerKellogg]

One of the things this performance really showcases is how great a band leader Tony was, supporting his direction of other players with his rhythm playing. Look at how Tony gives a full four bars before nodding to Bela's first break (1:10), but then how he starts pushing the change from I to IV during Bela's break *really* early. Tony's already headed towards the D chord on guitar by 1:16, even though the change doesn't actually happen until 1:18. A lot of beginning bluegrass players (and a lot of seasoned players, frankly) miss how much tension that creates in the rhythm: not just playing on top of each beat, as a lot of players talk about, but pushing the changes too, so that a hot tune like Freeborn Man always sounds like it's on the verge of speeding up but never does. When they each take a double break and Tony does that great ascending diminished run in the second half (9:30), he leaves enough space so that he can relax down to those low pull-offs and give the nod to Jerry (9:36). Damn, he was great.

[@MarkColeman-s1v]

That line-up is one of the all-time best. Each of them are GOATS.

[@sargewhitson4264]

I was friends with Tony for many years. Wonderful human being and the best picker of all time. R.I.P. TONY

[@kingstew2000]

Just bought ur album. I definitely want to support someone who shows respect and admiration for those that came before, no matter what genre of music they play. You are a true musician and lover of music.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@EdSileo]

@@wingsofpegasus I love it when you can't help but smile watching each musician take their "break"... Your enjoyment is blatantly obvious (as is mine)!

[@txtamaman]

Absolutely well said and how I feel also 💯

[@dankintner51]

Tony Rice passed away Christmas day 2020. A great loss to bluegrass and acoustic music. The greatest acoustic guitarist ever.

[@paulharmon4264]

Sad,sad,sad

[@banjoist123]

I'm one of those pickers who's spent 50 years trying to come within 1 percent of what Rice could do. I'm content to just sit back and listen now. Love this channel, Fil.

[@marktedrow3231]

Thanks for giving Tony another reveal for your followers. Saw Tony many times live and got invited backstage at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA to meet him and Vassar Clements when they were performing with Peter Rowan some years ago. Such amazing talent!

[@CoxinatorProductions]

I've been a Tony Rice fan since the early '80's and learned to play guitar because of him. I think it's the coolest thing to see others seeing how incredible and powerful he was. NO OTHER Bluegrass guitar player has had more influence than him.

[@annieemccord5668]

RIP Tony. You were the best of the best! So glad I have listened to you all my adult life.

[@fuggedaboudit223]

So good to see someone from another genre who appreciates the awesome talent of bluegrass flatpicking.

[@j.s.matlock1456]

I first discovered Tony Rice in the 80s, and I was totally blown away. He's one of those musicians that when you watch him play, all you can do is sit there with your mouth open in awe. Thanks for the video, Fil.

[@grinch1963]

Fortunate enough to have seen this exact line up a couple of times !! Tony was the best and a damn nice guy too. This was at the Merle Watson festival.

[@justsomegal7921]

Fun fact...... Sam Bush and Tony Rice were once roommates. These guys have played together for YEARS. They know what each other is going to do with chromatics note by note. They're ALL awesome individually, yet they play together perfectly with accurate timing. The BEST of the BEST!

[@rogerd9150]

RIP Tony Rice. Loved his music. Prayers for his family. This is one of my favorite performances. That stage was filled with legendary players!

[@TrueTruthToday]

RIP, Tony Rice. What an amazing talent.

[@DaphneHarridge]

Thank you for featuring some great bluegrass! ❤❤❤ Love these guys so much! RIP, Tony. 😢

[@rickwhitson2804]

He was a awesome friend. One of the most badass guitar players that will ever be I miss him so much and always will

[@univibe23]

Wow!! I was thinking the same thing about the madness of how much talent there is on that stage!!! Every one of these guys is Top Shelf!! Mind--Blown!!! And I learned today that Tony Rice died. This is my introduction to his playing. Can't believe I've not heard of him before but Bluegrass is not my wheelhouse. But I'm sure going to check out more of Tony's music!!! May he RIP

[@bareclau]

Take a deep listen to Church Street Blues and Shenandoah

[@bud3094]

Fil..You Absolutely nailed it" Brother! Been a Rice' fan since the late 70's.. Great knowledge you have on technique ..You are a great musician yourself Fil.. Thanks for Posting!!

[@jamesrusso2523]

Bluegrass musicians are not joke ,Rip Tony.

[@tcoudi]

Tony is right now having a blast jamming with Clarence and Doc

[@TheVirginianRambler]

And one day we will sit around listening, boot stompin, and dancing along to then

[@mr.gluten7205]

I love how he smiles every 10 seconds, makes me want to smile too every time

[@jeffa6780]

It was all about real music and not the performance. Tony was a minimalist. That smile was his performance response. No whistles, bells or animated hair slinging. Just the music. That's gone in today's music scene. It's performance, first. Music, if necessary.

[@clayjones8890]

I’m in this video standing stage left. We all had a blast this particular weekend!

[@davidcantwell2489]

Hi Fil !!!!!! Absolutely love it. I was born in 54 and raised in the Ozarks on bluegrass.

[@kenutcha7]

One of my favorites! Tony Rice is the ultimate performer and a musician's musician What a stage full of talented Musicians! Jerry Douglas on Dobro, Bela Flek on Banjo and the wonderful Sam Bush on the Mandolin. Oh, and Mark O'Connor on Fiddle What a treat. Thanks, Fil.

[@Helmutandmoshe]

Mark O Connor, the violinist in this video, is also one of the greatest bluegrass guitarists of all time. You should really do a video on Mark.

[@banjoist123]

Also, Sam Bush was junior national fiddle champ as a kid.

[@davidsmith6976]

Mark ,played with Nanci griffith,too great mandolin player ,too.

[@FenceThis]

apart from that Mark also won national titles on mandolin

[@nickw66]

Incredible. Pure skill on that stage. I would pay top dollar to see this anytime. Tony will always be remembered! Huge influence on so many people. He is on the Mount Rushmore of accoustic guitar players. Only a few people who have ever existed can play as clean and crisp as Mr. Rice. Great video Wings of Pegasus. Cheers!

[@enerv8studios589]

Such an amazing and talented guitarist, RIP Tony Rice.

[@carolyngarman1422]

These are some of the best pickers blugrass has to offer. Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Mark O'Connor, and Jerry Douglas are fantastic. Being in my 60's and growing up in a bluegrass family, that's saying a lot.

[@marqy007]

RIP Mr. Rice. You are so loved and will be for a long time. Thankyou

[@fuggedaboudit223]

I cant listen to Tony Rice singing Summer Wages without fighting back tears. Tony was just so well rounded

[@waterfordrs22]

RIPTony. A true legend. Don’t think too many players could duplicate his right hand. He often used a kind of sweeping motion that’s pretty uncommon, maybe something from a jazz influence.i recall seeing Danny Gatton use something that looks similar, basically another player from another galaxy who simply graced us with his presence passing through.

[@davea2960]

That cross picking though! GOAT.

[@uberhandle42]

Interesting you say that. One of the many things I always liked about Tony was the blending of genres in his play - something apparent even to a layman. When he was really on, he would kind of flutter through these interesting and hypnotic jazz riffs before soaring back into an uplifting bluegrass/country groove. It was weird in the best of ways.

[@notmyname3681]

@@uberhandle42 Yup, he throws in jazz, blues, even flamenco ish (for my want of a better description) style runs with complete fluency, it never sounds jarring or out of place.

[@notmyname3681]

I think Molly Tuttle may be one of the few with a right hand as good (though different) to Tony's. It will be exciting to see how she develops.

[@rosco1pug]

@@notmyname3681 - Tommy Emmanuel full of praise for Molly Tuttle's guitar chops. That's no small endorsement.

[@blackknife1]

RIP to the master and King of flatpicking and bluegrass. One of the best guitarist in ANY style to walk the earth.

[@cajamison1]

Absolutely brilliant musical analysis!

[@Daves_not_here]

Goodbye, Mr. Rice. Thank you for the music. I would not be the same person without you.❤️

[@chrisl68]

I was in the crowd totally loving it. RIP Tony

[@martymcgill1312]

Wonderful! One of my favorites, and sadly Tony is in bad physical condition these days. Thanks for this, Fil. Made my day.

[@mattmathai]

One of the best shows I ever saw in person was Tony Rice at the Birchmere in nothern Virginia many years ago. The fiddle player that evening was a very young Allison Krauss who would go on to become a country superstar. I remember that as she was coming to the end of one of her solos, Tony was supposed to take the next break, but he stood back and said "I can't follow that". They played more than an hour of encores, with Tony saying he was having to much fun to end the night. One of the most notable things about the evening was that most of the audience were guitar players and we were all standing there, mouths hanging open. Still one of my favorite memories. RIP Tony. One of the all-time greats.

[@oldarpanet]

I found out about Tony in the late '70s. Playing with Grisman, Stephane Grapeli etc. Great stuff!!! Some of it was called "Newgrass." I called it "Jazzgrass." I love it! Thanks for this.

[@andrewlineberger7544]

Tony Rice 'Americas Guitarist '.. I was there 1992 first time i ever heard Tony play (Ever! never on a record) ..I was blown away ..Changed my life forever

[@rdalin]

That is true bluegrass royalty right there. What a great group!

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

This music always makes me smile. It's wonderful! Thanks Fil.

[@jimmaddox2415]

Greetings Phil,and I have never heard of Tony Rice but he plays so fast that it makes me feel dizzy in a good way my friend. Thanks again for expanding my musical knowledge🙌

[@dlc1119]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWGnpHaviqySgdk

[@keiram8755]

Love this homage to Tony Rice and friends.

[@gregorys.5215]

Another artist that I never heard of. Love this genre of music! Tony's playing IS very technically accurate, Thanks Fil for bringing all of these different artists to us!

[@karlerlandsson2515]

My biggest inspiration of all time, Tony Rice! I cant believe he has passed away, but it is unfurtunately true.. RIP Tony Rice! And thank you Wings of Pegasus för your analys!!

[@joebersik9846]

What a BAND!! have had the pleasure seeing all of them....but not all at once!! Thanks FIL...good job!

[@donaldwolpert6356]

Great vlog! I saw Tony Rice in the mid 80's at The Birchmere in Virginia. His brother, Wyatt, performed with him. (His parents must have had fun naming him). Wyatt was to fly the following day to California to get married. But, instead of having a bachelor party, he was in Virginia playing next to his brother. I went to see Tony because I was floored by his "Church Street Blues" album. (Which I still have, in Vinyl.) Every performer on stage played phenomenally, beyond belief! This especially goes for the two Rice brothers. They played off each other and having a great time.

[@martinD1]

Glad to see you showcase Tony Rice . He has been one of my musical heroes for over 40 years .

[@chrisshaw8744]

Thanks Fil, you made my evening with this. What an all-time all-star line up and you on top form in the analysis corner. A real treat! Well done, sir!

[@jasonbroad5478]

The greatness of the musicians you discuss is equal to the smile on your face. These guys are obviously beyond great! Thnx Fil....I would have never known about these guys without you!!

[@bellesmom238]

I SAW THEM IN NASHVILLE SEVERAL TIMES , JERRY IS WITH AKUS , MARK IS PLAYING CLASSICAL WITH HIS DAUGHTER , BELA IS WITH SEVERAL GROUPS, SAM PLAYS SESSIONS AND HAS A GROUP, AND TONY IS IN BAD SHAPE HIS VOICE IS ALL BUT GONE , CANT PLAY ANYMORE,THESE WERE GREAT TIMES, THANKS FIL

[@stephens9462]

Mark OConner is not only one of the all time great fiddle players he’s a hell of a guitarist as well.

[@grasser82]

@@stephens9462 yes he could be just as good as tony or better

[@grasser82]

@VoteForTRUMP this is really an argument we could go on and on forever lol they both are amazing players for sure

[@calamitydave5000]

The title of the video says it all . CRAZY friends . Exceptional talents. Loving every minute of it.✌️

[@phil36135]

I'll never forgot this springtime evening when this was recorded in North Wilksboro.It was my first Merlefest and no doubt the best.Thanks for the memories.

[@ArchieRLib]

I love traditional and "newgrass" and am a bluegrass guitar player. The first time I saw this video clip - as well as the same group playing Nine Pound Hammer - I nearly wept. What many people may not know is that these instrumental breaks (what other players may call solos) are, like jazz, almost entirely improvisational. They are not written except in rare studio cases, and though they may keep the same musical themes and general structure, they almost never sound the same. They are new every time. These are immensely talented musicians.

[@ScottatHouseonaHill]

I saw Tony in a small club about a decade ago and it was boggling. I've also been fortunate to see Bela (with his wife, Abigail Washburn), Jerry a number of times in various guises, and Sam. All are masters on their own, and toss them together and it's magic.

[@Mrsournotes]

Thanks Fil, this is definitely a who’s who of talented musicians. Wow! Also, I’ve never understood how Sam can play so well and accurately with those WIDE swings of his right hand/arm. I did get to see Mark Schatz live once and he’s a real hoot. Great video, thank you.

[@richardmiranda640]

Great, just great, mighty fine! Thanks for your analysis!

[@JimMaisonneuve-ri9vg]

I saw Tony Rice live at a bluegrass festival many years ago, an incredible performance. What you hear in recordings, is exactly he does live!

[@chiptmcc8656]

That be some pickin' and some grinnin'...... Thanks for presenting, had not heard of him.

[@NickRatnieks]

That Martin guitar is the one once owned by Clarence White, I think. That guitar has been through plenty of scrapes- it deserves a video by itself!

[@bellesmom238]

Vince Gill now owns that Guitar ,But it cost , OLE BIG HOLE

[@dukeofearlbanjo]

@@bellesmom238 Where did you get that information?

[@bellesmom238]

@@dukeofearlbanjo Roland white , Clarence BROTHER

[@Jebus805]

There’s a mark where Clarence shot it with a BB gun just below sound hole.

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

@@bellesmom238 …You're dead wrong. Tony's wife Pam still owns Tony's guitar.

[@JubileeValence]

Thanks 'mate. RIP and God Bless to one of the greatest inspirations for pickers & luthiers worldwide.

[@n7565j]

I grew up in Crystal River Fl back in the 70's with Tony's little brother Wyatt . We had an awful lot of fun when Tony came home for a visit!!! That whole family was extremely talented and when they got together to play music it was like heaven on earth!!! Saw Wyatt and Larry in Hickory NC around 1991 what a great family... Sorry we've lost a great picker!!! Always knew when Tony was in town cause you'd see him with a cigarette in his mouth and a fishing pole in his hand... Enjoy heaven Mr Rice, catch a big one for me ;-)

[@dlc1119]

The guitar is sort of the overlooked instrument in bluegrass music, usually because the other instruments are prominently featured. Tony Rice is exceptional because he can hold his own with the best fiddlers, Dobro players, banjoists, and mandolin players.

[@ianshortall3356]

Wow... Tony could really play... and that band was amazing... defiantly decades of practice between them to get to this level... thanks for the analysis Fil!!!!

[@flee4342]

That’s just an insane amount of diverse talent in one place.

[@holyvacant1427]

Another great analysis video Fil, thank you for your hard work!

[@clintoncodack]

Such a great analysis Fil! You really do add a lot to each video that you share and watching them is a highlight to any day. Tony was one of the best, no doubt about it. The ability to make every note ring out is incredible. His Clarence White guitar is an amazing instrument, but he surely had tremendous strength in that wrist and hands in order to generate that kind of volume acoustically and maintain breakneck runs and rhythm, while still having total control of the tonal quality.

[@richeaton7436]

Cream of the crop. New Grass/Strength in Numbers + Tony. Nice one, Fil.

[@martyjansing2675]

Ric, you beat me to it...I just posted about New Grass Revival and Strenght In Numbers. Living in Louisville, Ky., is great. Got to see and hear these guys plus a dozen or more different players move in and out. It was always a surprise who might be on stage at the bars mentioned.

[@rockinredneck57]

Tony and Flux (Jerry Douglas) both started with JD Crowe along with Ricky Skaggs in the mid 70s.

[@stevepick9527]

This is an absolutely fantastic video and analysis/history of not only Tony but bluegrass playing. Just amazing talent on that stage! Longtime subscriber but watched this again and had to comment. I’m 73 now and learned to play Bluegrass guitar from my dad who was born in Ashland Kentucky. He actually played one time with Doc Watson at a Bluegrass festival… it’s in my blood!

[@thinkerguy4]

I loved this one. Am impressed by how much you know about musicians and their influences.

[@sharonmuzik]

This reminds me so much of my early childhood. My Grandpa played banjo, my Dad played mandolin, my Aunt played piano, my Great Aunt played guitar and my Mom played ukulele. They would just start playing and I got to sing along. What a joy. Thank you for the memories Fil. (hugs)

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

Call it what you want, they Rock. If that ain't tasty I don't know what is. I play chromatics on my air guitar all the time, easy peasy. Thanks again professor always interesting. Peace Boogie Woogie! PS Carolyn Wonderland

[@lynndow3185]

Yes, indeed, they do!

[@abbydubois3112]

Wow!!! Thanks Fil! I could listen to that all day!

[@musettefan]

The Band of Gods!! THANK YOU so much for this! This “genre” has been the core of my favorite music since those days. I’m grateful for your featuring him!

[@MikeRodbell]

Nicely done/presented. Lots of interesting comments. RIP Tony Rice. Truly a loss. All of those guys were amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@willanicole6356]

GREAT JOB ON THIS REPORT OF THESE BLUEGRASS GIANTS THAT ARE SO EXCITING TO WATCH 🎶 THEY SURE LED THE WAY FOR SO MANY NEWCOMERS ❤

[@joebersik9846]

Was able to see Tony Rice about 10 times.....his Martin is /was the most beautiful guitar I have ever heard!! the high notes twinkled!! That is the best way to describe it!!! ROCK!

[@ChristianW1975]

My goodness, the skill level on that stage is through the roof !

[@itchiray]

Amazing crew of pickers, all are favorites 💖💥🔥 Skaggs & Rice is a killer duet Lp!

[@margelacosse6502]

Wasn't familiar with Tony Rice but I do now. I do know of Mark O'Conner who I think was in the Devil Went to Georgia video I loved him riding off on the skate board. Also seen videos of him with Yo Yo Ma. So nice to see musicians appreciating each others music together. Thank you for your time

[@averagewhiteman5939]

Nice detail on their playing, tks. I love how they enjoy all the push-pull and challenges with seemingly little ego. And we benefit greatly.

[@teresafinoalchemy]

Holy moly, so finger-pickin' good!!! All the musicians are fantastic and so tight.Thanks Fil, for exposing me to other genres of music and musicians that I would have otherwise remained ignorant about.

[@craigdobyns9698]

Sir, you picked a good one to analyze those are all legendary musicians on this stage! virtuosos in their own right.

[@JackCerro]

I suggested this video for Fil a long time ago. One of the best videos on KZbin.

[@rcks998]

Thanks for doing this it's been one of my all time favorite KZbin videos Use to love watching everyone of these stars play separately and jam together especially TR my favorite since the late 70s again Fil great and interesting analysis on your part you do this well with your knowledge

[@GT-sj3si]

Love that you popped up when I started listening to Tony Rice tonight, having learned of his recent passing. You really are a student of guitar greats! Enjoy your analysis as always.

[@jamesmccarty8988]

Wow, great analysis. Tony was so amazing!

[@drofmadness]

Some mighty fine Roots music. Great musicians

[@zirconarmadillo]

Nice work Fil. Possibly the best bluegrass ensemble to ever play on stage, I can only imagine the difficulty in choosing the best points at which to stop the video to provide your spot on analysis.

[@nissi.k]

Some Bluegrass musicians are just outrageously talented. Thanks so much for another great analysis!

[@TXNLaurenMcN]

Love your analysis videos, Fil! I appreciate all the videos so much more that I watch after hearing your comments. I learn SO much about music from you. I watched this video three times before I watched yours and the fourth time I saw it, I got so much more out of it.

[@keithhuotari2571]

Stumbled on to your videos the other day, and since then I've watched a bunch. Love how you do these! And covering all genres is impressive and appreciated, too! Well done!!

[@BDTPBO]

That little side look when he hit those jazz notes was the coolest thing I’ve seen in quite a while. Badass.