Tony Rice – Craft Recordings

by Audiophile Audition | May 31, 2026 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews, SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

Craft Recordings releases a re-mastered vinyl of a modern bluegrass legend.

Tony Rice – Tony Rice – Rounder Records (1977)/Craft Recordings CR01032 [06/05/2026] stereo vinyl, 41:37 ****1/2:

(Tony Rice – guitar, vocals; Larry Rice – mandolin, vocals; Todd Phillips – bass; Jerry Douglas – Dobro – Richard Greene – violin; Darol Anger – violin; David Grisman – mandolin, vocals; J.D. Crowe – banjo, vocals)

Bluegrass guitarist, composer and singer Tony Rice was an influential figure in Modern Country. His acoustic style reflected a variety of genres, including jazz, bluegrass and folk, like his contemporary David Grisman. His playing (which included flat-picking and cross-picking) was rhythmic, and the solos were crisp and economical. Rice played with the likes of Grisman, Norman Blake, Ricky Scaggs, Peter Rowan, Chris Hillman, Jerry Garcia, Alison Kraus and Bela Fleck. He is regarded as an influential guitarist who infused measured, well crafted lines into his instrumentation.

Craft Recordings has released a re-mastered vinyl of Rice’s 1977 self-titled album. Joining him is an all-star lineup consisting of Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Larry Rice, Darol Anger, J.D. Crowe and Richard Greene. This recording contains no overdubbing and is rooted in bluegrass, but with stylistic diversity. Side One opens with a traditional song, “Banks Of The Ohio”. With brother Larry on mandolin and tenor harmony, the song glides with breezy articulation and earnest vocals, framing a tale of failed romance and murder. Jerry Douglas and Richard Greene add some interesting accents on dobro and violin.

“Rattlesnake” exudes a Django-inspired resonance with Rice, Grisman and Anger (violin) exchanging lively solos. In a waltz-time lament, “Mr. Engineer” boasts three-part harmony and Rice’s deft guitar in crafting another love disappointment, replete with railroad imagery. A freewheeling jam (“Plastic Banana”) is illuminated by the energetic riffs from Grisman and Rice, with Greene providing counterpoint. “Don’t Give Your Heart To A Rambler” is another traditional “cautionary tale” that features J.D. Crowe on banjo. Rice’s “high” baritone is fluid and adds emotional depth. Returning to instrumental format, “Farewell Blues” is an adrenalized country picking jazz ramble, showcasing guitar, banjo mandolin, violin and dobro all propelling the up tempo arrangement.

Side Two has a similar mixture of instrumental and vocal numbers. “Way Downtown” (notable part of Doc Watson’s repertoire) is a sprightly performance with great soloing by Crowe, Rice and Grisman. “Stoney Creek” is an unadulterated bluegrass celebration with solos on dobro, guitar, mandolin and violin. It touches on different modes, but stays in the musical pocket that defines this album. Slowing down the tempo to a gentle 3/4 signature,

“Hills Of Roan County” (also covered by Ralph Stanley and Townes Van Zandt) has dual violins, subtle guitar and a very heartfelt vocal delivery by Rice. “Eighth Of January” (another traditional composition) is scaled down to a quartet, with scintillating runs by Rice and Anger. A certain highlight is “Big Mon” as Grisman unleashes blistering runs. Greene and Anger shine on their duet. Crowe and Douglas bring passion and texture to this cohesive translation. The finale (“Temperance Reel”) may be the most jazz-infused track with Grisman and Greene cutting loose with swinging verve.

Tony Rice is a unique listening experience. Re-mastered sound (Kevin Gray/Cohearant Audio) is vibrant with pristine detail and great stereo separation .The instrumental acuity is consistent and accessible.This vinyl (Fidelity Record Pressing) is excellent with minimal surface noise and no hisses or pops. There are incisive liner notes from San Francisco Examiner writer Phillip Elwood. It is an album that can be appreciated by bluegrass aficionados and anyone looking to explore this unique genre.

Highly recommended!

—Robbie Gerson