In the era of modern music, describing anybody as the “greatest of all time” is usually met with resistance—if for no other reason than the ever-evolving tastes of both musicians and fans—but if the topic is bluegrass guitar players, there’s a universally correct answer to “who’s the best”; the late, great Tony Rice. Rice was unequivocally one of the most influential, inventive, and beloved musicians in all of bluegrass and Americana music, and after he passed away in late 2020, his songs and stylings continue to live on in the droves of musicians he inspired. This year, on the one-year anniversary of Rice’s passing, bluegrass instrumentalist and producer Barry Waldrep will be releasing quite the tribute to Mr. Rice with the 21-song, special-guest laden Barry Waldrep and Friends Celebrate Tony Rice. When looking through Waldrep’s list of friends, its apparent how far Rice’s music reached beyond just bluegrass. Americana greats Rodney Crowell and Jim Lauderdale and Jam-band royalty Warren Haynes and Oteil Burbridge make appearances alongside Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Spooner Oldham and Patrick Simmons and country superstars Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris. And that’s just a fraction of who’s contributed to this celebration of the music of Tony Rice. Barry Waldrep and Friends Celebrate Tony Rice will be available everywhere on December 24th and can be pre-ordered or pre-saved now at this link.
“Music knows no boundaries and Tony created so many great examples of that. When you cross the line of other genres, that’s when you expand the audience and turn people on to other styles that they would not normally be interested in,” says Waldrep. “The intent of this album and the artists involved is to show what a powerhouse master Tony Rice was at bringing musicians and fans together from different genres.” And Waldrep, with the help of Rice’s influence, was able to bring together an amazing cast of characters. “All of these artists knew the music of Tony Rice very well—artists from Classic & Southern Rock Royalty to Heavy Metal, Americana, Country & Roots Gospel. Also included are some of the greatest musicians and harmony singers in the business that were influenced by Tony as well.” A full list of contributors is below and more information can be found at barrywaldrep.com.
Featured artists: Jimmy Hall, Rodney Crowell, Darrell Scott, Marty Raybon, Mike Farris, Kim Richey, Warren Haynes, Vince Gill, Radney Foster, Teresa Williams & Larry Campbell, Jim Lauderdale, John Berry, Patrick Simmons, John Paul White, Jacob Bunton, John Jorgenson, Rory Feek, Donna Hall & Kelli Johnson, and John Cowan.
Musicians: Barry Waldrep, Emmylou Harris, Tammy Rogers, Andrea Zonn, Aubrey Haynie, Bryan Hall, Caelan Berry, Spooner Oldham, Oteil Burbridge, James “Hutch” Hutchinson, Jason Bailey, Bryn Davies, Scott Vestal, Benji Shanks, Dillon Hodges, and Heidi Feek.
Barry Waldrep and Friends Celebrate Tony Rice Tracklist:
Why You Been Gone So Long - Featuring Jimmy Hall
Song For The Life - Featuring Rodney Crowell
10 Degrees and Getting Colder - Featuring Darrell Scott
Blue Railroad Train - Featuring Marty Raybon
Walk On Boy - Featuring Mike Farris
Early Morning Rain - Featuring Kim Richey
Wayfaring Stranger - Featuring Warren Haynes
I'll Stay Around - Featuring Vince Gill
Song For A Winter Night - Featuring Radney Foster
EMD - Featuring Barry Waldrep, Tammy Rogers, John Jorgenson and John Cowan
You Were There For Me - Featuring Teresa Williams and Larry Cambell
Church Street Blues - Featuring Jim Lauderdale
This Old House - Featuring John Berry
9 Pound Hammer - Featuring Pat Simmons
Four Strong Winds - Featuring John Paul White
More Pretty Girls Than One - Featuring Jacob Bunton
Summer Wages - Featuring Barry Waldrep, Tammy Rogers, Spooner Oldham
It's Cold On The Shoulder - Featuring John Jorgenson
Bury Me Beneath The Willow - Featuring Rory Feek
Where The Soul Never Dies - Featuring Donna Hall and Kelli Johnson
Me And My Guitar - Featuring John Cowan
