Bluegrass Legend Tony Rice’s 1977 Masterpiece Returns for 75th Birthday Celebration

Los Angeles, CA — In celebration of what would have been influential bluegrass guitarist Tony Rice’s 75th birthday, Craft Recordings has announced the return of his seminal 1977 self-titled album. (Craft Recordings, 2026)

Out of print for more than 40 years, Tony Rice captured a pivotal shift in bluegrass toward a more expansive, ensemble-driven sound. Featuring a “who’s who” of bluegrass legends, the record remains a cornerstone of the “new acoustic” genre, seamlessly blending bluegrass standards with contemporary compositions.

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The Definitive Reissue

For the first time in decades, fans can experience this foundational recording in its purest form.

• Release Date: June 5
• Format: Vinyl (featuring AAA mastering) and Digital (Standard/Hi-Res)
• Audio Quality: Cut from the original tapes with all-analog (AAA) mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
• Packaging: A faithful replication of the original 1977 jacket design.
• Listen Now: Rice’s take on the traditional folk ballad “Banks of the Ohio” is available to stream today.

Pre-save/Pre-order the album here

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A Revolutionary Force in Bluegrass

Tony Rice (1951–2020) was more than just a guitarist; he was an innovative force who shaped the very sound of modern bluegrass.

Born in Virginia and raised in Los Angeles, Rice first rose to prominence in Louisville, KY, as the lead vocalist and guitarist for J.D. Crowe’s legendary group, The New South. In the mid-’70s, Rice returned to California to join the David Grisman Quintet, where he began incorporating jazz, classical, and other sophisticated styles into his playing.

The Birth of “New Acoustic”

Released during his tenure with Grisman, Tony Rice was the guitarist’s third studio album and his first for Rounder Records. It stands as a prime example of the “new acoustic” style—an improvisation-driven blend of bluegrass, jazz, and prog-rock played on wholly acoustic instrumentation.

The album features an incredible lineup of collaborators:

• Larry Rice: Mandolin
• J.D. Crowe: Banjo, Backup Vocals
• Jerry Douglas: Dobro
• David Grisman: Mandolin
• Darol Anger: Fiddle
• Todd Phillips: Bass
• Richard Greene: Fiddle

Together, they artfully blend tradition with progression, moving from Bill Monroe’s “Big Mon” to contemporary compositions like Grisman’s “Rattlesnake.”

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An Enduring Legacy

Rice’s influence cannot be overstated. Ricky Skaggs once hailed him as “the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years.”

Over a four-decade career, Rice released over a dozen solo albums—including the acclaimed Church Street Blues (1983)—and over two dozen collaborative titles. A GRAMMY® Award winner and International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee, Rice’s distinctive touch and harmonic complexity continue to influence generations of pickers worldwide.

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