Tony Rice Unit - Still Inside (LP)

All Music Guide

Still Inside is the fourth recording by the Tony Rice Unit and like their previous recordings, it is all acoustic and all instrumental, with emphasis centered on the skill of the individual musicians involved. Still Inside features some of the best acoustic musicians on the scene, including mandolin player John Reischman, violinist Fred Carpenter, and bassist Todd Phillips. The strength of the Tony Rice Unit albums also depend on the quality of the material, and on Still Inside, Rice draws on more diverse sources than he had on 1980's Mar West. This variety spices things up. Standouts include Earl Klugh's "Vonetta," a Latin-tinged instrumental with superb bass work by Phillips, and a relaxed-paced "Tzigani," a David Grisman piece that begins playfully slow, then flies into high gear. Rice's own material, as on the relaxed "Delvin" and the beautifully tender "Moses Sole," is stronger than on the previous album. Another difference this time is that Carpenter and Reischman are new to the ...group. Carpenter's violin adds a warm tone while defining melodies, and Reischman follows in the giant footsteps of Sam Bush and Mike Marshall without faltering. Reischman also adds his songwriting talents to the mix on "Birdland Breakdown," creating an odd but rewarding blend of Eastern European and bluegrass music. Rice's flat-picking thrives on the variety of melodies present on Still Inside, creating fresh expressions and romantic coloring at his usual swift pace. This album will please Rice fans as well as fans of acoustic music. - Ronnie Lankford, Jr., All Music Guide Read more Less