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LARRY RICE - IF YOU ONLY KNEW: THE BEST OF LARRY RICE (REB-1734), 2014

Musicians
Larry Rice: Mandolin, Vocals
Tony Rice: Guitar on tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 & 16, Baritone Vocal on track 13
Wyatt Rice: Guitar on tracks 3, 5, 9, 14, 15 & 16
Ronnie Rice: Bass on tracks 1, 10, 11 & 12
Tom Adams: Banjo on track 8
Mary Chapin Carpenter: Harmony Vocal on track 14
Vassar Clements: Fiddle on track 5
Paul Franklin: Steel Guitar on track 5
Tim Higgins: Fiddle on track 12
Mark Johnson: Banjo on track 11
Robbie Magruder: Drum on track 8
Bob Mater: Drums on track 5
Mike Munford: Banjo on track 1
Jeff Parker: Harmony Vocals on tracks 3, 6 & 7
Frank Poindexter: Dobro on tracks 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14 & 16
Mark Schatz: Bass on tracks 9, 13, 14, 15 & 16
Sammy Shelor: Banjo on tracks 3, 9, 13 & 16
Rickie Simpkins: Fiddle on tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15 & 16, Baritone Vocal on track 8
Ronnie Simpkins: Bass on tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8
James "Tuck" Tucker: Dobro on track 11
Gabe Valla: Guitar on tracks 1, 2 & 11
Sharon White: Harmony Vocals on tracks 5, 13 & 15
Lis Williamson: Harmony Vocal on track 1
Steve Wilson: Dobro on tracks 8 & 10

Production Credits
Produced by David Freeman
Mastered by Bill Wolf at Wolf Productions, Arlington, VA


It is ironic—as well as sad—that a small number of excellent bluegrass musicians just happened to be in the right place but at the wrong time. We are talking about names like Ted Lundy, Buzz Busby and Porter Church—all great but little known musicians. You can add another name to that list: Larry Rice. Older brother of the illustrious Tony Rice, he had a fair measure of success musically, playing mandolin and singing harmony with J.D. Crowe in one of Crowe’s earliest and best bands ever. In a 5-year stint with Crowe, Larry Rice became a fairly well known name; but Crowe traveled little in those days, and for the most part, only dedicated insiders had a chance to note Rice’s talents.

Rice was an outstanding mandolin picker, a fact not recognized by many today, because he was known more for his singing and songwriting. His singing style was also very distinctive, as can be heard on this 16-track collection that really does include the very best of Rice’s recorded work. But what is probably most intriguing about his music is the songs he wrote, and they generally reflect a sardonic, often cynical view of life and the difficulties it can bring to those who for one reason or another, are down-and-out. Listen to "Plastic People Town," "Unemployment Line," "Tinsel Town," "Never Meant to Be," and a wonderful version of Gordon Lightfoot’s "Rainy Day People." Other gems on this album include Arthur Hancock’s lovely "Sunday Silence" and Jim Buchanan’s fine "Aunt Mary's Spring." Also contributing in a major way is the stellar guitar work of Tony Rice—he is present on 11 of the 16 tracks here and is in top form.