This
Tony Rice CD is a little different from his typical fare, as it focuses exclusively on old-time hymns and spirituals, all featuring his unique style of picking that can't be mistaken for anyone else but the incredible guitarist himself. Accompanied by
David Johnson (who plays mandolin, banjo, viola, fiddle, harmonica, bass, and banjotar), drummer Tony Creasman, and either
Tim Surrett or Ben Isaacs on bass,
Rice brings out the best in all of these time-tested melodies in this strictly instrumental disc. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is an upbeat romp with a nod toward traditional bluegrass, while the inspirational hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" is very subdued, with
Rice prominently featured in the foreground. An elegantly improvised introduction to "Amazing Grace" may keep many listeners guessing. Although this CD may not be of much interest to strictly secular fans of
Tony Rice, they owe it to themselves to give it a hearing. ~ Ken Dryden