Wyatt Rice

Wyatt Rice is an American guitarist and bluegrass musician. He is best known for his solo albums and his work in his brother's group the Tony Rice Unit.[1]

Wyatt Rice
Born (1965-01-06) January 6, 1965
Long Beach, California, United States
GenresBluegrass Music, New Acoustic Music
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1984–present
LabelsRounder Records, Mountain Fever Records
Websitewyattrice.com

Biography

Rice was born in Long Beach, California but grew up in Florida and other locations. He began playing guitar at age six, learning from his father Herb Rice. He also played alto saxophone, bassoon, and bass in his school marching band.[2]

At age 17, Rice moved from Florida to California to be a member of his brother Tony Rice's band, the Tony Rice Unit.[3][4]

In 1990, Rice released his all-instrumental solo album New Market Gap on the Rounder Records label with help from Rickie Simpkins (fiddle), Sammy Shelor (banjo), Ray Legere (mandolin), and Ron Rice (bass).[1][5]

Rice formed his own band Santa Cruz in 1995 and in 1996, released the album Picture in a Tear. Personnel included Elmer Burchett (banjo), Ricky Riddle (mandolin), Junior Sisk (guitar), and Timmy Massey (bass).[6]

Rice joined Ronnie Bowman’s band The Committee in 2003 along with Andy Hall (resonator guitar), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), Jessie Cobb (Mandolin) Mike Anglin (bass) and Garnet Imes Bowman (harmony vocals).[7][8]

In 2013, Rice began touring with fellow flatpicking guitarist Richard Bennett.[9][10]

In 2016, Rice and Dan Menzone released the Something Out of the Blue album on the Mountain Fever Records as the Wyatt Rice and Dan Menzone Alliance. Other artists involved include Rob Ickes (dobro), Fred Carpenter (fiddle), Adam Steffey (mandolin), and Ron Rice (bass).[11] Donna Hughes wrote the lead-off song, "Lonesome Highway" which was sung by Russell Moore and Dale Ann Bradley.[12]

Wyatt recorded the music instruction DVD “Advanced Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar” for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, with Rickie Simpkins, Kenny Smith, Sammy Shelor, and Tony Rice. Rice also operates Rice Recording Studio, and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at East Tennessee State University, teaching Guitar.

Rice is also a member of the Crooked Road Guitar Masters, along with Claiborne Woodall, Josh Pickett, and Sammy Shelor.[13][14]

Discography

Solo albums
  • 1990: New Market Gap (Rounder)[15]
  • 1996: Picture in a Tear (Rounder) with Santa Cruz[16]

With Tony Rice

Larry and Wyatt Rice

The Rice Brothers

Wyatt Rice and Rickie Simpkins
  • 2001: New Acoustic Christmas (FGM)
  • 2005: Pickin’ on Martina McBride (CMH)
  • 2005: Pickin’ on Vince Gill (CMH)
  • 2006: Pickin’ on Van Zant (CMH)

Wyatt Rice, David Grier, and Kenny Smith
  • 2002: Live in Concert DVD (Flatpicking Guitar Magazine)

The Dan Menzone and Wyatt Rice Alliance

Also appears on

Music Instruction
  • 2000: Advanced Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar DVD (Flatpicking Guitar Magazine)[18]

Awards
  • IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year – The Tony Rice Unit – 1991, 1995[19]
  • IBMA Recorded Event of the Year award for "What'll I Do" - Terry Baucom - 2013.[20]

References
  1. Erlewine, Michael (1997). All Music Guide to Country: The Experts' Guide to the Best Recordings in Country Music. ISBN 9780879304751. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  2. Derek Halsey (June 4, 2015). "Wyatt Rice Honors Brother". Herald-Dispatch. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  3. Sandra Beasley (February 14, 2014). "Tony Rice, Guitar Hero". New York Times Magazine. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  4. Jon Stone (May 10, 2011). "Tony Rice Unit Live At The Watseka Theatre". American Songwriter. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  5. John Lawless (August 3, 2016). "Rounder digital reissues hit this week". Bluegrass Today. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  6. George Hauenstein. "Wyatt Rice & Santa Cruz: Picture in a Tear". Country Standard Time. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  7. "Ronnie Bowman & The Committee". Walnut Valley Festival. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  8. Bob Mitche. "It's Getting Better All The Time: Ronnie Bowman". Louisville News. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  9. "Wyatt Rice and Richard Bennett". Music City Roots. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  10. "Richard Bennett & Wyatt Rice Sign with Rock House Entertainment". Cybergrass. November 18, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  11. John Curtis Goad (April 11, 2016). "Something Out of the Blue - The Rice-Menzone Alliance". Bluegrass Today. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  12. "Lonesome Highway Song on new Wyatt Rice album". Donna Hughes. June 1, 2016. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  13. "TCR Guitar Masters". Mountains of Music. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  14. Susan L. Pena (June 11, 2017). "Music from the Crooked Road Tour winds its way to Reading". Reading Eagle. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  15. Mike Joyce (February 8, 1991). "Brace of Basnjoists Heading This Way". Washington Post. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  16. Jim Zimmerschied. "Picture in a Tear: Wyatt Rice & Santa Cruz". Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  17. "Dan Menzone and Wyatt Rice Alliance, Something Out of the Blue". Bluegrass Unlimited. August 1, 2016. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  18. "Advanced Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar DVD". Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  19. "Recipient History". International Bluegrass Music Association. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  20. "Banjo Man Terry Baucom's New Single - "What'll I Do"". Prescription Bluegrass. April 3, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
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