What makes Tony Rice Plays and Sings Bluegrass by Tony Rice notable?

This album is significant for its revival of classic bluegrass songs, receiving critical acclaim for its authenticity and musicianship. It helped reinforce Rice's influence on both traditional and contemporary bluegrass artists, contributing to the genre's continued evolution throughout the 1990s. By 1993, Tony Rice was a well-established figure in the bluegrass scene, having gained recognition from his previous acclaimed albums. 'Tony Rice Plays and Sings Bluegrass' came as a follow-up to his 1991 album 'Meadow Green', further solidifying his reputation as a leading artist in the genre while exploring classic bluegrass themes.