Unit of Measure cover

Unit of Measure

Tony Rice · 2000

43 min · 10 tracks · country music

A tapestry of intricate guitar work intertwines with traditional melodies, showcasing a masterful blend of bluegrass and folk influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    House of the Rising Sun — Rice's rendition transforms this classic into an evocative showcase of his fingerstyle technique, breathing new life into its haunting narrative.
  • →
    Jerusalem Ridge — This track demonstrates Rice’s ability to bridge traditional bluegrass with intricate melodic lines, highlighting both technical prowess and emotional depth.
  • →
    Sally Goodin — Spanning over eight minutes, this piece allows Rice to explore improvisational elements while maintaining the song's roots, emphasizing his innovative approach to bluegrass standards.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate guitar work appreciation
  • nostalgic melodies for reflection
  • gentle pacing for relaxation
  • traditional tunes with rich heritage

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced music
  • seek heavy production

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Unit of Measure' was released in 2000, Tony Rice was already a revered figure in the bluegrass and acoustic music scene, known for his virtuosic guitar playing. This album follows his acclaimed works such as 'Backwaters' (1996) and marks a continued evolution in his style, featuring interpretations of traditional songs alongside original compositions.
Stylistic neighbors
David Grisman· Chris Thile· Jerry Douglas

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Manzanita (First Variation) 3:53
  • 2 House of the Rising Sun 5:26
  • 3 Shenandoah 4:40
  • 4 Gold Rush 3:02
  • 5 Jerusalem Ridge 6:38
  • 6 High Noon 3:44
  • 7 Beaumont Rag 3:37
  • 8 Swing 42 1:56
  • 9 An Olde Irish Aire (Danny Boy) 2:07
  • 10 Sally Goodin 8:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata