“Manzanita” is an instrumental written by the guitarist Tony Rice, the title track of his 1979 album. The record gathered an all-star cast — Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, and others — and helped define progressive acoustic music.
Set in D minor, the tune has an off-kilter rhythmic shape in its first part that gives it a distinctive, modern feel. It is a composed showpiece, built for the precise, jazz-tinged ensemble playing the Tony Rice Unit became known for.
The tune has become a classic among acoustic and mandolin players.
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