Search - Rhonda Vincent :: Good Thing Going

Vincent has a "Good Thing Going" with new Disc

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 01/08/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Water Is Wide (Duet with Keith Urban), I Give All My Love to You (Duet with Russell Moore) , I Will See You Again



Vincent with her array of sturdy bluegrass-tilted offerings has given vitality to this traditional genre. With "Good Thing Going" she sets herself out with another even loftier goal: bluegrass is not just your standard fare of picking-bowing-plucking-chopping exercise. Rather, bluegrass CDs can be rich with versatility encompassing a plethora of emotions from the brooding laments of heartbreak to the incessant ecstasy of burgeoning love and commitment. Backed by the Rage (Vincent's own road band), fiddle star Stuart Duncan and flat-picking guitar ace Bryan Sutton, this 12-song collection is impeccably well-played and the production (from brother Darrin Vincent) is state of the art. Also, this time Vincent does not just take the singing spotlight. Rather, her mandolin-picking expertise is on extravagant display. And so is her songwriting prowess, as the lady of bluegrass showcases 5 of her own solo compositions.



Most captivating about his set of recordings is when Vincent croons a ballad. Here the ballads are aplenty with "I Give All Love To You" being the prime. A gentle ode to the exultation of eternal love, this melodic ballad is sung as a duet with IIIrd Tyme's Russell Moore. Also interesting is Vincent's make-over of the Celtic chesnut "The Water is Wide." With its mournful fiddling, the gentle strumming of the guitar and country heartthrob Keith Urban's slightly husky duet vocals, "The Water is Wide" has been transformed into an exquisite affair that emanates from the recesses of the heart. Vincent takes a 180-degree lyrical turn with "I Will See You Again" a gentle pastoral homily of hope and love in the midst of death and despair that is done with sensitivity. Further, Vincent's angelic vocals elevates this ballad to a level of transcendence.



When Vincent does kick up the dust, she does it with class and finesse especially on her self-penned album opener "I'm Leaving." Similarly, listen for some fierce sounding fiddle and mandolin race to speedy perfection on the super faced paced "Hit Parade of Love." However, not everything works: besides the exquisite playing, there is nothing too earth shattering about the requisite heartbreak theme of "Who's Cryin' Baby." While the mid-tempo lament of faithless love "Scorn of a Lover" just does not capture the ache and pain as well as it could have been.



Overall, Vincent is still stalwart in putting new spins without falling into trappings often associated with a traditional genre like bluegrass music. Further, her choice of more ballads on this new disc has been most welcomed. It has introduced us to her softer side that might act as a bridge for those who are not fans of hardcore bluegrass. Some of these ballads verge so close to country that they may also work on country radio. In short, with this new effort Vincent has a good thing going for her.

"

Rhonda Vincent's NEW album pleases!!!!

Christian Scalise | Chicago | 01/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Review by Christian Scalise







"Good Thing Going"







Bluegrass sensation; the very talented singer/songwriter/musician Rhonda Vincent has a new album to offer her fans!! Her latest release "Good Thing Going" features five new original songs either written or co-written by Rhonda!!







What a great way to start off the album with the song "I'm Leavin.'" It's an up-tempo and sassy "kiss off" song that features some great pickin'!! The song showcases Rhonda's exceptional vocal talents. "World's Biggest Fool" has a "western swing" feel to it and the story behind the song will make you chuckle!! What a uniquely clever song!!







On the ballad, "I Give All My Love To You" Rhonda sings of a beautiful connection that is shared between two people. The song features a phenomenal duet with Russell Moore. His vocals add a very special touch to this heartfelt tune!! This song is sure to be a classic for many years to come!! Rhonda's voice sounds so angelic and pure on this tune.







"Good Thing Going" is another up-tempo tune that is somewhat autobiographical to Rhonda Vincent's own life. She wrote the song after speaking to her husband on the phone while out on the road. She decided that things were going great in her life and she wanted to write about it. She chose to use "Good Thing Going" as the albums title.







"Scorn Of A Lover" starts off with the harmonic sounds of the mandolin followed by the chilling sounds of the fiddle. The song tells a story of a heartbroken individual whose relationship with their significant other has gone astray. Rhonda paints the picture of this song and takes you to that time and place where it came from. This song is definitely one of the gems on the album!!







"Hit Parade Of Love" takes you back to the country with its traditional sound and tongue in cheek lyrics!! Rhonda is feisty and ready to roll on this song!! The song is fast and delightful. It's a rollercoaster ride that twists and turns ending with a rush that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to hit the dance floor!! This song features a wicked solo by the fiddle!!







"I Will See You Again" is a heartfelt ballad that will move your heart in a positive way. The lyrics were carefully crafted and tell the story of losing the ones that we love and cherish in our lives. It chronicles to the death of Jesus Christ which adds a nice spiritual touch to the song!!







"Just One Of A Kind" is a pleasing upbeat song that is sure to win you over!! It's a carefree, fresh song that is reminiscent of young love. Rhonda's vocals soar phenomenally on this tune!! The song was written by gospel legend Dottie Rambo who Rhonda calls a "real inspiration."







"I Gotta Start Somewhere" is a touching dedication to the special someone in your life. It's a good one to listen to with a good glass of wine, your significant other, and some candles!!







"Who's Cryin' Baby," a spunky "in your face" up beat song will have you jammin' on your feet!! It's another song that will lift you spirits because of its clever light heartedness.







"The Water Is Wide" is a very special song that will immediately give you chills. It features country star Keith Urban as the duet partner. Who doesn't love the sound of Keith Urban's rugged and distinctive voice?!? What a great combination!! Rhonda and Keith's voices blend well together on this enchanting song. The song is almost haunting because of it's arrangement but it is very beautiful!! Very touching!!







The album closes out with the lovely "Bluegrass Saturday Night" which is an anthem to Rhonda's hectic life. The song gives the listener a taste of her rigorous touring schedule of performing and recording. This album is highly recommended by Country Stars Central. Get one for yourself and your friends and family!! Rhonda better watch out... The IBMA may be knocking on her door next year with a handful of nominations for "Good Thing Going." She has definitely outdone herself on this record and it is sure to please!!







This album was produced in Rhonda's own recording studio, "Adventure Studios" in Nashville, TN. It was co-produced by Rhonda's brother Darrin Vincent and Rhonda.











"Good Thing Going" Track Listing;











1. I'm Leavin'







2. World's Biggest Fool







3. I Give All My Love To You (Featuring Russell Moore)







4. Good Thing Going







5. Scorn Of A Lover







6. Hit Parade Of Love







7. I Will See You Again







8. Just One Of A Kind







9. I Gotta Start Somewhere







10. Who's Cryin' Baby







11. The Water Is Wide (Featuring Keith Urban)







12. Bluegrass Saturday Night















"Good Thing Going" commands five Country Stars Central guitars!!"

Continuing to evolve

James W. Durney | Tampa Bay area | 01/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rhonda Vincent refuses to be pigeon holed by releasing Bluegrass or Country CDs. She gives us a lively mix, heavy on Bluegrass with elements of Nashville Country, resulting in a sound that has a real appeal to both groups. Good Thing Going is a pleasing mix of songs showcasing her considerable talent. The listener is never allowed to get complacent with a quick changes in pace from I Gotta Start Somewhere to Who's Crying Baby or the excellent lyrics of World's Biggest Fool. Bluegrass Saturday Night is a joy and wraps the sessions with great fun and a sold nod to her history.

This is an excellent CD and well worth buying.

"