Customer Reviews

One Step Ahead

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One thing that Rhonda has in common with Alison Krauss is that they both have brought some class to Bluegrass Music. As much as I enjoyed Rhonda's original - back to her roots - album, Back Home Again, I am even more impressed with her latest, ONE STEP AHEAD. The vocals are pure, on pitch, with tight harmony. It doesn't get any tighter than when she sings with her brother Darrin Vincent. The line up of musicians are among music's finest, Aubrey Haynie, Stuart Duncan, Ronnie Stuart, Bryon Sutton, and more. I was very pleased to hear an instrumental as well, which has been long over due from Rhonda.

"Kentucky Borderline" is an Excellent "Kick-off banjo" song, a method that has proved sucessful with Vincent in the past two albums. I can certainly appreciate the two gospel tracks, "Fishers of Men", acappella, and "Walking My Lord up Calvary's Hill". Complimenting the great bluegrass, and gospel songs on this album is the blending of great country songs like "You Can't Take it with you when you Go", and "Missouri Moon" which coupled with the true-story, ballad, "Caught in the Crossfire", together with the somewhat reminiscent- "Pathway of Teardrops" completes the variety expected in such a musical treasure!

I found this album to be packaged in a very professional manner, from the graphic photography effects on the jacket, the complete lyrics included inside, to the background layout of Rhonda Vincent's lovely eyes, that seemed to be spying on you as you read the words. The liner notes and promotion was tastefully done, and the aknowledgements start the list off with thanking God, Vincent's band, the Rage and continue to thank her Fan Club President, as well as certain friends, and fans.

One of the band members, Mickey Harris, contributes vocals on this album, and though I would have liked to see an interweaving of more Rage members, I know that along with Rhonda, Audie Blaylock, Hunter Berry, and Kenny Ingram do an excellent job on the road reproducing the fine sounds from any of Vincent's albums both past and present.

Rhonda Vincent hails from Missouri where she grew up performing with her family band, The Sally Mountain Show. She began singing professionally at age five in 1967 on her family's weekly TV show. At that same young age, she began playing mandolin, and she can now play all the bluegrass instruments. This Missouri state fiddle champ recorded eleven albums with the Sally Mountain Show and six solo albums before age 30. For over a decade (about 1985-98), she was involved in the country music scene, performing with Grand Ole Opry Star Jim Ed Brown and recording two projects for Giant Records. In 1998, she returned to her bluegrass roots when she formed Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. The following year, Rhonda performed on Dolly Parton's award-winning album "The Grass is Blue." Rhonda then released bluegrass albums "Back Home Again" and "The Storm Still Rages." Rhonda was three times the IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year (2000-2002). In 2001, she won the IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award, and in 2002, she was inducted into the George D. Hay Country Music Hall of Fame in Arkansas.

When Rhonda Vincent came to that fateful fork in the road in 1998, she made the right choice to take the high, lonesome road - the one she'd traveled many times before called bluegrass lane. Now, I believe that she's has found her true musical home and niche as her stardom continues to build. She once commented that she had taken charge of the music she was playing. "One Step Ahead" showcases a confident, seasoned and committed artist with a great deal of talent and business savy. Her brother, Darrin Vincent, sings soaring harmonies on the album. Stuart Duncan, Aubrey Haynie and Bryan Sutton are sterling session musicians who also assist. However, their flashy melodic licks never steal the spotlight from Rhonda's soprano.

The banjo kicks the opening cut of Vincent's original "Kentucky Borderline" which has the band driving for a bluegrass state of mind. Contemplative acoustic country is the best way of describing "You Can't Take It With You When You Go." The album's bluesy title cut is a Rhonda Vincent composition with a theme that is commonplace in bluegrass music. The story of a child experiencing the divorce of parents is told in "Caught in the Crossfire." A trucker's song, "Ridin' the Red Line," is a homecoming song of pedal to the metal. Twin fiddles and vocal harmony are the strengths of the lovely waltz "Pathway of Teardrops." Things you can't even see sometimes reappear even after throwing away old love letter and photos in "An Old Memory Found Its Way Back." Nostalgically singing of love back home, Vincent's rendition of "Missouri Moon" is acoustic country at its best. A moderate waltz-time is imparted to Wilma Lee Cooper's gospel standard, "Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill." The band's a cappella gospel quartet is nicely blended on "Fishers of Men." The album's solid all-instrumental offering, "Frankie Belle," showcases the band's adroit picking with fiddle prodigy Molly Cherryholmes. The album closes with a 25-second version of the "Martha White Song," a tribute to her tour sponsor who has saluted Rhonda as one of the company's "Legends of American Music."

The bottomline is that Rhonda Vincent has created a long-term vision for her music. She's shared her view with others, assembled a band, and has translated her strategic thinking into action. This album clearly shows that she recognizes her major strengths lie in bluegrass. She's a top-notch artist who is very easy to embrace. In fact, I'd like to give her a big hug for this latest project. "One Step Ahead" maintains that same focus and intensity of her highly-acclaimed bluegrass projects that have gone before. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

If you thought that Rhonda Vincent couldn't possibly get any better after her two award-winning albums "Back Home Again" and "The Storm Still Rages"--well you're wrong! "One Step Ahead" is by far her finest album to date. The album is a perfect mixture of newly-written bluegrass tunes ("Kentucky Borderline"), old bluegrass favorites ("Pathway Of Teardrops"), gospel ("Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill"), and a few acoustic REAL country songs ("You Can't Take It With You When You Go"), and an instrumental ("Frankie Belle"). Standout tracks are -- "Kentucky Borderline," "You Cant Take It With You When You Go," "An Old Memory Found Its Way Back Home Again," "Missouri Moon," and "Fishers Of Men." This album is a MUST for any Rhonda Vincent, Bluegrass, or REAL Country fan!

As I expand my vocabulary - so to speak - of Bluegrass music, the more I am pleased with it. For every mediocre album that comes out, two or three really good ones make up for it. Since I have been expanding my 'vocabulary' only recently, this is the first time I have heard of Rhonda Vincent. You may be thinking something along the lines of: 'What?! You've never heard of Rhonda Vincent?!' I know, I know, I realize how much I have been missing. But, let me tell you, this is one of those really good albums...

Even though Rhonda isn't one of those hot pickers, she is pretty darn good anyway, and makes up for any defect of playing with her wonderful voice, which is used to its full potential. The first track exercises the rip-snorting (is that a good description word for singing?) side of her voice, by way of a train song 'Kentucky Borderline', co-written by Rhonda Vincent. Following this, 'You Can't Take it With You When You Go' is a fine example of (as described by Bill Jolliff) 'lost love and bad weather' laments, therefore, it is slow. With such a voice, you know Rhonda must be in league with some singers like herself. So, it isn't surprising that Alison Krauss joins her as a special guest on 'One Step Ahead of the Blues', the third track, also co-written by Rhonda.

'Caught in the Crossfire', 'Riding the Red Line', and 'Pathway of Tears' add themselves to the repertoire, followed by two nostalgic songs about memories, 'An Old Memory Found its Way Back', and 'Missouri Moon', written by Jennifer Sutton. As well as sad love songs, good bluegrass albums also have their share of Gospels. 'Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill', a lilting waltz, and an inspiring a cappella: 'Fishers of Men' make up this album's gospel tune section. As I've mentioned before, instrumentals are an essential part of bluegrass as well. This instrumental 'Frankie Belle' starts out with Rhonda on mando, and then is joined by Molly Cherryholmes on Fiddle, doing a break in unison, and then as each instrument filters in, Ronnie Stewart and Bryon Sutton show their stuff on guitar and banjo.

Now, just because Rhonda doesn't absolutely blow you away with her picking, doesn't mean that she is not an excellent player, or that none of the other musicians can, either. With Stuart Duncan, Ronnie Stewart, Luke Bulla, Molly Cherryholmes, and Aubrey Haynie on fiddle, Ronnie Stewart, Cody Kilby, and Tom Adams on banjo, Bryan Sutton, Aubrey Haynie, Cody Kilby, and Darrin Vincent on acoustic guitar, the album already has accomplished what few albums have with that arrangement of fine musicians. It doesn't end there, however. Aubrey Haynie, Cody Kilby, and Sam Bush join Rhonda on mandos, and Darrin Vincent accompanies on bass during all of the songs, with the exception of one, which features David Smith. Also honorably mentioned: Mike Johnson on pedalbro, and Aaron Minick on the wallet box. The album ends with a 25 second commercial for Martha White Flour, rightfully named: 'The Martha White Song'. Properly done, as well, with a fiddle introduction.

To sum things up, (finally) the only thing that I don't really like about this album is the song lengths: They are too short, only two-three minutes long. The longest one claims three minutes and 45 seconds, therefore you have to listen to the song three or four times before you get your thoughts arranged enough to put them into a review! I noticed that this album has, in actuality, been out since April! But for those of you who do not already claim an acquaintance with this album, I advise you get to the nearest music store, or the nearest computer, whatever kind of person you are, and get 'One Step Ahead'.

(As the credits (co-writings and such) were not listed in the jewel case, I had to look them up. I found them at this website: [website]/
(Anna Snook, reviewer, Nwbluegrass Yahoogroup)

Excellent album, great songs, beautiful bluegrass voice and some really fine backing muscicians, so why am I left unsatisfied? The total total track length is only 34 minutes! Thats not good value for my purchase, most albums run for 40-50 minutes. Nice album - shame about the length.

Who is Rhonda Vincent? Well, you could say she's a hard driving Bluegrass artist who serves up delights that you'll have ringing in your heard for days and weeks. Rounder Records brings this latest release with her strong distinctive style that takes you back to the early days of Mountain Music. Just like her label-mate friend Alison Krauss, they have done more for Bluegrass today than any other performer that comes to mind.

"One Step Ahead" takes us through "RIDIN' THE REDLINE", with 18 wheels to take me with pedal to the metal from Springfield to St. Louis we're headin' home again ~ "MISSOURI MOON", a Jennifer Strickland tune that is performed with a heart-wrenching tone, very touching ~ "FISHERS OF MEN", if it's gospel you crave, almost a hymn like substance with Rhonda, Darrin Vincent, Mickey Harris and Eric Wilson singing from the heart ~ "ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE BLUES", up in the hills and down in the valley with two gals from Bluegrass Country Alison Krauss & Rhonda, my two favorites in the whole world of "O Brother Where Art Thou", gotta love it. Those are my highlight picks, but the entire CD is simply outstanding.

You know Rhonda recorded a series of outstanding albums over the previous decade, thought we had heard the best and nothing could top it ~ well, don't fret this as the markings of five stars and more.

Total Time: 34:42 on 12 Tracks ~ Rounder 11661-0497-2 ~ (4/29/2003)

I received my autographed copy and I believe Rohnda gets better every time she makes a new album,how any one can sing so high,clear and lonesome is beond me and when she wants to so
blue that it gets to me. I think this is the best she has out that i've heard. "You Cant Take It With You When You Go",One Step Ahead Of The Blues",Pathway Of Tears","An Old Memory Found Its Way Back" and Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill are wonderful and I believe has gone way up on the charts with this one way to go Rhonda.

Rhonda Vincent rising 'One Step Ahead' from her 'The Storm Still Rages' to the crossroads of her three-time "Female Vocalist of the Year" by IBMA she's starting to take charge of the way she plays music. She produced 'Back Home Again' (2000) and 'The Storm Still Rages' (2001) herself. When she signed to Rounder Records she made history by filling the void of a female singing true traditional bluegrass. Timing in anything is everything. It was when the 'O Brother' phenomena happened. Opportunity was calling for Rhonda Vincent. Since then she's made jaws drop at her lightning fast mandolin picking and powerful vocals. 'One Step Ahead' showcases Vincent's talent at full throttle. Her brother Darrin, a member of Ricky Skagg & the Kentucky Thunder band helps out in the harmonizing with his thrilling vocals.

Vincent has sharpen her homegrown composing skills on five of the songs on this album along with the help of Terry Herd (Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year). "Kentucky Borderline" sounds more like a standard song than a newly penned melody. "One Step Ahead Of the Blues" where the title worked out of is accompanied by Alison Krauss as a harmony vocal turns out a lively tune that eases the winter wind to a breeze. "Caught in the Crossfire" is Vincent's "message" song of the lament of a little boy seeing his mom and daddy going through a divorce. "Ridin' the Red Line" is a trucker's homecoming tune. And there's the "Martha White Song" catchy jingle also written by Vincent. Her picture appeared on the front of Martha White blueberry muffin mix packages. Vincent also salutes her heritage with the classic waltz, "Pathway of Tears" that's been recorded by every major country and bluegrass artists you can name. But, it was The Osborne Brothers that inspired their harmonizing tour de force. Vincent pays tribute to Wilma Lee Cooper with bluegrass forerunner gospel standard, "Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill." The album is rounded out by Melba Montgomery's (another bluegrass pioneer woman) "An Old Memory Found It's Way Back." "You Can't Take It With You When You Go" a sublime, aching ballad whines with the throes of mandolin and fiddle and the same for the sad, sweet "Missouri Moon." "Fishers of Men" is a cappella with Rhonda Vincent, Darrin, Mickey Harris and Eric Wilson sounds like one of those old-fashion camp-meetin' quartet groups. WOW! Move over Rockapella and Fairfield Four. Vincent on mandolin joins forces with fiddle extraordinaire Molly Cherryholmes on the instrumental, " Frankie Belle."

'One Step Ahead' is at Vincent's point in the road as a singer, musician and songwriter. She on the right path to move to the next level. It's made bluegrass open to a whole new revival with the passion of traditional sound but with a modern edge. This kind of bluegrass music has depth that it's powerful effects grasp your inner emotions and your soul. Can any other bluegrass album do that?
Another accessory you'll need is tie a sling around your head, so your jaw doesn't drop to the floor. Have a jaw droppin' good time y'all!

One step ahead is a giant step! Rhonda Vincent has put together another outstanding group of bluegrass musicians including Aubrey Hayne on mandolin, Byron Sutton on guitar and Stuart Duncan on fiddle. It's an energetic and exciting bluegrass CD. It's an all star cast for sure! Her brand new CD ONE STEP AHEAD is out.

ONE STEP AHEAD is full of emotion. It's a 5 Star! This CD is another great addition to Rhonda's previous releases. ONE STEP AHEAD features 12 tunes by Rhonda and her all star band. Rhonda steps out with 5 tunes penned with the ink of her creative spirit.

ONE STEP AHEAD blossoms with down home stories that Rhonda brings to the studio and makes come alive. "Caught in the Crossfire" is a moving story of the unkind world of divorce. "Ridin' the Red Line" brightens the spirit with it's story of workers coming home. And, any song that mentions Alberta has got to be good! "Fishers of Men" will make your heart swell. It's an a cappella gospel tune showcasing Rhonda's superb and powerful voice. Then sit back and listen as her fingers fly over the mandolin on the instrumental `Frankie Belle'. You can also hear Alison Krause filling the vocal harmonies on "One Step Ahead of the Blues".

ONE STEP AHEAD is produced by Darren Vincent & Rhonda Vincent with the original tracks recorded at SOUND CONTROL in Nashville, TN. Once you hear the CD, your jaw will drop with excitement. Rhonda is a bluegrass singer and musician beyond question. ONE STEP AHEAD is a album that showcases an artist at the top of her game as a singer, songwriter and player.

I first heard Rhonda & The Rage on main stage and then again at several small workshops during the 2002 Edmonton Folk Festival. The excitement of her live performance is easily captured on ONE STEP AHEAD.

Rhonda is not just a step ahead, she miles ahead with this potent and penetrating bluegrass CD. It's bluegrass at it's best. Don't let anything get in your way when you head off to pick this one up!

A Budd
FLYING HORSE CO.
Hat Creek, AB

May 2003

Rhonda Vincent "hits the bullseye" once again with her latest release, "One Step Ahead". Possessing one of the finest voices in any type of music, Rhonda sings with an unbridled passion and a depth of emotion rarely found in most artists. In addition to her phenomenal voice (a true force of nature), she is also a mandolin virtuoso, as well as being a gifted songcrafter and producer. Co-producing this album with her brother Darrin Vincent (a member of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder), there is a clear-cut artistic vision with NO musical missteps. The album opens with a traditional bluegrass subject - A "train song". "Kentucky Borderline", a new song, penned by Vincent and collaborator Terry Herd, sounds like a bluegrass standard. In the finest bluegrass tradition, it is a "barn-burner" and opens the album with a surge of energy. Other "high octane" numbers include "Ridin' The Red Line" (a truck driving song) and the instrumental, "Frankie Belle", featuring child fiddle prodigy (and writer of the song), Molly Cherryholmes. Vincent is NO "one trick pony", however. Her expressive and soulful vocals really shine on ballads such as "You Can't Take It With You When You Go", "Missouri Moon", and the Webb Pierce classic, "Pathway Of Teardrops". Midtempo songs "One Step Ahead Of The Blues" (featuring Alison Krauss), and "An Old Memory Found It's Way Back" create the perfect blend and range of tempos. "Caught In The Crossfire" tells the sad tale of a little boy (from his perspective) having to choose between parents going through a divorce. Not typical Bluegrass subject matter, but powerful nonetheless. Another bluegrass tradition is the inclusion of gospel numbers in the catalog. The two gems here are "Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill", a reworking of the Wilma Lee Cooper classic, and "Fishers Of Men", an a capella song destined to become a gospel standard. Closing out the album is "The Martha White Song", Vincent's new tribute to her tour sponsor, Martha White. First rate musicianship from some of the finest in the bluegrass genre, impeccable harmony singing, and an unerring sense of song selection make this album an instant classic. The perfect blend of traditional and contempory bluegrass, with an eye toward the future and a foot firmly planted in the past. Songwriter - Instrumentalist - Singer - Producer. Rhonda Vincent is a unique artist that has few peers. She is INDEED "The Real Deal"!!!