Ragin Live [Live]

Rhonda Vincent | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 8, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B0007GAEO4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,665 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With a generous selection of 20 songs spanning almost 70 minutes, this live album celebrates the energy and range of Rhonda Vincent's brand of progressive bluegrass. It also suggest the parallels and differences between Vincent's career and that of her friend Alison Krauss. Both Midwesterners were preteen musical prodigies, both have used bluegrass as a base to explore a variety of musical styles, both owe a vocal debt to Dolly Parton (whose "Jolene" receives an uptempo transformation here), and both lead virtuosic string bands capable of playing just about anything. The difference is that Krauss has continued to extend beyond her bluegrass base--and expand her audience in the process--while multi-instrumentalist Vincent has made a prodigal return to a rootsier brand of bluegrass, after some attempts at crossover country. This concert covers a lot of musical ground, from standards such as "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" and "Muleskinner Blues" and bittersweet ballads like "Missouri Moon" and "You Can't Take It with You When You Go" to the spiritual strains of "So Happy I'll Be" and "Homecoming" and instrumentals that spotlight the dexterity of her band, the Rage. The crowd loves it all. --Don McLeese

Product Description

Recorded before a rapturous audience at The Sheldon Concert Hall in her native state of Missouri, Ragin' Live captures Grammy® nominated bluegrass sensation Rhonda Vincent and her band The Rage at their dynamic, full-throttle best. The recipient of an unprecedented five consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, Vincent makes music sparkling with hard-driving instrumental breaks, soaring vocal harmonies, and a heartfelt intensity that is entirely her own. Featured throughout, the members of The Rage prove themselves to be one of the best supporting bands in bluegrass, matching Rhonda's vigor and pushing her to dazzling new heights.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars + 1/2 stars...Powerful Live Album!, April 8, 2005

By 

Steve Vrana (Aurora, NE) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ragin Live (Audio CD)

Having attended numerous bluegrass festivals over the years--most recently to hear the Del McCroury Band--it has been my experience that bluegrass music is best experienced live, and this live concert from Rhonda Vincent & the Rage only serves to drive that point home. This is a breathtaking experience. Following the introduction by WGTY DJ Hank Janney, Vincent and her band tear through a powerful rendition of "Kentucky Borderline" (one of five songs from 2003's ONE STEP AHEAD). And they maintain that level of energy throughout the entire concert, whether on uptempo songs like "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" or the mournful "Missouri Moon." If you're new to the music of Rhonda Vincent, this is a great place to start; If you're a longtime fan, this is a must-have purchase. [Running Time - 71:38] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Gotta Love It!, May 11, 2005

By 

Kyra_Athena "Kyra_Athena" (Georgia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ragin Live (Audio CD)

This LIVE cd is a very exceptional one, possibly the best one I've bought all year. While Rhonda Vincent does bluegrass and a wonderful job too, never once did I find the music cloying. It's traditional bluegrass, most definitely, but "above the crowd." The way it's presented makes you feel like you're involved with the performance.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best in Bluegrass, March 17, 2005

By 

Karen King Phillips "KKP" (Huntsville, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ragin Live (Audio CD)

I have been listening to bluegrass music for over 30 years and this CD is BY FAR - HANDS DOWN the BEST bluegrass CD I have EVER heard. Rhonda Vincent is such a class act and is by far the most talented artist in bluegrass history. I would recommend this CD to ANYONE who loves bluegrass music or country music. Rhonda, you go girl, you out did yourself this time. I can't wait til the DVD. My father introduced me to your music and Ralph Stanley's music about 10 years ago, and for that I will always be grateful to him for allowing me to be part of such wonderful heritage.