Customer Reviews

Ragin Live

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

I had the opportunity to see Rhonda and the Rage at Johnston County Community College in Smithfield, NC recently. I was NOT a bluegrass fan...but Rhonda is NOT the bluegrass I was thinking about. She's an awesome entertainer, not just talented but so energetic, and so in touch and in tune with the audience. Her current single of I've Forgotten You is awesome...and even CMT thought so and featured it several times on their Wide Open Country programming. This Live CD is like being right there at the concert all over again. I'm not a fan of live performances but this one is awesome.

At the risk of committing critical hyperbole, it's almost impossible to heap too much praise on "Ragin' Live," the superb concert recording from bluegrass icons Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Vincent's vocals are sublime, the harmonies blend gloriously, the musicianship is top-notch, and the repertoire of songs reflects a sound grasp of what it takes to thrill an audience. The synthesis of these elements is nothing short of breathtaking.

The performers get things started energetically with "Kentucky Borderline," the International Bluegrass Association's song of the year for 2004, which Vincent co-wrote. Right out of the gate, Vincent and her band showcase their considerable talents, as voices and instruments soar with grace and power. Either by accident or design, the lyrics, which speak of a locomotive barreling through the Kentucky countryside, provide a metaphor for what's happening on stage and what is to come - "Movin' through the darkness like a hurricane... pounding out a rhythm... heading for that bluegrass state of mind..."

The disc's 20 cuts are a collection of up-tempo scorchers, gentle ballads, and outstanding instrumentals. All are characterized by a degree of precision rare to a live recording. Voices and instruments intertwine flawlessly. Even when locked in fast-moving turns and flourishes, the elements move together with the exactitude of jet pilots performing tight formations at an air show. Different venues, to be sure, but with the same result: an audience spellbound by the performance.

It's hardly fair to choose favorites from the set, as every offering is praiseworthy, but a few earn special admiration. "I've Forgotten You" is a medium-tempo heartbreaker with clever lyrics that speak of lost love and self-denial. The tune shines on the strength of Josh Williams' superb mandolin contribution and some beautifully delicate harmonies. "One Step Ahead of the Blues" is a fun bluegrass frolicker, heavy of banjo and fiddles. Of particular note is the harmony provided by Vincent's eldest daughter, Sally. It's done so well that the audience erupts with spontaneous applause at the end of the first chorus. "Son Drop In" is a two-person instrumental showcasing Hunter Berry on fiddle and Williams again on mandolin. As the two torridly pass lead and accompaniment back and forth, the listener is amazed at how well both can play either roll so well and at how much music two people can make with 12 strings.

Listeners who already know Vincent's music and her stature in the bluegrass genre will come to this CD with high expectations, and they will not be disappointed. But "Ragin' Live" will also please newcomers to bluegrass. I can think of no other entrée for the uninitiated that would better represent this style of music, nor one that stands a better chance at wowing the newcomer and claiming a convert.

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This album is really spectacular in terms of energy, quality, and performance...both vocally and instrumentally Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are extremely talented. The only small problem I had with this record were a few tracks that sound like typical country love songs. I am a bluegrass fan, NOT a country music fan...so I have to skip over a few songs but the bluegrass is really phenomenal. If I liked country and bluegrass then I would give this album 5 stars, but it still gets a solid 4 stars. Nonetheless I still say this is a must-have album for all bluegrass fans.

I bought the CD and the DVD and could not have been more pleased. Living in the so called "largest city in Appalachia," Pittsburgh, PA, I have never heard of the great Rhonda Vincent until I happened to see this on public television. The only complaint I have is that although I want to see this artist perform live, she never gets relatively close to Pittsburgh. I would recommend buying the CD for your car and the DVD for your home viewing enjoyment.

This is a pretty decent album. Being a banjo pickin Bluegrass fan, I'm glad to have Rhonda Vincent's band to continue producing this brand of music. But I do wish they would have backed off a bit on the tempo of my favorite cut, "Kentucky Borderline". I know it's a hard drivin train song and it needs to be up tempo, but I thought the 130 beats per minute on Rhonda's earlier performance of this song on the "One Step Ahead" album was plenty and allowed those long held notes in the chorus ample time to give the song its magical appeal. Now for some reason, someone decided to kick the tempo up to 145 bpm, almost Foggy Mountain Breakdown speed. Kenny's banjo was fine and the other instruments did real well, but the overall effect of the increased tempo just didn't help the song. Maybe I wouldn't matter so much if I had not heard it on the other album.

But, two other cuts on this album certainly raised it's value in my opinion. Those would be Missouri Moon and especially A Ghost of a Chance. I was definitely touched by the latter.

From the skillful picking to the outstanding vocals, this album is a must own for any music fan. Whether you listen to bluegrass or not, you will love this record. From ancient classics like "Driving Nails in My Coffin" to new classics like Josh Williams' "Cheating Kind of Life", this album is flawless.

Buy this album! Every time Rhonda Vincent sings, an angel gets it's wings. Crystal clear vocals, tight harmonies, and excellent musicians make every cut on this cd a winner. The 4 part harmony on "So happy I'll be' shows why southern gospel is so popular. Long time fans, or newbies looking for a taste of bluegrass can't go wrong with this album.