Rhonda Vincent's "Only Me"

CD:    Only Me                                                                     

Artist:  Rhonda Vincent

Release Date:  January 28, 2014

Label:  Upper Management Music

 The New Queen of Bluegrass, as named by the Wall Street Journal, has released a 2-disc set that embraces the title but also explores beyond.  Rhonda Vincent’s “Only Me” crosses the line between bluegrass and country showing all the while that the two are forever intertwined.  The five-time Grammy nominee delivers a traditional, powerful, and enchanting compilation of six bluegrass and six country songs that stay true to her roots and display the raw talent of this gifted artist.

The title track, featuring Willie Nelson, exhibits an inherent bluegrass sound with multiple instruments taking turns on the melody while presenting the magnificent blending of Vincent and Nelson’s voices.  From there, Vincent takes you on a journey from mourning the loss of love to the allure of the big city in “Busy City” to the longing and heart wrenching admissions of “I’d Rather Hear I Don’t Love You (Than Nothing At All).”

On disc two, Vincent leads off with a song she penned at the tender age of 16.  With insight and sentiment beyond her years, “Teardrops Over You” cries traditional country heartache at its best.  She also pays homage to country music’s pioneers with her spot on renditions of some classics.  From Connie Smith’s “Once A Day,” to George Jones’ “When The Grass Grows Over Me,” to Ernest Tubbs’ “Drivin Nails”, she does them all proud.

Whether you are a fan of country, bluegrass, both, or new to it all, this CD will draw you in and amaze.  Vincent’s fabulous vocals and masterful mandolin have you mesmerized from the first note to the last.  Get a sneak peak at two of the tracks on her website, www.rhondavincent.com , then head to wherever music is sold and get the full set.  You won’t be disappointed.

In the words of a country music legend…..

“When Rhonda Vincent opens her mouth, it’s great…whether she’s singing country or bluegrass.  This collection of songs on “Only Me” is incredible.  God gave Rhonda an unbelievable voice and I am so thankful that we get to enjoy it.  I love her like a sister and enjoy her music as her biggest fan.”

                                                                                    --Dolly Parton

Need we say more.

Review By:  Alicia Overman, Music Central Promotions       02/2014