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A "Git R Done" interview with the "All American Bluegrass Girl," Rhonda Vincent
by Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagullpublished: Oct 23, 2006
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Rhonda Vincent during her first performance |
Although she had a harried schedule because it was her first day performing at the festival she not only made time for an interview but was very gracious and forthcoming during the interview. In all honesty, it was like talking with a friend for a few moments.
When asked, “If this was your last performance what one song that you have written and/or performed would you want Rhonda Vincent to be remembered by and why?” Without hesitation she replied, “Is the Grass Any Bluer on the Other Side,’ because it is a tribute to Bill Monroe the father of bluegrass.” Then, in an almost reverent tone she continued, “The song asks ‘so tell me Bill, is the grass any bluer on the other side?’”
Research on that song revealed that the line previous to the one she quoted says, “The music from your mandolin, spread like wildfire in the wind, And echoed through the hollows and the hills, [so tell me Bill, Is the grass any bluer on the other side?”] Interestingly, although Rhonda plays different instruments well, by far the one she is the most noted for is the mandolin.
A recent news article said, “The queen of modern bluegrass is a traditionalist named Rhonda Vincent.” When asked “What one number in today’s show best demonstrates the traditional aspects of bluegrass music and how does it do it?” Vincent replied, “Quite possibly the song “All American Blue Grass Girl” because it has a Jimmy Martin feel and he was considered the king of bluegrass. The song is the title track of Rhonda Vincent’s new album “All American Bluegrass Girl” and was written with her life in mind as a kind of musical autobiography about her life.
In discussing the “All American Bluegrass Girl,” her newest album, Rhonda said, “Collectively that whole project describes the style of music and the whole collaboration that we have.” She pointed out that she grew up in a musical family, that her brother and she have been producing music together for a long time, and that although recording technology changes, what has to be done to make a successful record has not. You start with the best songs, music and musicians possible, add your own distinctive style, and present it in a way that pleases your audience. [Author’s note: Since the interview Rhonda Vincent’s newest album entitled “Beautiful Star –A Christmas Collection” has been released.]
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