 Filmed live at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee Rhonda Vincent and The Rage’s All The Rage was released on November 11th. The fourteen-song DVD and CD features Vincent on mandolin alongside her band of talented musicians - Hunter Berry (fiddle), Brent Burke (resophonic guitar), Mickey Harris (bass), Aaron McDaris (banjo), and Josh Williams (guitar) - each of whom brings their unmatched skills and unique individuality to the sextet while also being featured in solo performances. Recently, Ms. Vincent graciously took the time to talk about the project, her admiration for her musicians and more. ‘All the Rage' released on November 11th. Was this the first time you did a live DVD project? I had a previous DVD in 2005, Ragin' Live, which was released on Rounder, but this is the first one I have done on my own and am releasing on my own label. Often times, people come to our shows and say, “I want exactly what I saw at this show,” and I didn’t have anything that captured the excitement and passion of what we do, so that’s what this DVD is. We are calling it All The Rage because each band member, many of whom have written songs on the project, is featured. These amazing, world class musicians are at the top of their game and I felt like this was a very important time to document their skill level. I’ve gotten the chance to speak with many artists, but few speak with such passion about their musicians. You have a great admiration for them and what they do. Oh, absolutely. I love this music and what we do. It’s such a great honor to display my musicians so people can see how incredible they are. Brent is in his 20’s, so he’s a relatively new musician, but he’s already a world-class dobro player and when people see him they are going to feel like they’re discovering him - and it’s going to be fun to watch that. I think they all are musicians who you are going to hear from for years to come. Was there a different approach in choosing songs for the set list being that this was recorded for a DVD rather than it being a traditional live show? Yes. Knowing the most requested songs people ask for, there were specific songs I wanted to include like “Kentucky Borderline,” which was Song of the Year, and “Is The Grass Any Bluer (On The Other Side).” Every song was picked to capture the musician and their talent, like “Freeborn Man." For Josh Williams, that song captures the timber of his voice and the skill of the instrumentation and the camera gets right on him so that young musicians who watch and wonder how he did something can see exactly how he did it. It’s the ultimate song for him and people are going to go crazy when they watch it. It seems that the DVD has a bit of a dual purpose, being for those who watch for the love of the music as well as those interested in the technical aspects of playing. I didn’t think about it until we got into editing and saw that some of the shots were from far away and focused on the group rather than the individual person and the instrument being played. I wanted to show people the person who is playing, so that when they sit and watch they can see that person and how they did it. So I asked them to get closer shots and once they had that direction, they used it as a template throughout. As we were editing, the DVD evolved into something that is not only for enjoyment, but is something that can be used as a learning tool as well. You mentioned “Freeborn Man” as the perfect song for Josh. Is there any song that’s a particular favorite for you?
Probably “Kentucky Borderline.” I wrote that song with Terry Herd and it continues to be, by far, one of our most requested songs. As an artist, you hope you get that song that everyone wants to hear and that’s probably the one for us. There’s also “Run Mississippi” which was recorded on the Mark Twain: Words & Music album, but this is the first time it’s on one of my projects. Honestly though, I love them all or they wouldn’t be on there. As this is Volume 1, when can fans expect a Volume 2? It will be out as soon as we get it done. I am currently working on eight projects at once – which is something I’ve never had in my lifetime. I’ve completed three DVDs and I have five additional projects to go, so it’s busy, but very exciting because these are amazing projects. One is a live DVD we filmed at the Ryman this summer with the legends of Bluegrass like Mac Wiseman who is 91, Bobby Osborne who is 85 and Jesse McReyonlds who is 87. I also have a duet project with Daryle Singletary, a Country Family Reunion show that was a tribute to Merle Haggard which hasn’t aired yet, and we get to sail on the Country Family Reunion Cruise again. I greet each day with a love for music and look forward to all the exciting things that will be next. Sounds like the best type of busy. As the year comes to a close, which record, if any, is your favorite from 2016? All The Rage, I guess! I’m working on so many projects that I don’t get a chance to sit and listen to music, although I do listen to the radio when I’m in the car. I recently heard a song by the Secret Sisters at a songwriter's night and I enjoyed that, and Emi Sunshine, who sang on my Christmas CD last year, has a new album coming out. Check her out. Finally, is there anything you would like to add? I encourage everyone to come to a show. It’s not only a concert, it’s more of an experience as we stay to talk and sign after. And I encourage everyone to stay in touch with me on Facebook at Rhonda Vincent Official. I am the one doing all the social media, which astonishes people, but I really do love to hear from everyone. I’m kind of an internet junkie, so have them join me! To keep up to date with Rhonda Vincent visit her official website Find her on Facebook, Twitter & Spotify Purchase Rhonda Vincent and The Rage In Concert Volume 1: All The Rage here
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