PERFORMER: Rhonda Vincent (www.nemr.net/~rhondav)
CD: “Good Thing Going” (Rounder)

There are numerous comparisons to be made between singer/mandolinist/songwriter Rhonda Vincent and her fiddling counterpart Alison Krauss.

While Krauss is certainly more celebrated — as well as having ventured (or, depending on your P.O.V. strayed) further from her roots — both rank as two of country/bluegrass’s most consummate musicians, entertainers and, apparently, businesswomen.

Vincent’s music is meticulous in every way. And if you’re a fan of the genre you won’t need an introduction. The disc kicks off with the original “I’m Leaving,” a rolling track of pure, unadulterated bluegrass. In that vein, you can also look forward to “Good Thing Going,” “Scorn of a Lover” and a smokin’ cover of Jimmy Martin’s “Hit Parade of Love.”

For some variety, she includes the old-time swinging, swaggering “World’s Biggest Fool” and the country-folk “I Will See You Again.” If the CD bogs down for a moment on the ballads, standouts include Dottie Rambo’s “Just One of a Kind,” the wistful, harmony-filled “I Gotta Start Somewhere” and the old-timey, high lonesome “Who’s Cryin’ Baby.”

But there’s no mistaking Vincent for an ordinary country gal. Her photos on the CD are near-sultry and the credits in her CD booklet include “wardrobe,” “wardrobe assistants” (one in Nashville, one in Atlanta), “hair & makeup,” “designer gowns,” as well as a list of her endorsements — from Martha White (which she plugs in the closer “Bluegrass Saturday Night”) and the Grand Ole Opry to Bees Beads and Shure Microphones.

Playin’ music may be fun — but it’s still big business. Look for Vincent dates in West Virginia in late spring.

— By Michael Lipton

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