Review – Rhonda McDaniel

From her formative years to today, music has been an integral part of Rhonda McDaniel’s life. A veteran of the road, performing with different bands, she has just released her debut solo CD on KHP Music. This self-titled project contains several previously released, well known songs as well as some new ones for your discriminating musical tastes. First out of the gate is the blues filled “I’m On Your Side” which should get some serious club play. Up next is one of her first recordings into Beach Music, a shagging version of Patsy Cline’s country classic, “Walking After Midnight”, followed by the smoothie “Left With A Broken Heart”, complete with cool harmonies and some excellent sax work. “Good Thing”, a song that got considerable recognition previously is next, and then we are treated to her first #1 song, “Why Am I Crying”, which has also been a hit with the Northern Soul lovers. What follows is her rendition of the ever popular “Over The Rainbow”, which is a good belly rubber. “Is It My Mind Playing Tricks On Me” is one that caught me my surprise. This one shows her sassy side. Her 2006 CBMA award winning “Blues Song of the Year”, “You Got What It Takes” is also included on this project. Polish up your dancin’ shoes and hit the floor with the shag friendly “Talk To Me”. This is another that should find favor with radio and the dancers. The duet she recorded with Rickey Godfrey, “Stop, Look, Listen” is next then we have a song that has already been well received since its release on a compilation, “Falling”. Awhile back, Rhonda recorded a shagging version of “Me and Bobby McGee”. Well, her fans will be glad to know it’s included here. The final selection in this baker’s dozen of femme fatale beach, boogie and soul is a song that almost every female vocalist has in her repertoire, Etta James’ “At Last”. Song selection, production and Rhonda’s delivery of these aforementioned tunes make this a noteworthy debut CD.

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