Meeting Rhonda Smith for the first time does much to explain why she plays bass with a signature blend of passion and finesse. These traits define two poles of her personality, at least on first glance. Her quiet charisma gives an impression of deep and pristine waters, timeless and inexhaustable. Naturally amiable and poised, Rhonda’s intelligence and enthusiasm for a wide range of topics make her an engaging conversationalist. And yes, if you must ask, she IS funky!

Now primarily a solo recording artist, Rhonda is best known for the many years she recorded and toured with Prince. First collaborating with him in 1996 during tracking of his “Emancipation” album, she later joined his band The New Power Generation. The versatility of this dynamic group of musicians enabled “The Purple One” to extend his musical frontiers in many directions, thoroughly documented on many outstanding recordings. The fact that Rhonda held that chair for 12 years is testimony not only to her remarkable musical gifts but also to her character. Prince’s singular approach on bass is always funky and inventive, an influence that Rhonda acknowleges along with her lifelong hero Larry Graham and many others.

Equally articulate as musician, vocalist, and composer, Rhonda has made a place for herself with two bold solo recordings. If you’d like to see an exceptional return on a life well invested in music, check out 2004′s “Intellipop”, and the more recent “RS2″ (2006, Slow Wine Records).

Before accompanying Rhonda to the Nashville Convention Center for summer NAMM, BASS FRONTIERS conducted this interview at Starstruck Studios. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about this informed and insightful artist – we certainly did!

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Watch Rhonda’s Video Interview Below!

Kirk Eberhard
Managing Editor
Bass Frontiers Magazine