Vaneese Thomas — “Window to My Soul” — Overton Music
Vaneese Thomas has deep roots in a musical family — daughter of the legendary Rufus Thomas, sister of Carla Thomas — as well as deep roots in the soulful music she so effortlessly creates.
The multiple BMA nominee has honed her craft for over four decades, working as a background vocalist, songwriter, writer, producer, arranger, and as solo performer blending contemporary blues, gospel and R&B into her own unique vocal stylings.
Thomas also has the unerring ability to turn her thoughts and feelings into emotional statements expressed in song – in this case, in her latest album, very appropriately titled “Window To My Soul.”
Her tight-knit musical backers here serve as a perfect complement to the variety of styles that flow easily through the tracks.
The core band is Thomas on keyboards, Paul Adamy on bass, Al Orlo on guitar and Ross Pederson on drums. Dave Keyes lights up “I Still Got the Blues,” with piano and organ, and Rob Paparozzi’s harmonica sparkles on “Ain’t No Reason (For A Man Like You).” A four-piece horn section and four background vocalists add depth and texture on select tracks. Thomas wrote or co-wrote all the songs except “I’m a Diamond.”
The hard-driving “I Still Got the Blues” opens the session with the authority needed to assert its reassuring message with Thomas’s fiery vocal. “Every Moment Is a Lifetime” opens with a stinging guitar intro as Thomas pours out a soulful ballad of hope and optimism, spurred by soaring horns. The metaphorical “I’m a Diamond” projects a feeling of self-worth,of the ability to shine under pressure.
On the R&B-flavored, horn-powered “Ain’t Gonna Be No One’s Fool,” Thomas clearly means what she says in a defiant demand for respect. Paparazzi’s blues harp sparks the angry fire of “Ain’t No Reason (For a Man Like You).” “That’s A Woman” is a smoldering ballad declaring her pride and dignity. Keye’s church-like organ invokes a gospel flavor on the prayerful “Save Me” as Thomas appeals for saving — “from myself.”
The closer reveals Thomas at her soulful best on the torchy slow blues of “Livin’ With a Lie,” elegantly gift-wrapped in a wistful clarinet by Andy Drelles and a mournfully sensuous trumpet solo by Tim Ouimette.
Vaneese Thomas has opened this simply gorgeous window to her soul to let the power and passion of her musical vision shine on you. Soulful blues doesn’t get any better than this. Keep that window open.
Here’s “I Still Got the Blues” from the album:
Tracklist:
I Still Got The Blues 4:39
Every Moment Is A Lifetime 4:36
I’m A Diamond 3:59
Ain’t Gonna Be No None’s Fool 3:41
Ain’t No Reason (For A Man Like You) 2:45
That’s A Woman 4:21
Save Me 4:28
Livin’ With A Lie 4:04