Vaneese Thomas – Window To My Soul
Overton Music
8 Tracks – 33 minutes
Vaneese Thomass was born in Memphis, Tennessee into a musical family where she was the youngest child. Rufus Thomas, her father got his start in vaudeville but translated that initial start into a successful career as a soul and R&B singer in the 60’s and 70’s with hit songs like “Walking the Dog” and “Do the Funky Chicken”. Her sister, Carla Thomas, received the accolades for her soul music in the 60’s and was proclaimed the Queen of Memphis Soul. Her brother, Marvell Thomas, was a talented keyboard player and record producer who played with R&B stars like Wilson Pickett and Clarence Carter and on blues records with Albert King, Mavis Staples and Etta James.
Vaneese followed in her family’s footsteps into the soul scene with the release of her first self-titled album in 1987 which had the hit songs “Let’s Talk It Over” and “(I Wanna Get) Close to You”, She waited eleven years before releasing her second album in 1998, When My Back’s Against the Wall. She has provided backing vocals for a vast array of artists including Bob James, Joe Cocker, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Carly Simon, and Dr. John and many others. Her vocals have been used in numerous TV shows and movies. She also been a successful songwriter with songs recorded by Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, and Diana Ross. She received Blues Music Award nominations for Best Soul Blues Album and Soul Female Blues Artist for her 2013 album Blues for My Father.
In addition to vocals, Vaneese also plays keyboards with Dave Keyes playing organ and piano, Paul Adamy on bass, Al Orlo on guitar, Ross Pederson on drums, Tim Ouinnette on trumpet, Cliff Lyons on tenor sax, John Isley on baritone sax, Andy Drelles on clarinet, and Rob Papparozzi on harmonica. Backing vocals are provided by Kati Mac, Angela Clemmons, Jason L. Terry, and Emily Bendiger.
The album opens with “I Still Got the Blues”. She elaborates “They always told me that money could get me somewhere. I got clothes and diamonds laying everywhere bringing more than trouble, more than I can bear.” “I still got the blues; money didn’t change things.” “Without some love, I am going out of my mind”. She determines “Every Moment is A Lifetime” and notes, “The sweetest moments are waiting for you, the sweetest love is just passing through.” Next, she declares “I’m a Diamond” “born in a mountain created from heat and pressure. You can’t compete with its treasure. I shine in the darkest mines.”
She says I “Ain’t Gonna Be No One’s Fool”. “Whispers through the town says you’ve been sleeping around. I ain’t going to take it.” “I ran into that other woman, thought I did not know who she was, but I had seen her reflection in your eyes.” “You can’t have your cake and eat it too. You need to know I can’t stay around while you break all the rules”. She tells him “Ain’t No Reason (For a Man Like You)” “Everywhere you go you spread the blues. You are so dirty”. Rob’s harmonica gets a solo run in this song. “That’s A Woman” slows things down in a smooth, bluesy song as she explains “She bears the world’s burdens.” “She takes the elevator to the top floor and still puts dinner on the table and will rock you to the core.” Al has a featured guitar solo in this song.
Dave’s organ supplies a lead as she requests “Somebody “Save Me” from myself.” The thrill of the moment, the touch of his hand, I know it won’t last”. She then warns “Don’t fall into this trap.””Livin’ A Lie” has a throwback 1940’s sound with jazzy horns and tinkling piano as she says, “I told you our love would never die, but I’m livin’ with a lie”. “It’s hard to hide my feelings. I don’t want to make you cry, but soon I’ll be packing my bags and saying good-bye”.
Vaneese proves herself to be one of the top soul blues singers performing today and brings a wonderful supporting band that enhances her performance without ever overwhelming the depth of her messages – a true window into her soul.
