Memphis born VANEESE (pronounced Van-EESE) THOMAS is one of soul’s best-kept secrets. Not that well-known in the mainstream, soul insiders revere her work. She’s enjoyed a lengthy career in music. For starters, she’s worked extensively as a backing singer (gigs with people like LUTHER VANDROSS, MICHAEL JACKSON, ERIC CLAPTON, STEVIE WONDER and PAVAROTTI while ARETHA rarely worked without her). She’s written and produced, she tutors vocalists and works the music seminar circuit – but, most importantly – she also records as a soloist. Her ‘Talk Me Down’ album delivered a soul masterclass while her recordings with Carloyn Mitchell (as “VANEESE & CAROLYN”) are rare groove soul classics. For sure, Vaneese is a real contender but we shouldn’t be surprised. Look at her pedigree! She’s the daughter of Rufus Thomas, whose legendary career as a musician and entertainer began in Vaudeville and spanned more than half a century. Her older siblings are “Memphis Queen” Carla Thomas and the highly respected keyboardist Marvell Thomas. Soul and blues are part of this lady’s DNA – clearly apparent in her brand-new album, ‘Stories In Blue’ – released mid-September via Overton Music.
The album (Ms T’s ninth) is a precise 7 tracker. She wrote all the songs, co-produced the set and plays piano on some of the tracks – notably the pensive, Southern soul roller ‘Wandering’ . There’s a bluesy undertow to this one – not surprising given the album’s title. Yes, this is essentially a blues album with the stall set out right at the start via the opening track, ‘Do Y’all (know where the blues comes from?’. ‘When You Were My Man’ is a more traditional blues while ‘1917’ is a Dixieland-flavoured/stride piano workout! The sassy song’s a joyous tribute to her father, Rufus, the acknowledged patriarch of Memphis soul, who was born in 1917. Then there’s the a-cappella gospel track, ‘End Of The Road’ -just handclaps for the rousing rhythms, and a solid chorus behind the lead vocal.
So, yes, for a blues album there’s plenty of variety but what brings the unity is Ms T’s magnificent old school, exuberant soul vocals. ‘Stories In Blue’ may be just seven tracks long but it packs a powerful punch and a soulful passion!
