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| Vaneese Thomas Announces New Album: “The Long Journey Home" Vanesse Thomas, legendary R&B, jazz and soul blues musician today announced the upcoming release of her seventh studio album, The Long Journey Home on Segue Records. Following the critically-acclaimed success of Blues for my Father, a daughter's ode to the late Rufus Thomas, Vaneese is returning to her blues roots in a thoughtful, passionate body of work that pays homage to her world-renowned musical influences. Possibly her best music to date, Thomas has emerged from the shadow of a career as a background vocalist with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Sting and Stevie Wonder, to shining center stage. Thomas, an award-winning singer, has a winding musical journey with forays into R&B, jazz and gospel. "It was a thrill to sing these songs live with a band in-studio just like my father, Rufus Thomas, did at Stax and Sun Records, " said Thomas who wrote 11 out of the 12 songs on The Long Journey Home. A collection of blues stylings that does her native Memphis proud, Thomas and the veteran musicians on the album bring deep understanding to its tracks. Thomas' rendition of the pop/blues hit "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac is the record's jewel; she sings this song with a pathos that takes your breath away. Must-listen cuts on the album include "Mean World", which shows Thomas' displeasure with aspects of today's world but also encourages us to find peace by helping our fellow man. This infusion of gospel both musically and lyrically colors many songs on this album. Despite the restless nature of some of the tracks' themes, there is a sense of the joys of life, too. "Sat'day Night On The River" offers folks an upbeat release; to clap their hands and dance the night away. "Country Funk" is a complete departure from any song on her previous album, incorporating her childhood influences of country, folk, blues and soul. The country instruments together with an infectious groove make for a track that will be embraced by country lovers. The Long Journey Home will be available in stores and online Friday, September 16 with the album release party set for Thursday, September 15 at DROM in New York City. Tickets are available for purchase here. For more information, please visit www.vaneesethomas.com. About Vaneese Thomas Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Vaneese is the daughter of Rufus Thomas, whose legendary career as a musician and entertainer began in Vaudeville and spanned more than half a century in rhythm-and-blues recording and radio. Her older siblings are the hit recording artist "Memphis Queen" Carla Thomas and the highly respected keyboardist Marvell Thomas. Geffen Records released Vaneese's first major recording in 1987. The self-titled album included the Top Ten R&B hit "Let's Talk it Over." In 1999 Vaneese used her own Peaceful Waters Music label to release When My Back's Against The Wall, a gospel crossover hailed by Billboard Magazine as "a small label masterpiece that begs for attention from savvy majors." Following a few years later was A Woman's Love, which combined R & B and silky, smooth-jazz vocals. Vaneese then released Soul Sister Vol. One, a collection of seminal soul classics. The CD, and the live show Vaneese has created from it, both pay tribute to some of the original soul sisters and honor the historical value of this irrepressible music. Highly regarded within the music industry, Vaneese's talents as a singer, songwriter, producer, and actor have made her a sought-after solo performer as well as a first-call vocalist for projects by other top-name artists. She has worked with the renowned recording producer Phil Ramone and has sung with an astonishing array of internationally known performers including Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, Dr. John and numerous others. Embracing this remarkable musical legacy, Vaneese carries carries forth the rich heritage of Memphis soul and blues, music that has touched several generations and crossed many divides. At the same time she has combined all the influences of her background and experience – R & B, gospel, blues, and jazz – to cultivate a soul-stirring style that's all her own. write your comments about the article :: © 2016 Jazz News :: home page |