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Vaneese Thomas—Stories In Blue—Overton Music
Label

This is Vaneese Thomas’s ninth album and her debut
for (Betsie Brown’s) Overton Music Label. Of the seven

original numbers here Vaneese has written four and
co-written three, she also co-produces with Wayne

Warnecke.

In the studio with Vaneese who provides lead vocals

are; Ross Pederson; drums, Paul Adamy; bass, Al Orlo;
guitars, Dave Keyes; keyboards, Tim Ouimette; trumpet and horn arrangements,

Andy Drelles; clarinet and saxophone, Walter Barrett; trombone and tuba, with Emily
Bendiger, Berneta Miles, Jason L. Terry and Darryl Tookes delivering background

vocals.

On the opener ‘Do Y’all’, Vaneese emphatically enquires if you know the home of the

blues; Vaneese’s imperiously deep, gospel fuelled soulful voice slides into a

comfortably grooving vocal, which invites you to enjoy the sensuous rhythms and
calming vocals.

‘When You Were My Man’, continues the relaxing groove, explaining how life was so
sweet and emotionally joyful while together, the understated playing and vocals
soften the melancholy infused atmosphere .

‘Wandering’, is a smoky, laidback ballad, mournful, wistful trumpet and sombre

saxophone, tells the tale of lost love and bewilderment, Vaneese provides a subtle,
aching vocal and keyboard.

While War raged in Europe, in ‘1917’, Memphis was playing Dixieland Jazz with joyful
horns and clarinets. Musically, more to the point was the fact that one Rufus Thomas

jr. was born in Cayce, Mississippi. To add to future joy!

The rolling, slowburning blues of ‘The Last Thing On My Mind’, focuses on the ill

treatment of a loving faithful woman, whose only fault was to love.

‘7 Miles From Home’, is a slow heart-warming country blues tale of rejection and

subsequent, loving redemption.

‘End Of The Road’, is a joyful a capella, handclapped gospel infused acceptance of

one’s very last day!

Highly recommended!

Brian Harman.