Stories In Blue

“The album is varied in blues styles and pays tribute to the folks who built this blues legacy. I’m proud that my family is a part of that legacy. My father’s father and his brothers were all roots musicians. They played homemade guitars, harmonicas and jaw harps. Daddy got his talent honestly and thank the Lord, passed it on.” Vaneese Thomas Vaneese Thomas is not only blessed with a deeply soulful singing style, but she 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 Stories In Blue. Thomas has created a musical odyssey on her ninth album that tracks the essence of her music. It's also a tribute to her multi-talented approach: Thomas's name is on every song, she co-produced the session, plays piano on the pensive “Wandering,” and, of course, graces us with her marvelous voice. The seven-song set of original stories in blue is filled with powerful music and gorgeous vocals, all of which reflect a lyrical journey from the origins of the blues to the final bars of a joyful gospel song. The tracks also serve as a sampler of the multiple musical talents of Thomas – she's very much at home working in styles from blues to R&B to jazz to gospel. Vaneese Thomas shines on her album debut for the brand-new, Memphis-based Overton Music label. This session is a tribute to her all-around skills as a marvelous story-telling songwriter and joyous, full-throated singer of those songs. Thomas not only embraces her musical roots, but she also refreshes them with her passionate Stories In Blue. Vaneese has Memphis Royalty in her blood. She is the daughter of Rufus and sister of Carla. She is a six-time Blues Music Award nominee for Soul Blues Female Artist and Blues For My Father garnered two BMA nominations for Best Soul Blues Album & Best New Artist Debut in 2015. Vaneese has worked extensively in film and television. She was the voice of Grace the Bass on the PBS series “Shining Time Station” and Clio the Muse, Goddess of History, in Disney’s “Hercules.” She has sung on numerous film soundtracks including “Anastasia,” “Mighty Aphrodite” and “The First Wives Club.” TV appearances include “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Late Night with Conan O'Brien,” and “NBC's Today.” Vaneese has also produced recordings, created vocal arrangements, and written songs for Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Bob James, Larry Coryell, Melba Moore, and Diana Ross.