Vaneese Thomas is quite a singer! Her soul is deep and rooted. Born in Memphis, TN, she is the daughter of the legendary Rufus Thomas, whose career spanned half a century and made him a big name at Stax Records. She is also the younger sister of Carla Thomas, "The Queen of Memphis Soul," and the respected keyboardist Marvell Thomas (R.I.P.). Since her recording debut in 1987, she has released about ten albums. Her favorite musical genres are R&B, gospel, blues, and jazz. Inspired by these styles, she cultivates her unique “soul-stirring style.”



Stories In Blue is a seven-track opus bursting with soul. She composed four of the tracks and participated in the other three. It should be noted that she is highly respected internationally as both a singer and a backing vocalist, and she also wears the hats of composer, producer, and actress. She has musically collaborated with a host of great artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton, and Bruce Springsteen, to name just a few.

Her recent release, on the brand-new Memphis label Overton Music, opens with “Do Y’all” for Do Y’all know where the blues come from? With her ancestors—abused African slaves—on her mind as the source of soul and sound for the blues, she performs this vibrant, authentic, and irresistible R&B groove. The next track, When You Were My Man, reflects on a broken romantic relationship—one of the central themes of blues and soul. The light and swinging tone results from emotional distance from the difficult event, while still remaining convincing and heartfelt. In Wandering, a ballad with deep blues and solid lyrical flights, Vaneese Yseult Thomas truly stirs the emotions and soul of any empathetic listener who connects with the pain of loneliness, a fate shared by many in this post-modern blues world.

The track 1917 is a musical and historical look back at the World War I era. Paradoxically, jazz was playing almost everywhere in clubs and juke joints, a precursor to the “Roaring Twenties” from 1920 to 1929. This year was also notably the birth year of her father Rufus Thomas, who left a mark on the future of Black music and its decisive influence in the landscape of popular music. The Last Thing On My Mind is another ballad, another story of lost love, a twist of fate that leaves deep and painful traces. 7 Miles From Home, a walking blues accented with expressive acoustic slide guitar, is inspired by a poem and the personal story of an acquaintance. It's also the classic tale of returning home after the ups and downs, the twists and turns of life. Following the previous track, End of the Road, this a cappella song with handclaps and intimately linked harmonies closes the album on a hopeful note—at the end of the road, relief and freedom can be found.

This album, just 23 minutes long, is dense with relevant content, heartfelt emotions, and impeccable singing! It is the accomplished work of an exceptional artist who knows how to surround herself with talent and who understands and masterfully weaves the threads of her craft.