Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on July 25, 2024
Today, Vanessa Collier dives deep into soul territory, sharing her second single, “Wild As a Rainstorm,” with a powerful message to ignore the naysayers and “Be a tapestry of dreams.” This groove-laden track, complete with horn arrangements reminiscent of Willie Mitchell’s iconic productions, features the legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges. Collier’s awe-inspiring and undeniably soulful vocals drive the song’s poignant message home.
Listen to “Wild As a Rainstorm” here: YouTube
Of the single, Collier shares, “’Wild As A Rainstorm’ is a love letter to the next generation -– particularly my little sisters – who feel out of place in the current world. There is a gentleness to the message, cushioned by the flute/harmon mute trumpet and saxophone parts, meant to curl about the listener’s ear and feel the beauty of just being ‘you.’ I wrote my own experience in this song – being quiet, but aware of my own boundaries well enough so as not to cave to peer pressure, although that was not very easy at first. I’m hoping that this song and my journey to recognize my own personal power might inspire another to choose to take their own path when repeatedly arriving at forks in the road. I hope for the next generation to be daring and unafraid of making mistakes, and to just be ‘Wild as a Rainstorm.’”
Talking about the album, Collier adds, “It’s a warmer and darker sounding record, recorded intentionally to reflect a throwback to older school soul, R&B, blues, and to the days of great songs and songwriters, tube amps, and analog gear.”
Do It My Own Way takes listeners back to the heyday of music with Memphis soul-influenced horn arrangements, layers of vocals for color, and poignant saxophone solos that deliver a quietly powerful undercurrent to each song and the album as a whole. Previously, Collier shared the minor key Americana/noir single, “Take Me Back,” a song that at first seems to be about wanting to be taken back by an ex-lover, but ultimately reveals a longing to return to a time before their acquaintance.
Coming soon from the new album is the anthemic third single, “Do It My Own Way,” which artfully addresses the sexism she has encountered in the music industry.
Collier takes on multiple roles in this album, writing the songs, producing, arranging horns and all instrumental and vocal parts, and playing acoustic and electric guitars and alto, soprano, and tenor saxophones, as well as singing the lead and background vocals. Also featured on the album are legendary Hi Records organ player Rev. Charles Hodges (Al Green, Bettye LaVette, Ann Peebles, Alex Chilton, Robert Cray), Blues Music Award-winning guitarist Laura Chavez (Sue Foley, Mike Ledbetter & Monster Mike Welch), bassist Scott Sutherland (Elvin Bishop), and Byron Cage (Otis Taylor).
Blues Blast Magazine stated, “Vanessa is an important part of the future of the blues.” Born in Texas, growing up in Maryland, launching her career in Philadelphia, and now residing in South Carolina, Collier grew up listening to an eclectic variety of music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she joined blues legend Joe Louis Walker’s band, going solo at his urging, and has become a notable artist “whose rise to the top is nothing short of meteoric” (Making a Scene). She has opened concerts for Blues Traveler, and her prior studio album, Heart On The Line, spent nine weeks in the Billboard Blues Album Chart top 15.
Vanessa Collier is booked by Concerted Efforts, home to Rhiannon Giddens, Kaia Kater, Kyshona, and others.
Vanessa Collier Tour Dates:
