Product Description
“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.” – Vanessa Collier
On her aptly titled new album, “Do It My Own Way,” Vanessa Collier wears many hats – writing and producing the whole shebang; arranging the instrumental and vocal parts; playing sax, guitars and flute; plus singing the lead and background vocals. Best known in the blues world, she’s a 12-time Blues Music Award nominee and four-time winner – three for “Horn Player of the Year” and one for “Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year.” Get about 30 seconds into the funky, fiery album opener, “Elbow Grease,” and you’ll understand the accolades. Commanding voice, rousing spirit, tight musicianship.
Recorded on analog gear with the musicians largely in one room, her new collection is sonically inspired by the classic Memphis sound of Stax and Hi Records – with particular props to the Staples Singers. Through deep dives into soul and gospel waters, foot-tappin’ funk and bluesy numbers, and even some rumba rhythms, the album is a testament to Vanessa’s dedication to her craft and her desire to push boundaries, with paeans of independence and perseverance that stick with you long after the music has stopped. She’s backed by an all-star band that includes BMA winner Laura Chavez on guitar, the legendary Rev. Charles Hodges on organ, Scot Sutherland on bass, drummer Byron Cage, and Doug Woolverton on trumpet.
